Green-fingered pupils at Ermine Street Church Academy were celebrating this week as the school’s allotment was officially opened after months of planning and preparation.

The Hunts Post: Staff and children at the allotmentStaff and children at the allotment (Image: Tim George)

House builder Morris Homes helped to provide the school with the green space, which will be used as both a recreation and education area, to help teach the children how to grow fruit and vegetables.

The allotment was officially opened by academy head teacher, Adrian Shepherd, who was accompanied by pupils, their parents and also representatives of Morris Homes who funded the project.

To ensure pupils at the Alconbury Weald school have felt part of the project from the outset, a naming competition was introduced to give the children the chance to name the new allotment themselves. Ermine Street Children’s Allotment was cast as the deciding name, merging several ideas and ensuring it incorporated the school’s initials.

Speaking about the opening of the new allotment, Mr Shepherd said: “We know how excited the children have been to see the plans coming together and to watch the new green space taking shape. We know it will make a real difference to their free time but also, to their learning too. I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to Morris Homes for their support in bringing this project to life.”

Speaking about their involvement in the project, Morris Homes marketing director, Penny Langton, said: “We are proud to be able to contribute to local communities and were very happy to fund this exciting allotment initiative for the children of Ermine Street Church Academy. Our development at Alconbury Weald is just down the road from the school, so we’re sure plenty of Morris residents and their children will benefit from the facilities in the future.”

Steph Burton, from the Urban&Civic communities team, who works closely with the School, said: “As Alconbury Weald is developing, we have a unique opportunity to create relationships and projects, where partners can work together to make a real difference. It is great to see Morris Homes working with the school to deliver the allotments which we hope will enable the children to learn all about growing food, local and seasonal produce and eating well.”