Growing Grounds official opening
21st May 2026 – Tags: Inclusive Learning
Growing Grounds, our outdoor learning resource for Inclusive Learning students that features a tree nursery and allotment, has been officially opened.
Inclusive Learning students and staff played a key role in clearing the ground for, and building, these new facilities, which have been made possible thanks to grants from Norfolk Community Foundation, Dudgeon Community Fund’s STEM Programme, and Norfolk County Council.
The official opening marked the culmination of three years’ work to create an outdoor learning resource where students with special educational needs can develop horticultural, life and employability skills.
Growing Grounds provides opportunities to develop basic plant science and horticulture skills, employability, and life skills.
Community tree nursery inspiration
The inspiration for the new facility came from community tree nurseries, with Easton College Lecturer Karen Dunlop getting the project off the ground with funding from Norfolk County Council and Norfolk Community Fund, and donations of trees from The Tree Council.
In September 2023, work on the tree nursery began on a disused plot of land, which was once an orchard, near to the Easton College Equestrian Centre.
Students and staff from the Ticket course worked together to transform the area into a thriving tree nursery which is now growing almost 500 trees. Many of these trees will be planted across the college’s 160-hectare campus, while others will go on sale.
The tree nursery features a polytunnel flanked by wildflower drift areas, potting tables, raised beds made from railway sleepers, sheds with rainwater harvesting, and a large wooden gazebo providing a sheltered seating area.
A Ticket student watering plants in the Growing Grounds tree nursery.
Allotment brings increased learning opportunities
A successful grant application to the Dudgeon Community Fund’s STEM Programme last year paved the way for the expansion of Growing Grounds to include an allotment area, complete with a polytunnel and a shed that is fully equipped with gardening tools.
The allotment is providing learning opportunities for students on two more of the college’s Inclusive Learning courses: Future Aspirations and Rural Enterprise. As with the tree nursery, the students have been heavily involved in transforming this area of formerly untended land into a smart new outdoor learning area.
Fresh produce from the allotment will be sold on campus to staff and students, with proceeds being used to fund additional learning opportunities for the students.
Karen Dunlop, Inclusive Learning Lecturer, Easton College, said:
It's wonderful to see the students develop a sense of ownership with this expanding outdoor learning area, whilst developing teamwork, problem solving, and basic plant science and horticulture skills. Growing Grounds is providing new learning opportunities for students on our Inclusive Learning courses, enabling future possible employment pathways.”
Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett marked the opening of Growing Grounds by planting an apricot tree in the new allotment area.
Tree planting to mark official opening
Growing Grounds was officially opened on Wednesday 20th May by Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett, Chair of the John Innes Centre’s Governing Council. The occasion was marked with the planting of an apricot tree by Sir Hughes-Hallett, assisted by three young people who are on Inclusive Learning courses at Easton College.
Jerry White, Principal of City College Norwich, Easton College and Paston College, comments:
Growing Grounds is a place where learning, inclusion and sustainability all come together. We're really proud to provide this nurturing and inclusive environment where our students with special educational needs can grow in confidence, develop their practical skills and connect with nature.
This space reflects our shared belief that every individual, just like the trees we plant, has the potential to flourish when given the right care, support and opportunity.”
Sophie Skipp, Stakeholder Manager, Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm, adds:
This project develops skills relating to the most visible part of Norfolk’s economy. Along with Norfolk Community Foundation, we’re delighted to support a grant which helps the very widest range of learners at Easton College. I’m looking forward to seeing the produce from this teaching tool. The students and our wider community will benefit from their investment in nature for many years as the 500 trees grow.”
Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett (Chair of the John Innes Centre’s Governing Council), Karen Dunlop (Easton College Lecturer), Jerry White (Principal of City College Norwich, Easton College and Paston College) with Inclusive Learning students Isaac and Michael.