Nathan - "Working outside makes me  feel more confident. I've made new friends.  I really enjoy the forestry work, logging and making the compost bins and my bench".

Thomas - "The Project is nice and the teachers are lovely, we grew lots of vegetables and we did some work in the woods"

Roger - "I love building the bonfire, collecting the sticks and making a wig-wam. Sometimes it's really cold outside but the hard work keeps me warm."

Elizabeth - "I like getting to meet people from other places with the same interests as me. It's good to be working in the fresh air."

Dean - "I really enjoy doing the written work. I got a certificate last summer. I have it at home."

Karl - The Summer activities were different, we did art and some of the same
gardening work. I get to practice my writing. They are nice people at the
Walled Garden Project. I get on with my tutor Rozz, she is ok. The Social
education staff are good to be with too.

Robert - I like doing the gardens.

Mark - I like working with the soil.

Steve - I like working with others in the team. I like working outdoors.

Rich - I have known Rozz for a long time and enjoy working with her. I like working
in the classroom. I can use the skills I have learned at the Walled Garden
Project at home.

Rob - I have learned about planting bulbs and seeds.

John - The fresh air is good. I meet other people. I'm working with good staff.

Rebecca - I find that going to the Walled Garden Project helps me with conversation. It helps the way we interact.

Wightwick Hall School Wolverhampton

In my experience the Walled Garden Project offers a unique facility to enhance the learning of our students. Two groups of eight students take part. They have a range of learning difficulties including some on the autistic spectrum.

The Walled Garden Project offers a very stimulating experience which increases their confidence and gives them skills which aid their progress towards independence. At the same time it provides a real benefit to the environment through its rural activities. These skills are then taken back to school and then benefit our local community by enabling the students to use the skills they have learnt to initiate environmental and rural activities of their own.

I cannot express enough the good that has come of using the Walled Garden Project. Their staff are excellent and are able to communicate their enthusiasm to the pupils in way that they appreciate and understand.

Mr Lyn Thomas
School Liaison Manager

Walford & North Shropshire College Oswestry

The provision offered by the Walled Garden Project is the only one of its kind in the area. The rural activities that take place have proven to be of benefit to our students and to the environment.

Cheryl Greaves
Head of School, Continuing Education

Staffordshire Middle School

The Walled Garden Project has had an outstanding impact on one of my students. I have noticed that he has built in confidence and self-esteem and has certainly felt a sense of belonging since he has attended. My student has been given the opportunity to take part in a full range of practical and academic activities along with the opportunity to help other members of the community; something that I know he has been really proud of. I have shared his practical successes with other pupils from our school and they have been amazed with the fantastic achievements that our student has accomplished. I have been to the project and would like to thank all of the staff and the students for their commitment to this initiative. Attendance allows students to develop at their own pace and to recognise that they do have the opportunity to succeed.

Telford and Wrekin TEN

Since September, we have had close and regular contact with The Walled Garden Project.  This is providing an excellent facility for Adults With Learning Disabilities within Telford and Wrekin Inclusive Training Services to engage on a course that will lead to them gaining City and Guilds Level 1 in numeracy embedded through a work based Traditional Craft course.

This has been a new venture for Inclusive Training and has been very successful.  The Walled Garden has been able to tailor the course to the requirements of our service users  and to meet the needs of individuals providing an opportunity for them to engage in a non traditional training opportunity.

The course not only embeds work ethics, teaches new craft skills and improves individuals numeracy skills, it is also raising individuals awareness of the countryside, recycling and providing individuals the opportunity to assess the countryside which they would not normally do.

The service users enjoy and look forward to going to The Walled Garden.  Their attendance is good and for some this is the first accredited course they have engaged with and had a positive experience from.

Karen Carter
Skills for Work Project Co-ordinator
Telford and Wrekin

Wolgarston High School Penkridge Staffordshire

I have been delighted with the work of the Walled Garden Project.  From the first moment of contact, staff at the Project are unfailingly helpful and supportive.  As a result we have been able to work together to create personalised programmes for a number of our students.  These programmes have been incredibly successful.  I would highly recommend the Walled Garden Project as a provider of high quality education and training for young people. 

Phil Tapp
Head Teacher

Southall School Dawley, Shropshire

The Walled Garden Project provides an environment and opportunity for vocational work for students which could not be offered by a school. Students are enthusiastic about the activities and challenges offered. Content of sessions is varied and well planned, and the tools and equipment are provided on site. It is a wonderful learning environment for staff and students.

Progress in restoration of the garden is visible for the students and they feel part of the project. Project staff are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and totally professional in their approach and have created a very special working environment. Work is beautifully presented and students are proud of their achievements. Various accreditation schemes are in operation.

A worthwhile experience.

Alistair J. M. Bates
Head Teacher