Garden at Harris Science Academy
Creating a courtyard garden
The ecoACTIVE Garden Project at Harris Science Academy has transformed an unused school terrace into a thriving, sustainable green space created entirely by pupils. With the support of Bupa Foindation, the project offered young people a hands-on, empowering experience in ecological design, sustainable construction, gardening, and teamwork.
Through months of collaborative sessions, students built, planted, and nurtured a garden that now stands as a lasting learning resource and wellbeing hub for the school community. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and sense of ownership grew alongside the plants they cultivated, generating significant impact across ecoACTIVE’s interconnected areas.
100% of participating pupils gained new practical skills
Creating a Sustainable Garden from the Ground Up
Starting from an empty terrace, pupils designed the garden layout and constructed all planters using reclaimed wood and reused materials sourced from local partners, including architects at Cody Dock.
This process:
Introduced embedded carbon, circular economy principles, and sustainable material choices
Demonstrated how reusing resources reduces climate and environmental impact
Turned discarded materials into long-lasting school assets
Helped pupils develop confidence with electric tools, many for the first time
Hands-On Skill Building and Practical Learning
Students learned to use drills, screwdrivers and saws, built planters and a garden table, lined the beds, established drainage layers, created soil mixes, and planted their chosen mix of edibles and pollinator-friendly species.
Many described the experience as the first time they had built or grown something themselves. The pride they felt was a defining feature of the project.
What pupils said:
“I learned how to use a drill and maintain plants.”
“This transformed my capabilities to make changes in my daily life to more sustainable options.”
“I gained creative problem solving and adapting to new situations.”
Growing Confidence, Wellbeing and Nature Connection
The garden became a calm, joyful space where pupils could decompress after school, connect with peers, and spend time outdoors. Many reported improvements in mood, stress, and confidence.
Pupil reflections:
“This club was definitely the highlight of my year.”
“It made me really happy… I became closer to nature and more motivated to take care of the environment.”
“The scenery of nature made me relaxed after school when it was overwhelming.”
Inspiring Environmental Awareness and Action
Across the project, students engaged in discussions about:
Climate change
The carbon footprint of construction
Biodiversity and pollinators
Sustainable choices in daily life
Emerging green careers
All pupils reported greater confidence in how to protect the planet and a stronger commitment to taking action
Strengthening Community, Collaboration and Belonging
Through co-design and teamwork, pupils formed new friendships and found a shared purpose in creating something for their school community. The garden is now used by staff and students alike, enriching school life and sparking curiosity among younger year groups.
Monitoring Outcomes
Knowledge & Skills
100% of participating pupils gained new practical skills
Pupils demonstrated problem-solving abilities (e.g., adapting uneven liners, adjusting planter construction)
Many discovered new interests—including carpentry, horticulture, and environmental science
Several expressed enthusiasm for pursuing green career pathways
Environmental Awareness
All pupils reported they now feel more capable of taking action to protect the planet
Increased understanding of carbon impacts, resource reuse, biodiversity, and sustainable design
The transformation of an unused terrace into a green oasis has already attracted pollinators and birds
Wellbeing & Nature Connection
Students consistently described the project as calming, joyful, relaxing, or a highlight of their school year
The garden provides a lasting space for nature-based wellbeing
Behaviour & Engagement
Pupils attended regularly and with enthusiasm
They demonstrated leadership, cooperation, and shared responsibility
They took initiative in design decisions, plant choices, and maintenance tasks
“You’ve given our students so much more than knowledge, they’ve gained real, hands-on skills in construction and sustainable practice.
It’s been the highlight of my week watching students beam with pride as they work outdoors, confidently using tools and connecting with nature.
The garden they’ve created is thriving and stands as a beautiful reminder of what’s possible through teamwork and care for the environment.”
This project has been made possible through the generous support of Bupa, whose commitment to young people’s wellbeing, environmental education, and community resilience has created an inspirational example of youth-led climate action.
The transformation of the terrace mirrors the transformation experienced by the young people themselves, growing skills, confidence, and environmental agency that will stay with them long after the project ends.
