Meridian House, a new directed provision for Meridian Trust students enrolled at either Lincroft Academy, Sharnbrook Academy or The Ferrers School, is proud to announce that its students and staff have been awarded their first Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 1 Horticulture Certificate. This marks a significant milestone for the provision and a memorable achievement for everyone involved.
The programme, led and supported by staff: Monique Eyre-Smith and Michelle Britz, has introduced students to the foundations of horticulture through a hands-on, creative and environmentally responsible approach. All the students have been able to take part, but eight students have particularly excelled, along with the staff leaders participating in the programme, all of whom contributed to achieving the qualification.
Earning the RHS Level 1 Certificate required students and staff to understand the benefits of gardening, develop practical horticultural skills, and document their progress through written submissions. They studied soil health, planting techniques, habitat management, and environmental impact, applying these skills directly within the school’s outdoor space.
“Transforming our garden has been a really exciting journey,” said one student. “We decided which areas would be for growing plants, which would be for wellbeing, and even thought about what was suitable for our horse. I loved planting seeds in recycled tyres and making seed bombs.”
The programme featured a wide range of creative and ambitious projects. Students enjoyed preparing garden beds, digging up weeds, and brainstorming ideas for what to grow, all while learning the importance of designing accessible and inclusive growing spaces. They assisted in building a greenhouse, constructing a bug hotel, and foraging for natural materials to support it.
Nature walks allowed students to identify different plant species and insects, while recycled water bottles were transformed into bug magnifiers to study their habitats up close. Students also designed and made garden decorations from recycled materials, creating a more enjoyable and calming environment for breaks and lunchtime.
Julie Chong, Trust Education Projects Director at Meridian Trust, explained: “For many students, this was their first experience with gardening. Some initially struggled with confidence, focus and the uncertainty of trying something new and while the weather occasionally disrupted plans, students still worked through. With encouragement from staff and developing their resilience along the way, we were delighted to see our students grow increasingly enthusiastic, discovering both the joys and benefits of horticulture.”
Community support has played a crucial role in the project’s success. Maureen Catlin from Milton Ernest Garden Centre generously provided free pallets and a greenhouse, while staff contributed additional materials, enabling students to bring their creative ideas to life while promoting sustainability through the reuse of materials.
Horticulture was chosen not only to develop practical gardening skills but also to enhance students’ wellbeing, reduce stress, and provide a calming outdoor space away from the classroom. The physical activity involved in digging, planting, and maintaining the garden promotes better health, while the sense of achievement from nurturing living things supports emotional wellbeing.
Students also gained a deeper understanding of where food comes from; one student expressed surprise that carrots grow from seeds! The school plans to use the produce grown on-site in cooking lessons, helping students appreciate the journey from garden to plate and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
With this success, the group is now preparing to progress toward the RHS Level 2 Qualification. There is no set timeline for completion, with the focus remaining on meaningful, enjoyable, and sustainable learning. The first RHS certification marks the beginning of an exciting horticultural journey and a greener, healthier future for the entire school community.