Lark Hill School
Thanks to a partnership between Great Places Housing Group, Greenfingers Grounds Maintenance and Kier Construction, a ‘magic garden’ is transforming learning for pupils with special educational needs.
Staff and board members from Great Places and Greenfingers Landscape Ltd travelled to Lark Hill Community Primary School, in Salford to check out the finished project, which was constructed as part of social value work at the school.
The space, which has been proved to help calm, stimulate and focus pupils with complex learning needs, boasts an edible garden for hands-on learning around the importance of healthy eating; a gazebo for outdoor lessons in all weathers; and an array of plants and flowers chosen specifically for their appearance, scent and texture.
Simon Robinson, Director of Housing Services at Great Places Housing Group, said: “The garden is a great example of working in partnership towards an end goal which benefits our customers. Many of the children at Lark Hill School live in Great Places homes, so we’re delighted to have contributed to such a worthwhile project. A huge thank you goes to Greenfingers, our colleagues, and the volunteers who have done a great job transforming the space.”
Although the finished product was only unveiled two weeks ago, its benefits have already become evident. Wendy Hughes, Lark Hill School’s Community Manager, said:
“We’re already seeing the positive benefits of the garden for our pupils with more complex needs. Children who have used the garden in small groups or one-to-one with a member of staff have shown a noticeable difference in their behaviour when returning to the classroom.
Allowing pupils to spend some time outside in a calming environment enhances their learning experience, and this will only improve further as the garden shows its true potential in the summer months.”
Find out more information about how we can improve your outdoor spaces – Call Greenfingers today on 0845 399 7777 or email
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