Polytunnel Gardening Project

In May 2025, as part of our Community Engagement/Youth Engagement projects, Sandymoor Parish Council agreed to fund the purchase and construction of a poly tunnel at Hazlehurst Independent Living Centre on Acton’s Wood Lane.

The aim of the polytunnel project was to facilitate joint working between the residents at Hazlehurst and the students at Sandymoor Ormiston Academy (SOA), and in October 2025 it was fully installed and open for use.

Sandymoor Parish Council are optimistic that this initiative can demonstrate the positive impact that community collaboration can have. By bringing together different generations through a shared project, we hope to encourage conversations across generations as well as help to build confidence, reduce social isolation and foster mutual respect between the generations. We also hope that the students can gain a deeper understanding of sustainability and food production, whilst gaining knowledge and gardening expertise from the older residents.

Recently, the ‘Eco-Warriors’ from SOA have visited Hazlehurst to help maintain and develop the gardens, creating opportunities for teamwork and friendship with some of the older residents of Sandymoor. The initiative has provided valuable hands-on learning experiences for the students, allowing them to develop practical gardening skills while creating an outdoor space for the residents to enjoy over the warmer months.

The following letter from SOA about their experience was shared with us and we were kindly given permission to publish it along with some photographs:

‘Please pass on my thanks to Peter and Stephen. Our Eco Warriors were once again very proud of the work they completed. The students had a wonderful experience on Friday morning, even in the rain! Peter and Stephen really supported the students by encouraging teamwork, involving them in meaningful tasks, and helping them work together towards the shared goal. The garden is looking beautiful, and we can't wait to see it in full bloom.’