Growing Schools Garden

The £250,000 government-funded Growing Schools Garden project which has involved 500 young people from more than 30 schools has been built with the help of garden designer, Chris Beardshaw. The garden contains 3,000 plants, many of which were grown by schools taking part in the project.

The Growing Schools Garden, launched at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, is promoting the government's Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto, which is intended to promote the benefits of school trips and outdoor activities.

The garden on show in Hampton Court contains examples of 11 different types of habitat, which are designed to address different parts of the curriculum - such as a dedicated "poetry garden".Designer Chris Beardshaw said that there was "no area of learning that can't be improved by being out in the fresh air, getting your hands dirty or getting closer to nature."

The Growing Schools Garden will be rebuilt at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in spring 2008 - where it is anticipated it will be visited by 20,000 school children each year.