EKC Canterbury College launches Wellbeing Garden

Students at EKC Canterbury College are benefiting from a new Wellbeing Garden, providing a calm outdoor space where they can relax, access support and connect with nature.

Located behind the College’s Landbased Studies building, the garden features two counselling pods, a greenhouse, seating areas and green spaces, creating an environment where students can take time out, access wellbeing support and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.

The project has been almost two years in the making, with the College’s Counselling team leading this project and helping bring the space to life. The area, previously home to the College’s meerkat enclosure, was transformed after funding was secured for the counselling pods, greenhouse and site clearance.

A Level student, Zoe, has been involved with the project from the beginning and has helped look after the garden throughout its development.

She said: “We planted lots of different plants like sweet peas and looked after them by repotting them and watering them every day. There’s still work to be done, but it’s really good. It’s nice to just sit out here and relax and see how far it’s come.

“My favourite part has probably been planting the seeds and watching them grow into different things. Some other students have been involved, and we’ve had some help from staff too. It’s been really good to work as a team on this project.”

Departments across the College and local employers have also played a key role in creating the welcoming space students can enjoy today.

The Landbased, Environmental and Animal Care department generously donated plants, seeds, compost and gardening equipment, allowing students to begin planting and maintaining the garden.

Meanwhile, construction company, VolkerFitzpatrick, donated decking and timber thanks to its’ partnership with the College’s Construction and the Built Environment department. Staff and Carpentry students then used these materials to build raised planters, as well as bird houses, bird feeders, storage units and an accessible ramp leading to the counselling pods.

Students from the Wellbeing Centre and Inclusive Learning have also helped transform the space by planting flowers and vegetables, caring for the garden and watching it flourish over recent weeks. 

Rachael Webster, Safeguarding and Student Progression Team Leader, said: “This space is designed for all students, although it will primarily support those accessing our counselling service and Wellbeing Centre. We’re also using it with our Foundation Learning and Inclusive Learning students, giving them the opportunity to help maintain and develop the garden while benefiting from spending time outdoors. 

“Long term, we see this becoming a therapeutic space where students can access wellbeing support in a different environment. Having conversations while gardening or being outside can feel much more natural for some students than sitting in a room, and we’re already seeing the positive impact the space is having. 

“It’s an ongoing project and there will always be new ideas and improvements, but it’s already doing exactly what we hoped it would by giving students a welcoming space where they can feel supported.” 

As the garden continues to grow, we can’t wait to see it provide students with opportunities to develop new skills, spend time outdoors and access support in a calm, inclusive environment for years to come.

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