We are marking our 40th anniversary with a school garden re-vamp!

We are celebrating our 40th anniversary on Thursday 13 November by coming together to create and improve nature and growing spaces for West Earlham Infant School in Norwich.

Part of the national federation of Groundwork Trusts, we work across the East of England to transform unloved green spaces, connect people with nature, and help businesses reduce their environmental impact. Since 1985, we have been championing practical community action that benefits both people and the planet, and we wanted its 40th anniversary celebration to reflect that same commitment.

In recent months, we’ve been working in the Earlham neighbourhood, alongside Business in the Community (BITC), which has chosen Norwich as one of its Pride of Place programme areas. Pride of Place brings together businesses, charities, and local people to strengthen neighbourhoods, and we typically focus our support in areas facing the greatest social and environmental challenges. Latest Index of Multiple Deprivation data shows the area remains within the most deprived 10% of neighbourhoods nationally, with educational outcomes also below average.

Despite these challenges, Earlham is home to some fantastic green spaces and a strong community spirit. The school, which is rated outstanding by Ofsted, works closely with families to foster a love of learning and outdoor exploration, values that align closely with our mission to promote the wellbeing benefits of time spent in nature. That’s why our team of around 40 staff are choosing to spend their anniversary helping to create a new wildlife and growing garden for pupils to enjoy. We have been supported by organisations such as Notcutts, Jewson, Roys, Mills and Reeve, and R13 Recruitment who have kindly donated goods and materials.

At West Earlham Infant and Nursery school we greatly value and appreciate the importance of children playing and learning outside. We are so grateful for the support of Groundwork East who will breathe new life into our outdoor space. We are very excited for both the action day and what their hard work will enable us to do with the children in the future.

Jade Hunter, Headteacher, West Earlham Infant School

This is a small gesture from Groundwork East using the skills we have, in a place that can benefit from our support. We wanted to give our time to celebrate the incredible achievements and outcomes that the school delivers for the children and families that live here. And we would encourage others including the business community to do what they can, to offer their skills or experience to help their own local communities to thrive.

Carolyn Reid, Groundwork East Chief Executive

What Groundwork East are doing by volunteering their time to transform the school’s outdoor space is truly commendable and demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when the right partners come together. This project embodies the principles of the BITC Norwich Pride of Place programme, creating environments that foster pride, connection, and opportunity within the community. It’s great to celebrate the remarkable work the school does for children and families across the area.

Tracey Drake, BITC’s head of place

The Groundwork movement began during the industrial decline of the 1970s and 1980s, when communities across the UK faced widespread job losses and environmental neglect. Forty years on, many of the same challenges persist, but Groundwork’s mission remains unchanged: to bring people together to create greener, healthier, and more resilient communities. Its work alongside BITC and communities in Earlham is one of many examples of that lasting commitment.