Students at a West Berkshire school have transformed an old swimming pool into a wellbeing garden which has been going from strength to strength.

Two years ago, the idea grew to start this garden project to support well being, support outdoor education and promote a stronger connection to nature.

A group of volunteers, alongside the head gardener Andrew Wilson began to clear the space and designed an area fit for purpose including a shed and a clubhouse.

Andrew says the early days were not without the odd hiccup: “When we started a few students wanted to start planting straight away. I gave them a set of plants in little pots, sent them on their way to dig and plant. Weeks later I'm looking at these same plants wondering why things were not progressing well.

“We'd already made a water capture from the roof of a shed, so water was not the issue.  Deciding to investigate further I found that the plants had been carefully dug into the ground at the correct depth… Sadly I also discovered they were still in the little pots, so could not grow!”

Theale Green School received funding from West Berkshire Authority, Amazon UK and Thames Water to help create the project.

This included donations of money, plants and equipment from TGS parents and Englefield Plant Nursery.

Andrew Wilson added: “I am proud of how far we have come. Over the last two years we have established two wildflower areas, made 10 vegetable and flower beds, cut and created woodland paths, set up water capture, cleared and decorated one enormous garden shed and most recently a cleared and decorated a club house.

One firm favourite among the students is the recently installed exhibition of photos in the new garden club house.  The exhibition chronicles the use of the site, from when it was  a swimming pool to present day. Found in the old sheds, some of the photos are 40 years old.

“The club remains a firm favourite among students and over the last two years has achieved the highest attendance figures across the whole school!  I currently have around 80 students on the register; average attendance is 30+ every week, which includes students with SEN and PP indicators.

“It is truly amazing to see what our students have achieved, with just a little direction and lots of good will.  It also great to see them socialising and enjoying the space. Future plans include a patio area , more seating and lots of steps.