Polytunnels, Paint & Purpose: Our three days with We Are Project Grow CIC

Over three fantastic days, the Active Gloucestershire team spent time out of the office and in the garden, volunteering at Kingsholm Primary School. We were there to support the brilliant We Are Project Grow CIC, an organisation dedicated to reimagining school outdoor spaces.

Their mission is about so much more than just gardening. It’s about creating alternative, engaging learning spaces that inspire curiosity, nurture mental health, and support whole-child development. It’s a mission that aligns so closely with our own values, and we were thrilled to get involved. These moments of hands-on teamwork and shared purpose remind us just how important it is to create space to give back.

The Challenge: Polytunnels and Painting

Our tasks consisted of constructing a brand new polytunnel and giving the school’s storage huts a vibrant makeover. The team spirit was incredible across all three days. The construction and painting were embraced and tackled with precision, determination, and plenty of laughter.

It was a true display of community spirit, and we’re proud to have helped move this brilliant space one step closer to becoming a fully functioning school allotment and outdoor learning hub. It was a hugely valuable experience for us too – stepping away from screens, connecting with each other, getting moving in a completely different way, and spending time with a fantastic local community.

At Active Gloucestershire, we’re proud to get two volunteer days a year, and we love using them to support local initiatives like this.

A Space for Year-Round Learning

This essential new structure will enable children to enjoy their outdoor learning space and food education all year round. Now more than ever, good food education is vital. Being able to teach this outdoors, in nature, where play is central, is so important for children’s mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

A huge thank you to Kingsholm Primary for your wonderful hospitality (and the delicious lunches!), to Claire Dovey, and the We Are Project Grow CIC team for supporting us and to Mrs Field for all of her hard work behind the scenes to make this all happen.

It was a fantastic team effort over the three days, with different people getting stuck into building, painting, and a range of other jobs. We loved being part of it and can’t wait to see the finished polytunnel in full use!