North Hertfordshire College’s Community Allotment project has achieved Level 5 accreditation in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)’s Campaign for School Gardening.

The award, which is the highest level of accreditation available, is in recognition of the skills and knowledge learnt by students and the positive contributions made to the community as a result.

The RHS was impressed by the work and the activities completed in the area, to the extent that representatives from the NHC Community Allotment have been invited to speak at an upcoming RHS event to share best practice with other groups.

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Based at NHC’s Stevenage campus, the allotment teaches students from across the college about gardening and how to grow and harvest their own food.

Pupils from Knebworth Primary School and Roebuck Academy have visited for gardening sessions taught by child development students, and a group of NHC learners assisted Roebuck Academy with rejuvenating their own allotment.

The Comet: North Herts College has been named a 'Five Star Gardening School'North Herts College has been named a 'Five Star Gardening School' (Image: North Herts College)

Ciara Jones, a child development student, said: “I was proud to be part of the team renovating the Roebuck allotment. It was a real confidence booster.”

RHS accreditation is awarded in stages according to challenges completed by education groups. 

To achieve level 5 accreditation, schools are required to share the garden with the community and pass their skills and knowledge on to others.

The Comet: North Herts College has been named a 'Five Star Gardening School'North Herts College has been named a 'Five Star Gardening School' (Image: North Herts College)

Paul Dee, project leader for the NHC Community Allotment, said: “I am so proud of what our students have achieved. They have made their mark in the community and are a credit to the college."

The NHC Community Allotment project would like to thank Vanstone Park Garden Centre, and owner Giles Groom, Finnis Scott Foundation, #IWill Campaign, Stevenage Borough Council, Stevenage Community Trust and Wickes.