Volunteers have helped turn an unused patch of land at Heathcote Primary School into a thriving garden for both pupils and local retirement village residents to use and forge intergenerational friendships.

The garden was officially opened by outgoing Mayor of Warwick, Cllr Parminder Singh Birdi and renowned horticulturist, Jim Buttress on Wednesday 3 May, during National Gardening Week.

Retirement home operator Inspired Villages, has been working with Heathcote Primary School on several initiatives to bring younger and older generations together.

The firm operates two retirement villages in Warwickshire, including Austin Heath just down the road from Heathcote Primary School, and Great Alne Park, just 30 minutes away.

When asked how else they could support, the school highlighted that they would love to create a flexible use garden space and so the idea for an 'Intergenerational Garden' was born, creating a space where pupils and Inspired residents can work together, sharing ideas and experience.

The new intergenerational garden at Heathcote Primary school

Working with the children and their inventive ideas, the patch of land has been brought to life with seating, bug hotels, fruit trees, raised beds, a polytunnel and fruit & veg patches.

Colleagues from Inspired Villages utilised their dedicated volunteering days to support the project.

Residents and pupils will come together on a series of activities throughout the year, including: outdoor storytelling sessions, harvesting produce and baking.

The aim of the garden is to not only bring together different generations, but people from different cultures and walks of life to showcase the diverse community that surrounds the school.

The garden has been designed in a way that is accessible for all and residents will be granted access to use the garden in their own time too.

Jim Butress and pupils of Heathcote Primary

Horticulturist Jim began his gardening career at RHS Wisley, where he trained before going on to manage numerous London parks and gardens including Hyde Park, St James' Park, Clarence House, Buckingham Palace and Greenwich Park and enjoyed tea with the Queen Mother.

Jim's career spans over half a century and he has won eight gold medals at RHS Chelsea and continues to judge RHS flower shows across the country.

He commented: "The intergenerational garden is absolutely superb, it's an opportunity for children to learn in the best classroom in the world - outside, with plants and with the help of residents from Inspired Villages."

Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages, added: "Older people have a lot of experience and wisdom to pass on and the intergenerational garden is a wonderful project where school pupils and residents can come together to spend time outdoors and learn from one another.

"Different age groups can relate to and value each other and that is really important for the whole of society. "Inspired Villages' philosophy is centred around looking after residents' physical, social and mental health and living better for longer.

"We create thriving communities and this work extends to not only the village but the wider area too."

Jamie Bunce and pupils of Heathcote Primary

Cassie Shirley, Acting Head at Heathcote Primary School, commented: "It has been wonderful working with Inspired Villages on this project from the very start.

"From what started as an initial conversation on how we could bring the community together has developed over the past year from getting the children to brainstorm ideas and working with the team to create, design and build what we think in the perfect garden.

"We're so grateful for Inspired Village's support and the time colleagues have spent volunteering to bring the intergenerational garden to fruition.

"The garden will provide us with an area for outdoor learning where we can help to teach children about wildlife, sustainability, where their food comes and healthy eating. We are so excited to get outside and come together with residents on some lovely activities throughout the year."