Newbury College and Prior’s Court team up to learn practical skills creating a new outdoor garden
Two West Berkshire organisations have teamed up to work on an exciting new project.
A group of Newbury College students have been visiting Hermitage-based charity Prior’s Court over the past few months to help clear a number of large planters to create a fresh space for growing vegetables.
And members of both organisations have reaped the benefits of their collaboration so far.
The project has helped teach young people at Prior’s Court — all of whom have complex autism — vocational skills, such as how to properly care for, water and harvest crops.
“I would like to say how rewarding it has been working alongside the students from Newbury College,” said Prior’s Court land-based learning specialist, Wendy Moffat.
“The students worked incredibly hard, getting properly stuck into the project and even successfully removing two stubborn tree trunks from the area.
“It has been fantastic working with these students and it has been great to see their enthusiasm and resilience. It has been a great collaboration and I look forward to it continuing.”
Newbury College’s students have also learned more about the process of planting and maintaining a flourishing garden.
Career coach at Newbury College, Marisa Piper, added: “I am so grateful to Wendy Moffatt and the wider Prior’s Court team for giving our students this opportunity.
“Through this project the students have demonstrated hard work, perseverance and learned to work as part of a team. Alongside the practical skills, I’ve seen a growth in their self-esteem and communication skills.”
Both sides said they look forward to continuing their work and learning skills to take into their later lives.