Visitors to a school garden in Fareham opening under the National Gardens Scheme this summer will enjoy a a tropical bed sponsored by Garsons Garden Centre.

Wicor Primary School, Portchester have won the Segensworth Environmental Award for the past three years and are holders of the Fareham in Bloom Gold Award.

NGS open days are Sunday 22nd June and Saturday 5 July (10am – 2pm).

Their unprecedented successes are due to a bespoke environmental science curriculum. The learning environment started four years ago after a visit by Chris Packham and now showcases the Garsons tropical bed, an orchard donated by Friends of the Earth, 70ft of edible hedging provided by the British Tree Council, a pond, a wildflower meadow and many other interesting habitats.  A large allotment area is also on show.

The school has been supported by many local businesses and the community. The National Lottery Fund enabled the creation of its pond and wildlife area, whilst Southern Electric provided essential manpower support and the Co-Op Green Schools Revolution donated £100.

These unique school grounds also house a full-size, purpose built camera obscura – only the 13th in the country – which will also be open for visitors to explore.  More recently the school saw the creation of a wheelchair-accessible Darwin’s Thinking Path around its grounds, enabling visitors to enjoy different vistas.

Visitors from last year were astounded at the professionalism of the children’s work, the variety of habitats, and the depth of learning exhibited in the greenhouses and polytunnel.  They school was subsequently featured in ’The English Gardener’.