Ormiston Venture Academy was delighted to welcome Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Sara Foster to the academy, as students celebrated the success of their thriving eco garden project.
During the visit, Eco Team members Ruby, Dion, Luke and Jasmine proudly gave Sara a tour of the garden, showcasing the progress that has been made since the project began earlier this year and sharing their plans for its future development.
The visit was organised through The Papillon Project, which began working with the academy in January 2026. Following the success of the partnership, the project will continue throughout the 2026-27 academic year, enabling even more students to benefit from hands-on learning opportunities in the outdoor space.
Sara, a keen gardener herself, spent time speaking with students about the project’s progress and learning more about their ambitions for the garden’s future. She was particularly interested in how students have taken ownership of the space and developed practical skills while contributing to a lasting legacy for the academy community.
Since the project began, students have transformed the outdoor area using recycled materials to build fencing and raised flower beds. They have also cultivated a range of fruit, vegetables and herbs, including potatoes, carrots, rhubarb, raspberries and strawberries, creating a sustainable growing space that supports both biodiversity and wellbeing.
Around 50 students take part in the project each month, working alongside Matt Willer from The Papillon Project. Through the initiative, students have developed practical gardening skills, strengthened their teamwork and gained a greater understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Sara Foster, Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, said: “I enjoyed my visit to Venture enormously.”
Ruby, Pupil at Ormiston Venture Academy, said: “It was brilliant to show a representative of the Royal Family around our garden and tell them what we have enjoyed so far and also what we have planned for the future.”
Spencer Doggett, Director of Personal Learning at Ormiston Venture Academy, said: “We were delighted to welcome Sara Foster to the academy and showcase the incredibly work our students have been undertaking through the eco garden project.
“We are incredibly grateful to Matt Willer and The Papillon Project for their continued support and look forward to seeing the garden continue to flourish over the coming year.”