NSCG students contribute to award-winning town centre garden

A town centre herb garden that was revitalised with the help of NSCG Newcastle College students has been recognised at the annual Newcastle in Bloom competition.

Local schools, allotment sites, businesses, residential gardens and community green spaces all got involved with the “Go Bloomin’ Green” themed competition, which encouraged competitors to focus on the environment and sustainability, and marked 60 years of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Eight students from the Foundation Studies Personal Growth and Wellbeing course at Newcastle College collaborated with Newcastle BID and Stock by Feasted to revive the raised beds outside the restaurant’s premises. The beds flourished with produce, supporting a 'farm-to-table' concept as part of an impressive kitchen garden.

The project has been presented with the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award, with competitors invited to the New Vic Theatre for a glittering awards ceremony. The competition formed part of Newcastle borough’s award-winning Heart of England in Bloom campaign in the Business Improvement District category for the first time.

The learners spent three sessions working on the project, clearing the space of everything including digging out roots of some particularly stubborn trees. Students will be continuing their volunteering this academic year, linking in with the Skill Up Stand Out campaign and focusing on developing their employment skills.

To find out more about Foundation Studies at NSCG please click here.