Wildlife and Wellbeing Garden Design Competition

If you have recently found yourself wondering ‘what can I do to make the world a better place?’, Oliver Staines, Head of Geography, has the answer. On Monday 18th January, Oliver, who also heads up the School’s sustainability strategy, launched a community project to overhaul the space between Townson Sixth Form Centre and the Drama Studio.

The proposed ‘Wildlife and Wellbeing Garden’, to be enjoyed by all, will be “A space to increase our personal connection with nature and with ourselves, to lighten the spirit and not just to ‘give nature a home’, but to nurture a five-star deluxe native habitat, overflowing with the conditions for our natural biodiversity to flourish.” Enthused Oliver.

The significant role habitat loss has had, and continues to play, in the erosion of species abundance, is frequently reported globally. However, the preserving of nature and our Quaker value of sustainability is important not only on a moral level, but in terms of our own health and happiness. A 2019 study by the University of Exeter Medical School found that two hours a day of exposure to nature had measurable mental and physical health benefits. This research sits amongst much other anecdotal evidence on similar theories and reinforces the importance of a community project that combines wildlife and wellbeing.

Oliver continued “Later in the year we will start the process of physically transforming this space, dividing tasks between interested parties from each year group bubble if still necessary, to collaborate practically together on a project for the whole community to enjoy and benefit from.”

Yet for now the groundwork needs to be put in. Students, staff and parents have been invited to submit their ideas, creativity and enthusiasm to the garden’s design, making sure to draw on the inspirational resources and guidelines laid out.

After the deadline of Friday 12th February and following Long Leave, a selection of experts in the fields of design and environmental conservation will be involved in a judging process. The panel are looking to award their three favourite plans to subsequently help implement these ideas into the final garden.

Discussing his own motivation behind the initiative, Oliver explained, “The reason I am at Leighton Park is that I was drawn in by the vision of education which prioritised community, values and character, which I shared and could get excited about championing. The thought of coming up with a way in which we can do something together, even when we are apart, brought me to the point of delivering this project.”

“I was also inspired by stories throughout lockdown of nature and the reduction of our carbon footprint on the planet. Together I know that we can create something more innovative and inspiring than any one of us could conceive on our own.”