Somerset Gardens Trust Invites Schools to Apply For Grants

Somerset Gardens Trust (SGT) is inviting applications from schools for grants of up to £400 each towards projects where pupils are involved at every stage of creating or enhancing a garden. The charity, founded to promote education on the art of garden landscapes and help protect designed landscapes in the County, allocated £10,000 for grants to schools in the last financial year.

Successful applications came from schools across Somerset; from Axbridge to Yeovil, from Wiveliscombe to Weston-Super-Mare and more. Among the items funded were raised beds and plants as well as storage space and tools. Schools can ask for more information for this year’s grants and an application form by sending an email to schools@somersetgardenstrust.org.uk or visiting the website: www.somersetgardenstrust.org.uk

One school that has benefited from the scheme is Cutcombe First School at Weddon Cross on Exmoor, using the grant to buy child-sized garden tools. The pupils learned the process of growing and looking after vegetables and flowers in the school garden. The activities helped their social skills through teamwork and collaboration.

SGT chairman Diana Hebditch said the charity had been delighted with the interest shown in its schools’ grants scheme and was looking forward to receiving ‘a bumper crop’ of applications before it closes on May 14. Any school unable to meet the deadline can try again later as SGT gives grants three times a year, funds permitting.

“If the County’s rich heritage of parks, gardens and designed landscapes is to survive, it will need the support and appreciation of the next generation so it is wonderful to be able to foster this interest through funding school garden projects,” said Diana.

About Somerset Gardens Trust

Somerset Gardens Trust is a conservation and education charity working to protect and record the county’s historic parks and gardens. For more visit www.somersetgardenstrust.org.uk