University of Chester community garden receives top horticultural award

The student-led community garden has been awarded ‘Level 5 – Outstanding' by the RHS Britain in Bloom (North West) - one of only four in the region to receive the rating, and the only one given to a University garden. 

The 2024 It’s Your Neighbourhood Level 5 award is the highest level awarded and surpasses last year’s accolade, when the garden achieved ‘Level 4 – Thriving'. 

The garden is an exciting collaborative project in partnership between the Chaplaincy team, students, staff and regional environmental charity Faiths 4 Change. Everyone has played an important part in its success, but especially the students who continue to set the vision for the garden and put in much of the hard work. It is a safe, welcoming place for students to engage with the natural world, meet new people, learn skills, grow and cook with produce and develop their creativity and wellbeing.  

Sessions at the garden include planting and harvesting, as well as creating safe havens for wildlife, crafting and cooking.  

Since receiving the award, the garden has been developed further, with a peace garden developed in one corner, a new hot-compost bin installed. There are also plans for a new outdoor classroom space and gathering area in the coming months. 

Andrew Herbert, Christian Chaplain at the University of Chester, said: “It's been inspiring to see students bringing their creativity and vision to a green space on campus. We've seen many students grow in confidence and enjoy being outside and being together in nature.” 

Emma Turner-Bone, Project Lead from Faiths 4 Change, added: “It has been an absolute joy to work alongside the students to develop this beautiful and very special place.” 

• For the latest information on the University of Chester chaplaincy, follow its Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/uoc_chaplaincy/