Leicester College to transform city campus with new community garden

Students and staff at Leicester College are set to transform a small area at the Freeman's Park campus into a vibrant community garden. This collaborative project will be led by students with learning difficulties, who will develop and maintain the space.

The new garden will enable students to learn valuable skills through activities such as planting and gardening, and foster a greater sense of responsibility, while contributing to their local community.

Promoting wellbeing is a key focus of this project, which aims to create a space where herbs and vegetables can be grown alongside a tranquil area for relaxation. The garden will offer a peaceful retreat for both students and staff, providing a place to unwind and recharge when they are not studying or teaching, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the campus.

Rebecca Purple, Leicester College Area Programme Manager, said: “This will be the only green space across the entire college, and we all need that from time to time to support our mental health. Sometimes, just taking five minutes to relax and recharge can make all the difference. The benefits of this garden are immense, not only for students and staff, but especially for my learners in supported learning.”

The Leicester College construction department are helping with the construction of the raised beds, while the Skills and Education Council has also made a monetary donation. Led by the College's supported learning department, the scheme is seeking additional donations to fund non-slip decking, ensuring that the area is wheelchair accessible via a designated path. For more information on how to make a donation to support the project, please contact Rebecca at rpurple@leicestercollege.ac.uk