From Soil to Celebration: Blackawton Primary School Opens ‘Dough and Grow’ Garden with Community Support

There were smiles all round at Blackawton Primary School as the school community came together for the grand opening of the ‘Dough and Grow’ Garden, a new outdoor space combining environmental education, enterprise, and community spirit.

The event was a vibrant showcase of what can be achieved when pupils, staff, families, and local partners work together. Class 5 took centre stage, running a range of fun and enterprising stalls, including games, handmade jewellery, sweet treats, and ice cream, all helping to mark the occasion with energy and enthusiasm.

A highlight of the day was the official ribbon-cutting by local business Garden Time, whose generous support helped make the project a reality. Their ongoing involvement, alongside the commitment of staff and volunteers, has transformed a simple idea into a thriving, productive space.

The ‘Dough and Grow’ Garden now boasts a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, from peas and tomatoes to strawberries, lettuces, onions, garlic and even artichokes! The initiative also reflects the school’s commitment to sustainability, with soil recycled and repurposed to support the planting process. The school’s work has already earned RHS garden awards and is quickly becoming a model for hands-on learning and community collaboration.

Miss Harris, the teacher who has driven the project from the beginning, has worked tirelessly to involve pupils in every step, from planting and planning to celebrating the first harvest.

Liam Fielding, headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:

"The opening of the ‘Dough and Grow’ Garden has been a truly proud moment for our school. It’s more than just a garden,  it’s a living, growing example of what our school community can achieve when we come together. My thanks go to Miss Harris, our amazing Class 5, Garden Time, and every single person who helped bring this vision to life."

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

"This is an outstanding example of real-world learning in action,  combining sustainability, enterprise, and community engagement. I’m so pleased to see schools like Blackawton creating spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive together. A huge well done to all involved."

Blackawton Primary Colour Run Bursts with Joy and Community Spirit

Blackawton Primary School was a riot of colour, smiles, and celebration this term, as pupils, families, and the wider community came together for a spectacular colour run that raised over £2,000 for the school. 

From the opening whistle to the final cloud of colour powder, the event was packed with energy and enthusiasm. The school field echoed with laughter as runners of all ages took to the course, cheered on by marshals, volunteers, and spectators.

Participants described the day as:
“Best day ever – that was so much fun!”
“We need to do this every year!”
“So many people are smiling today – amazing community spirit.”
“I loved being covered in colour!”

Funds raised through entry fees, sponsorships, and a delicious BBQ will go directly into enriching outdoor learning and opportunities for pupils.

Special thanks were given to school governor Sarah Bradford, who led the planning of the event, with support from Dynamic Adventures, who provided course markings, marshals, and the towering start/finish arch that set the scene. Bradfords Building Supplies generously sponsored the event and donated prizes, while fellow governor Adam Dalgleish captured the day on film, now available to view on the school website here.

Although every participant was a winner, a few standout prizes were awarded including:

Fastest Runner – former pupil, Rio

Oldest Competitor – Malcolm Wheatley, Chair of Governors for ESW

Plans are already underway for the next colour run, proving that this community event is more than just a race, it's a celebration of everything that makes Blackawton Primary so special.

Liam Fielding, headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:

"The colour run was everything we hoped for and more, full of joy, togetherness and community pride. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it a success and thrilled that the money raised will go straight back into creating more amazing experiences for our children."

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

"Events like this showcase everything we stand for at Education South West , fun, community spirit, and opportunities that inspire and uplift. Huge credit to Blackawton’s staff, governors, and families for creating such a vibrant and memorable day."