We Couldn’t Help Butting In!

07th January 2022

Adventure down winding, scent-filled paths; defend the willow-dome fort, and hunt for all sorts of creepy-crawlies! In a forgotten corner of Cornwall, there’s a secret garden that everyone can enjoy. Found in the grounds of Millbrook Primary School, a small plot of land has undergone some big changes, and we are proud to have been a part of it.

Headed up by Permaculture Kernow CIC, flower beds and vegetable patches were created, fruit trees were planted, the willow dome built and a polytunnel constructed. Everything was specially designed following the principles of the Permaculture movement.

Permaculture is all about the role of wilderness in creating self-sustaining and resilient natural systems. By harnessing nature, growing wildflowers, and knowing which plants attract the right sort of wildlife, this type of gardening looks after not only our needs, but the needs of other species and, ultimately, the Earth. Using these unique growing techniques, the Community Garden slowly took shape.

 

Permaculture is all about the role of wilderness in creating self-sustaining and resilient natural systems. By harnessing nature, growing wildflowers, and knowing which plants attract the right sort of wildlife, this type of gardening looks after not only our needs, but the needs of other species and, ultimately, the Earth. Using these unique growing techniques, the Community Garden slowly took shape.

But every ecosystem needs water to survive.

The team were truly innovative in their design which uses swales (a specially designed draining ditch) to transport water through the plot from the natural sources already on site. But they knew that in the hotter months, the wells and streams supplying the system may dry up.

They needed a back-up plan, and that’s where we came in.

Sylvie Gomez, the founder of Permaculture Kernow, applied for help through our Water Saving Community Fund for two water butts and guttering to harvest rainwater and solve their watering needs. As well as this, they asked for our sponsorship for two places on a Permaculture Design Course. With all the benefits this project is giving to the community, school children and the environment, we couldn’t say no!

 

Once they received the equipment, they attached the first water butt to a shed they built in the Community Garden. This enabled them to harvest rainwater throughout the year. Not only an eco-friendly, water-saving option, rainwater is also better for the plants. The school children have enjoyed growing their own seeds in the polytunnel and playing amongst the huge variety of plants artistically dotted around the garden.

A meander through the different paths is a treat for the senses – herbal, fruit and earthy scents; a range of textures; a spectrum of colours, and, of course, the rustle and chirrups of birds and other wildlife also enjoying the garden. It’s a project well worth getting involved in if you’re in the area.

 

As for the second water butt, this was allocated to another school at which Permaculture Kernow is providing plenty of opportunities for children to experience nature and the accomplishment of growing things. Four Lane Ends Primary School have seen some exciting changes to their outdoor space too. Permaculture volunteers mended their polytunnel, and re-planted a series of raised beds which, come next Spring, will be bursting with flowers and vegetables. The children can enjoy getting their hands dirty and see for themselves how nature works her magic, year on year, to provide us with all our needs.

More exciting still, Permaculture Kernow are hoping to install wildlife cameras at both schools so the children can see up-close what else visits their gardens. Birds, hedgehogs, rabbits – who knows what they’ll discover!

Sylvie commented that the engagement in nature has seen a boost to volunteers’ and children’s experience of “companionship, exercise and fresh air”.

We’re looking forward to seeing how these spaces develop in the coming year. As one of the designers said, “Our plans might change as the land shows us what is and isn’t possible”. The groups at both schools are hoping that more individuals, families, and children join in and help look after and enjoy these areas. They plan to expand the range of fruit and vegetable planting, so the more the merrier!

To find out more about the two scholarships we supported, continue reading here!