A once-neglected patch of land at Mount Wise Community Primary School has been spectacularly transformed into a vibrant sensory herb garden, thanks to the dedicated efforts of engineering apprentices from H.M. Naval Base Devonport.
This incredible community project, undertaken by Phase 1 Engineering apprentices, now provides schoolchildren with a unique and immersive outdoor space to learn, explore, and connect with nature right here in the heart of Plymouth.
Working with ingenuity and a keen eye for sustainability, the apprentices brought the school’s ‘wish list’ to life on a minimal budget. Leveraging generous donations from local businesses – including trees, plants, and bark chippings – alongside creatively repurposed old tyres and wooden pallets, they meticulously crafted colourful planters for each year group, an innovative ‘bug hotel,’ and a welcoming seating area.
Joanna Thorne, Early Years teacher and Art lead at Mount Wise Community Primary, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support.
“We were truly overwhelmed by the generosity of our local businesses. Their donations of plants, materials, and time have helped bring our sensory herb garden to life. Thanks to their support, our pupils now have a vibrant, calming space to explore nature with all their senses.”
The newly revitalized garden was officially opened by Naval Base Commander (Devonport) Brigadier Mike Tanner MA OBE ADC Royal Marines. Brigadier Tanner warmly praised the apprentices’ hard work and commitment, highlighting the tangible positive impact of their efforts on the students’ learning environment. He also underscored the Naval Base’s deep commitment to being a “very best neighbour” within the Devonport and Plymouth community, noting:
“Plus I love gardening! And I know the apprentices learnt a lot about project management in completing this task. So this tremendous work represents a great success all round, As we say in the Navy, Bravo Zulu!”
Headteacher Annmarie Allchurch emphasized the powerful local collaboration behind the project.
“Mount Wise Primary is a community school, and we are keen to strengthen our links with local businesses and organisations.
This sensory garden is the result of a fantastic collaboration between our school and apprentices from HMS Drake. Our children will benefit greatly from this wonderful project.”
The transformation itself was a monumental effort. The area, previously an eyesore with weeds and grass over five feet high, was completely re-imagined over just two intensive weeks during the hot summer.
The engineering apprentices worked tirelessly, sawing, sanding, hammering, and painting to sculpt the new landscape.
The success of this wonderful community project would not have been possible without the outstanding generosity of numerous local businesses and individuals who donated materials and time. The Mount Wise team in extending sincere thanks to: Matt Rix and Darren Craig at Ridgeway Tyres in Plympton, Bogey Knights, B&Q, Graddon Vending, Endsleigh Garden Centre, Princess Yachts, Mark Binley at DHL, Babcock, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Paul Downer from SMS, and Mark Ross, Site Manager at the school, who played a crucial role in bringing the entire vision to life.
