A Growing Legacy: Planting Our New School Orchard

We are delighted to announce the successful planting of our new school orchard – a project made possible through the enthusiasm, generosity and support of our parent community.

With a “zero‑mile” ethos firmly in mind, families were invited to sponsor a tree as part of the orchard’s creation. Each of the twelve sponsored trees will feature a personalised dedication plaque, creating a lasting connection between the school, its pupils and their families. Sponsors and their children were invited to join the planting day on Friday 12 December 2025, making the event a joyful and meaningful shared experience.

The initiative follows the continued success of the Prince’s Mead Gardening Club, which is RHS Level 5 status, the highest possible recognition for a school garden. Alongside this, Prince’s Mead proudly holds Distinction-grade Eco-School status. The orchard, which includes apples, pears, plums, damsons and quinces, marks an exciting milestone in the school’s commitment to outdoor learning, sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Lucy Brown, Head of Pre‑Prep and Early Years, reflected on the importance of the project for both pupils and the wider school community:

“The orchard is a wonderful example of how learning at Prince’s Mead extends far beyond the classroom. Through planting and caring for the trees, our pupils are learning about responsibility, sustainability and patience, while also creating something that will benefit the school for many years to come. We are incredibly grateful to our parents for their generosity and support in bringing this vision to life.”

The orchard also strengthens links between the garden and the dining table. Produce already grown by the Gardening Club, including vegetables and herbs, is regularly used by the school’s catering team, helping pupils understand where food comes from and encouraging healthy, sustainable eating habits. In time, fruit harvested from the orchard will also feature in school menus – a prospect that has pupils eagerly anticipating what Chef Ondrej will create.

A key driving force behind the orchard project has been Mrs Hackett, a Prince’s Mead parent and dedicated Gardening Club volunteer, whose passion and commitment helped turn the idea into reality.

“It has been wonderful to see the children so engaged and excited, knowing they are planting trees that they will watch grow over the years,” said Mrs Hackett. “This project is about more than fruit – it’s about nurturing curiosity, care for the environment and a sense of ownership and pride in our school grounds. I’m thrilled to have been part of it.”

The school extends sincere thanks to all the parents who sponsored a tree and to everyone involved in making this project such a success. We look forward to watching the orchard flourish and to enjoying the fruits – quite literally – of our shared efforts in the years ahead.