Over two days, volunteers from Balfour Beatty worked St Christopher’s Secondary School in Lincoln to transform an unused part of its playing field into a safe and welcoming area for growing fruit and
Together, they created raised allotment patches, installed secure fencing and gating to protect the school’s wildlife area, as well as improving access to a polytunnel.
A spokesperson from St Christopher’s Secondary School said: “Thanks to the volunteering project delivered through the North Hykeham Relief Road, our school now has a dedicated growing space that will benefit pupils for years to come.
“Many of the pupils thrive when learning is practical, hands-on, and rooted in the natural environment. Being outdoors helps them build confidence, develop independence, and engage in learning in ways that aren’t always possible in a classroom.
“I have no doubt this will be looked after by everyone, and we look forward to welcoming you back in once we have some veg growing in the coming months.”
St Christopher’s Secondary (Special) School, supports children and young people aged 2 to 19 with a wide range of special educational needs.
Cllr David East, executive councillor for highways, said: “This is a perfect example of social value at its best. St Christophers needed help, and one of our project team’s was able to meet the call.
“The project team are currently looking for ways to make a positive difference in the communities near to where we’re building the North Hykeham Relief Road.
"We place social value at the heart of our big road projects, ensuring that investment in major infrastructure brings meaningful and long-term benefits to local people.
“If you have an idea for a local project or would like to arrange a school visit from the Balfour Beatty construction team team, please get in touch with us at nhrr@balfourbeatty.com.”
This social value project was made possible through strong partnership working with:
- Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland providing all plant equipment
- Burn Fencing supporting the works with two operatives and supplying fencing, a gate, and timber boards for the raised planters
- Collins Earthworks Limited providing an excavator driver and an eight-wheeler for the delivery of topsoil and gravel
- Balfour Beatty plc supplying 20 tonnes of gravel, 20 tonnes of topsoil, 16 bags of compost, as well as plants, seeds, and small gardening tools
By combining time, skills, materials, and expertise, the project has created a safe, accessible, and engaging outdoor space where pupils can learn about food growing, nature, and sustainability in a hands-on way.