A new learning garden created by Croydon Council in Thornton Heath will give school children access to a green space where they learn about nature through gardening activities, caring for raised beds and observing micro-habitats.
Colliers Water Garden, in Colliers Water Lane, was formerly unused and overgrown land. It has been transformed using government funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), as part of a successful £833k bid by Croydon to make improvements to the borough’s district centres.
The investment supports Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s priority to create a cleaner and safer Croydon and restore pride in our borough.
Croydon worked with the local community, including Whitehorse Manor Primary School-Brigstock Site, to design Colliers Water Garden. Children on the school council explored what plants that they would like to see, how they would use the space and how they would make the garden successful.
The finished space, enclosed by new fencing, has bug hotels, raised planters with edible and sensory plants, areas for play, a small amphitheatre for outdoor classes, as well as a shed for a water harvesting tank and compost area. The garden will also be made available to the local community who wish to get involved, by arrangement with the Council.
Nicole Stephenson-Tye, Headteacher of Whitehorse Manor Primary School-Brigstock Site said pupils thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the design process. The children said it was ‘really fun and calming’ and they enjoyed smelling the plants in the herb garden during their first visit at the official opening by Executive Mayor Jason Perry.
Ms Stephenson-Tye said: “They absolutely loved the logs to jump across, the mini beast hotels and the planter which contained fresh herbs. They loved smelling them and trying to identify what they were.
“This community garden will really benefit our school and provide an additional open space for the children to use within their learning, such as science lessons and reading sessions. It offers a place in nature for everyone, a place to enjoy the outside world. We can’t wait to continue being a part of this wonderful project.”
The other areas to benefit from improved public realm and green spaces were Selsdon, New Addington, Purley and West Croydon, along London Road.
“We have invested £222,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Thornton Heath and the Colliers Water Garden is one of three projects that the local community chose for their area. It’s wonderful to see this piece of overgrown land being transformed into a garden where Whitehorse Manor pupils can learn and enjoy.
“These projects are about investing in Croydon and restoring pride in our borough, whilst working with our communities to deliver the improvements that they want to see.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
