College to create community garden on city campus

Students with learning difficulties will develop and maintain the green space

Students and staff at Leicester College are to create a community garden at their city campus.

The small area, on the college's Freeman's Park site will be developed and maintained by students with learning difficulties.

The aim is to create an area where herbs and vegetables can be grown as a well as a spot for people to relax when they are not studying or teaching.

“This area will be the only green space across the college," said college area programme manager Rebecca Purple.

It is hoped decking can be installed so wheelchair users can access the area

"Everyone sometimes needs a green space to help with their mental health

"We all sometimes need a space where we can just take five minutes and refresh ahead of continuing with the day.

"The benefits are vast for students, staff and, in particular, my learners within supported learning."

Ms Purple added she hoped students would develop their skills by painting, gardening and maintaining the site.

The college's supported learning department, which is leading the scheme, hopes to get donations to pay for non-slip decking to make the area accessible to wheelchair users.

Student Aaminah Adam, 20, said: "I want to grow tomatoes in the garden. When it’s grown we can eat them and make a nice salad."