Exeter City pitch in with topsoil

A project to grow and sell fruit and vegetables has taken root at Exeter Deaf Academy thanks to the generosity of Exeter City Football Club.

In May, Exeter City donated 40 tonnes of topsoil following the club’s pitch renovations at St James’ Park.

The football club’s topsoil is now being recycled and put to horticultural use in Exeter Deaf Academy’s garden nursery for their new ‘Grow Make Sell’ social enterprise. The enterprise aims to provide work related learning and experience for the Academy’s Deaf students.

Exeter City Football Club Estates Manager, Clive Pring said “It’s great to know that the topsoil will not be going to waste, and that we are able to support such a worthy local charity. We look forward to receiving updates on how the project is progressing over time”

Since St James’ Park delivered the huge pile of soil, it’s been a team effort for Academy students to fill and plant up raised beds, containers and a poly-tunnel providing a great opportunity for them to contribute towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Exeter Deaf Academy teacher John Lilley said, "The donated soil from Exeter City Football Club has made a huge difference to us. It’s great to think a part of St James’ Park football pitch is now being used to grow crops! We have already been able to plant out our beds this year ready for sale of fruit and veg later this term."

John continued, "Any soil leftover will also allow us to expand our garden nursery even further next year. We also need to thank Mole Valley Farmers for donating pallets of compost too. We’ve had some fantastic support from the local community."