In September a number of parents from Drake’s primary school in East Budleigh decided to take on the mission of re-designing the Drake’s school allotment.

It is a large plot, but was totally overgrown, raised beds had become rotten and it was in need or a total makeover.

In stepped Sam Hopkins, Shirley Lentil, Alan Murdoch and Poppy Voss who have worked tirelessly to create an amazing space for the students and local children to enjoy. Sam had a fantastic vision, but it was big, and it has taken almost a year to get it into shape, but the space is now a little haven and provides the students at Drake’s with another outside space that they can enjoy.

The garden has toadstool tables that house a fairy garden and decorative ornaments, a potting table, hedgehog houses, bird boxes, a mud kitchen, a digging area, a dinosaur environment, chalk boards and all manner of fruit and vegetables have been planted.

The children have a seating area with a sail shade and enjoy lessons up there each week as well as an allotment club every Wednesday, run by the parents which is open to all local children. They can take part in forest school activities and help with allotment jobs so they can fully enjoy and appreciate what it takes to grow something from seed. It really is a joy to behold, and the open afternoon saw a celebration of the allotment team opening the space to Drake’s students, parents and all local residents.

Jen Musson said: "It has taken such a lot of people to make Sam’s dream a reality and we could not have done it without the wonderful genouristy of the the people of Exmouth.

I would like to thank: Alan Murdoch, Andy Murdoch and Costal Fencing, Ed Lagdon, Malcolm Bentick, The Fencing Centre Colaton Raleigh, Poppy Evans, John Smith, Trevor Wilkins, Chris and Katie Down, Steve Dackombe, The Organic Gardener, Joe Cochrane and JC Decorating and Design, Guy Bennet Landscaping, Ed Lister, Allyson Palmer, Lower Otter Restoration Project, Kings Garden Centre Exmouth, East Budleigh Garage, St Bridget Nurseries, Marilyn Daly and all the lovely local residents of East Budleigh who have donated time and resources to this project. Thank you so much."