A ten-year-old Graven Hill resident is putting his best foot forward this December — quite literally — to support the new Graven Hill Community Garden.

Zak, a Year 6 pupil with a big heart and even bigger determination, has set himself the challenge of walking 100 miles around the neighbourhood to help raise money for one of the garden’s most important features: a large polytunnel.

The community garden, currently taking shape beside Graven Hill Primary School, is being built by residents and volunteers to create the first shared green space for the area. The polytunnel will act as a warm, sheltered, all-weather growing space, allowing children and families to garden, learn and spend time in nature throughout the year.

“It would be like having an indoor–outdoor classroom,” Zak explained. “You can grow things that need warmth — like aubergines, chillies and maybe even mangos! And it means gardening doesn’t have to stop when it’s cold or raining.”

For Zak, though, the project has a personal meaning.  “I’m autistic,” he said, “and having a quiet, calm place in nature at school would have made a really big difference for me. I hope the garden will give children with SEND somewhere peaceful to go when they need a break.”

The polytunnel comes with a sizeable price tag of more than £5,000. Zak is hoping to raise £1,000 of that total through his December challenge. To reach his goal, he’ll be walking more than three miles every day, whatever the winter weather brings. He plans to share photos and progress updates throughout the month.

The Graven Hill Community Garden team have praised Zak’s efforts, calling his challenge “inspiring and heart-warming,” and noting that it reflects exactly what the project is all about: neighbours coming together to create something positive for everyone.

The garden is open to all residents — from pre-schoolers to retirees — and aims to support wellbeing, outdoor learning and community connection.

You can donate HERE.

Zak has one final message for supporters:
“Thank you so much. Every donation helps us build something amazing for the kids at Graven Hill Primary — especially those who need a calm place the most.”