Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey gardening club has been working to revive four empty beds on the grounds of the school’s Minster site.

It is part of a weekly initiative to create a space for all to enjoy and their hard work is already bearing fruit as well as other healthy produce.

Office manager Sarah Lewis said: “The weather hasn’t always been kind to us, but we’re managing to grow a number of different vegetables.

Amazing

“Strawberries are on their way and the rhubarb has been amazing, providing enough for gardening club students and staff to take home.”

Mrs Lewis said the group has been ably assisted by Sheppey Matters community gardeners as well as academy students Libby Gillett, Jack Edgett and Kieran Payne.

She said: “We’re also building up a small area with flowers, which is Kieran’s area of expertise, and trying to be as self-sufficient as possible.

“We’ve been lucky enough to receive lots of donations of seeds, gardening equipment and plants throughout the weeks which we’re very grateful for.”

Another staff member, Paul Dixon, has helped, building makeshift all-weather covers to protect pumpkins for harvest before Halloween.

He said “loose coppers” found about the school site have been used to boost club funds and buy gardening equipment.

“It’s surprising how those 2ps and 1ps add up,” he said.

Later in the year, the gardening club will set about creating a bug house and a sensory garden.