Wester Hailes High School Farm

Over the past couple of years, Wester Hailes Growing Communities has established a relationship with Wester Hailes High School, whereby pupils came along to the Greenway Garden on a weekly basis to gain skills and experience in horticulture.  Many of the pupils at the high school would have had an introduction to growing through the School Farm project at their primary school.

During these sessions, the pupils participated in activities focused on how to grow food and fruit, as well as other gardening workshops. The students really enjoyed the hands-on learning in the garden.  The students completed a section of the community garden, building their own raised beds, growing plants, and ultimately distributing the produce they grew to local people.

WHGC collaborated with Oatridge College, part of the SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) to provide a certificated horticultural training course for the students.  The SRUC course tutor supported the students in working through modules in soft landscaping and horticulture, so they could receive accreditation and qualifications for their efforts. As part of this, the group of around 8-9 students visited the SRUC campus to see the different career paths available through the college.

WHGC are working with the high school to begin a new chapter of this collaborative educational project, though the specific format is still to be determined.

In 2025 a class of 5-10 pupils is going to attend the Greenway Garden twice a week.