Our Gardening Club is thriving thanks to the generous support of two local businesses – Metcalfe Farms and The Forbidden Corner. Their donations are helping our students learn new skills, work as a team, and enjoy the outdoors.

Metcalfe Farms kindly donated 12 fleece jackets, 20 high-vis jackets, pallets, screws, and a load of manure. The Forbidden Corner gifted us some greenhouses and plastic pots, giving our young gardeners everything they need to keep their projects moving forward.

Philip Metcalfe said, “We had no hesitation donating the clothing and other items to The Wensleydale School Gardening Club. Metcalfe Farms tries to support as many projects in the local community as possible, especially where young people are involved, which is important to us.”

Darren Weatherill from The Forbidden Corner added, “We’re delighted to see our old greenhouses find a new home at The Wensleydale School. Supporting local projects like the Gardening Club means a lot to us, and we can’t wait to see what the students grow! We’ve invited the club to visit The Forbidden Corner soon — hopefully it’ll plant a little extra inspiration for their own garden adventures.”

The Gardening Club runs four days a week during enrichment time and brings together 15 to 20 students from different year groups. Led by five Year 10 Garden Leaders, the club has become a hands-on and creative space where students learn how to use tools like drills and saws, build things like hedgehog houses, grow plants from cuttings, and even sell seeds to staff. It’s a great way for students of all abilities to build confidence, learn teamwork, and have some fun along the way.

Kate Huitson, our Teacher of Georgraphy who runs the club, said, “It all started just after Covid when we planted a memorial garden for James Ashcroft. Since then, it’s grown into something much bigger. The students are learning useful skills, building friendships, and taking pride in what they do – and many are now helping out in gardens at home too.”

And the club’s work doesn’t stop at the school gates. Last year, students planted 1,000 crocus bulbs on the embankment opposite the school for Purple Uniform Day, helping raise awareness of polio. They’re also working with a local expert on wildflower planting, planning a visit to Metcalfe Farms, and looking at a possible project with the National Parks.

Can you help? We’re looking for Perspex sheets!

The club’s current project involves joining two greenhouses together to create one large structure. But we’re short on materials – specifically Perspex sheets to replace some broken panes of glass. If you, or someone you know, has any spare Perspex or leftover COVID screens, we’d love to put them to good use.

If you’re able to help with materials or want to support the Gardening Club in any way, please get in touch with Kate Huitson at kate.huitson@wensleydaleschool.net.

A huge thank you to Metcalfe Farms, The Forbidden Corner, and all the families and local businesses who continue to support the students and their brilliant work.