22/06/2026
Last year Whitchurch Rotary were pleased to provide funds to assist Malpas Alport Primary School in establishing their vertical garden in their ‘Pear Up’ project. They had no green field for growing or outdoor learning, but their idea was to build a vertical garden in the playground, with tall 5-tier planters and several large pots—to bring hands-on horticulture to the heart of school life.
Earlier this year we also gave some manpower in planting pear trees, shifting compost and planting up containers.
Last Friday three Rotarians therefore followed an invitation from the Head Teacher Nic Wetton to their Celebration of the Pear-Up Project. We heard from her as to how engaged the children had been and the benefits of reducing the school’s carbon footprint. We saw the current results that show a playground transformed; previous concrete corners are now vibrant, eco-friendly spaces that promote wellbeing and education. This has also been accomplished with cross generational community involvement from residents and staff at nearby Prospect House.
The planters were now full of seasonal crops, herbs and sensory plants. A living wall of mint, companion herbs and other vegetables. A fenced games area, previously with an unsightly wire fence, now has climbing plants that are grown in troughs: peas, beans, and flowering vines. Large pots hold trees, that relate to the respective children’s classes.
There are water butts installed that collect rainwater and the project reinforces the importance of biodiversity planting, and recycling.
The enthusiasm from those present to the project was self evident. Indeed Professor Simon Poole spoke how his business Mintopia have 198 different varieties of mint and how they work closely with schools, communities, and wellbeing projects to grow ‘be-longing’ alongside biodiversity. Their ‘intmintmint Biodiversity Challenge’ empowers young growers to care for rare varieties while learning about ecosystems, climate, and creativity. The project received the backing of Space Hive
https://www.spacehive.com/pear-up
About Us – Mintopia
Pear Up! Growing Together at Malpas
