Learning through doing at Dagenham Farm
Monday, 1st April 2024 by Katy Barker
Barking and deagenham cvollecge students in a food-growing polytunnel at Dagenham Farm

At Barking & Dagenham College’s Christmas bazaar at the end of 2023, students ran a stall sharing their knowledge about plant growing and care, as well as plants and growing kits to help others grow more successfully.

This was the culmination of the Dagenham Grown project, which enabled students with special educational needs to “learn through doing” at Growing Communities’ Dagenham Farm. 

Students learned about biodiversity, nature and healthy eating. All students participated in activities tailored to suit their needs. It showed the farm to be a wonderful living classroom for demonstrating the benefits of working with nature to grow good food. 

“It has been a joy having the students regularly attending the farm sessions. Through the seasons we have witnessed their confidence, enthusiasm and understanding of the relationships between themselves, nature and food grow.” – Christina Hebron, Project Manager Supported Internships, Barking & Dagenham College. 

Barking Dagenham SEND students planting in the glasshouse at Dagenham Farm

Taking knowledge back to college

During the nine-month project, funded by London Borough of Barking & Dagenham NCIL, students enjoyed over 50 sessions at the farm, as well as four sessions back at the college implementing their learnings by planting up available areas as micro food or flower gardens with support from farm staff. 

“I’ve learnt flowers have different bulbs and seeds can look different and the importance of watering and collecting seeds” – student

“I’ve learned to bend right when planting and using the wheelbarrow and working as a team” – student

“You can see students becoming physically stronger and they are happier in general,” Christina Hebron 

As well as working and learning on the farm, the students enjoyed eating and cooking with Dagenham-grown fruit and vegetables, including strawberries, cucumbers, apples, grapes, tomatoes, and rhubarb, some of which they grew themselves. Back in college cookery lessons, they turned these into apple and rhubarb pie, lasagne and chutney.

Sharing benefits across Barking & Dagenham

Other local organisations also benefited with hundreds of plants, seed packs, growing kits and materials donated from the project to local community hubs, Dorothy Barley Junior Academy and a community event at the Company Drinks project in Barking. Most plants and seeds were distributed through the college itself with students on the project running a stall for other students, staff and parents to receive beautifully decorated bulb pots, potted plants and seed packs from the farm and learn from the students’ new plant care knowledge. 

During the programme, Ashlea Wane, Dagenham Farm’s educational session supervisor, guided students through processes involved in growing fruit and vegetables, including composting, seed sowing, plant care, harvesting and eating. They also explored soil, pollinator and ecosystem care through related biodiversity activities including the creation of a wildlife pond, planting of plants for pollinator health and plants that nourish the soil. 

“Ashlea breaks down the information for the students and clearly explains why we are doing certain tasks and the importance of it being sustainable. Students are getting excited about planting things in their own gardens and it has given the push for some of our students to help out at home. It has been a fantastic opportunity which I hope to continue.” – Christina Hebron 

Huge impact on students' knowledge and wellbeing

Student feedback at the end of the project showed positive results:

92% of students felt they knew more about food growing than at the beginning 
58% of students said they now spend more time in nature 
39% said they feel better about vegetables and fruit 
29% said they eat more vegetables and fruit as a result of the project 

“It’s helped with their confidence, understanding of nature and gardening this has also vastly improved their communication skills between each other and with people they encounter in the placement. I’ve noticed that the students look forward to coming… and take great pride in what they do. They have a good understanding of how to look after plants and when fruit and vegetables are ready to be taken off the plant and to be eaten. They have come up with ideas they could do about making healthier food options. I’ve been told a few times by learners what’s recyclable in regard to food packaging etc.

"The staff are always helpful, knowledgable, and extremely respectful. I cannot sing their praises enough. 10 out of 10.” – Billy Wright, Job Coach, Horizons 

Dagenham Farm is a 1.77 acre organic horticulture market garden, specialising in salads and greenhouse crops. It offers the space and resources for individuals to immerse themselves in the natural environment, as well as the framework to gain insights into a real business at work. Find out more about educational visits to the farm.

students planting seedlings in beds at Dagenham Farm

Author name: 
Katy Barker