This design was created by the pupils in Class 1.  During the design process, our pupils chose to create a Pocket Garden which would attract birds. This was inspired by a poem one of our pupils enjoyed listening to in class called, 'O little bird' by Michelle Picken.

Just like natural engineers must do, our class sought out existing materials that could be recycled and repurposed.

We planted sunflowers, which we researched and discovered are bird friendly. The class discovered that by including these plants, the garden attracted bees! We selected flowers which were brightly-coloured to allow our pupils with visual impairments to better experience the beauty of the garden.

One of our care practitioners researched different crafts for creating bird feeders, and she discovered a way to use leftover orange peels! The pupils were supported to slice the oranges in half, remove the orange from its skin, and fill the peels with bird seeds. Finally, to make the garden inviting for birds and to create a sensory experience for our pupils, the class used their funds to purchase a solar-powered water feature.

The pupils included things that they could use as ingredients during their cooking and tasting lessons. In the drawer of the large sideboard, the pupils planted oregano, coriander, parsley, chives, and thyme. They also planted some of these herbs in the hanging baskets.

Unfortunately, our school was relocated twice this academic year.  We needed to alter some of our design plans to suit our new learning space. The pupils’ ‘classroom’ is situated within an office building – we were very lucky to be given an office space that includes a balcony, which is where we constructed the garden. Hence the name, Corseford’s Blooming Balcony!