Ballynahinch Primary School ‘Secret Garden’ is blossoming
Ballynahinch Primary school received a Community Involvement grant of £5,000 from the Housing Executive, enabling the installation of several exciting new play-stations to their Secret Garden project, in the first stage of ongoing developments throughout the school which will have a positive impact across the Ballynahinch community.
A pre-existing walled garden within the school is being transformed into a vibrant play-based learning and sensory garden space where pupils can explore, discover and grow.
With grant funding from the Housing Executive, the school was able to form a valuable partnership with the Men’s Shed in Ballynahinch, who they collaborated with to create their garden space.
The school also planted trees throughout their grounds in a project which involved past generations of school students returning to assist in the growth of the school gardens.
John Anderson, Principal of Ballynahinch Primary School said: “We are delighted that our vision has been brought to life by the funding provided by the Housing Executive and the creativity of Men’s Shed.
“The shedders have built a beautiful pergola, comfortable seating, and a raised bed for sensory planting within our Secret Garden.
“Features such as this ensure the garden will be a space that stimulates the senses, encourages wellbeing, and provides opportunities for outdoor learning across the curriculum.
“This is the first stage in our inclusive, community-driven gardening initiative designed to engage school children, parents, and local volunteers in creating sustainable growing spaces.”
Housing Executive Area Manager, Claire Crainey added: “We are so pleased to be able to support this fantastic project in collaboration with Men’s Shed in Ballynahinch as the project will benefit not just the school but the wider Ballynahinch Community.
“It allows local children to both engage with nature and outdoor learning, particularly for those without access to their own gardens – so we are thrilled to be able to assist where possible!”
There will be ‘Grow Your Own Workshops’ planned for early 2026 as part of the overall project which will be open to all pupils and their families.
This initiative will involve working together with other community groups such as Ballynahinch Community Collective and Ballynahinch Men’s Shed which will help deliver one of the main objectives of the project which is to strengthen existing relationships within the community.
