The Edible Garden Project

Edible Gardens – Sustainable Bridport

In 2021 the Edible Garden Project revived a derelict forest garden at Bridport Primary School. Since then they have raised a polytunnel, dug a pond and planted raised beds. The emphasis here is on wildlife friendly gardening.

Children are involved in several ways

• Each year group has activities linked to their curriculum through workshops, growing the food, cooking, and experiencing new tastes and flavours. 
• During the warmer months there is a weekly after school gardening club.
• We run events throughout the year involving children and their families, in the garden, celebrating food together. This includes taking part in the Bridport Food Festival, Harvest festival and other food fairs.
• One-to-one sessions supporting children with additional needs.

We were fortunate to have Wessex Water team up with the edible garden crew for a brilliant community event as well.

Branden's Trail Community Project

The Branden’s Trail Project was set up at Bridport Primary School in memory of Branden Wayland, who was diagnosed with cancer when he was three-years-old and sadly died two years later.

The project aims to revitalise Branden’s memorial, and leave a legacy to other young children with the creation of a Sensory Garden and Therapy Trail.

Now after more than two years of fundraising, consultations with the school and its council of students, and work to revitalised the memorial, Branden’s Trail was officially declared open by Bridport’s Mayor Ian Bark and Town Crier John Collingwood.

Guests were welcomed to the school by members of the school council, who then spoke of what the trail, now a legacy for other children as well as a memorial to Branden Wayland, meant to them personally.

They said: “The Trail is remembering a young life lost. The Trail means a lot. Children can feel comforted in this space. They have a calm place to come to.”

The youngsters had been consulted on every decision that needed to be made, and had chosen everything to be found on the Trail. This includes a wishing well, shelter, stepping stones, plants, seating, and many things to bring a smile – a sunbathing hippo, pig in a hammock, koala on a swing, welcoming frogs, wind chimes, etc.