Morley-based DCG students contribute to a team effort to help create an inviting green space

Students and staff at Derby College Group (DCG) have come together to develop its latest green space at the Joseph Wright Centre (JWC). For six months, a cross-college collaborative project took place to improve the existing Urban Garden on the outdoor terrace at JWC.

DCG’s green spaces are where students and staff can gather, interact, and build a sense of community. They offer a relaxed environment for socialising, outside of the classroom or office.

In 2018, Rachael Nicholls, Student Experience and Pastoral Coordinator, along with staff from JWC, began developing the garden voluntarily and then when seeing the number of staff and students using the existing garden, inspired this project.

A key aim of the development was for as many students as possible to be involved. With the support and help of Darren Cotteril, Workshop Instructor for Carpentry and Joinery, the Level 1 joinery students created the wooden planters out of recycled timber to house the plants for the garden, which they completed as part of their work experience hours. 

These planters were then painted by a team of painting and decorating students and staff. 

Mark Ekin, Land-based Curriculum Manager, along with his enthusiastic team of mature horticultural students, helped the garden come to life by cultivating an array of flowers and plants, grown at Morley-based Broomfield Hall's very own Plant Centre, and with assistance from Pete Boulton-Lear, Teacher of Engineering and Colin Phillips, Engineering Curriculum Support Assistant, a steelwork frame was created for the planters.

The project was completed as part of the DCG's Green Skills Bootcamp course, which aims to encourage adults aged 19+ to learn new skills and prepare for employment in the green sector. 

The collaborative project has created a safe and calming outdoor space for the students and staff to enjoy, promoting wellbeing and positive mental health whilst increasing biodiversity. The project has also given students a meaningful work experience opportunity where they have learnt and practised their skills in preparation for life after college, as well as knowing the work they do will have a huge impact on so many lives.

Mollie Cox, DCG's Environmental and Sustainability Officer commented about the project “It was such a team effort to build the garden. I would like to extend a massive thank you to all involved, for their time and effort and all the hours they have spent after the working day to ensure it was completed on time, and also for allowing their students to be a part of this collaboration. And collectively, the team have created a wonderful space for everyone to enjoy.”