We offer a programme of interactive workshops for young people at our Dagenham Farm and at two of our growing sites in Hackney – in Clissold Park and Springfield Park.
Bring your school class, Brownies, Beavers, Scouts or other youth group to see how we grow organic salad leaves, flowers, herbs and other fruits and vegetables in the city and learn about where their food comes from.
Being in the garden presents lots of opportunities for children to experience and enjoy outdoor learning. All our educators are trained market gardeners with teaching experience, who will ensure the children have fun while learning.
“We really enjoyed observing all the different plants and the team were excellent at answering the children’s questions.” Scout leader
What do children get out of the sessions?
All the activities are totally interactive. Children are outside, using all their senses, rather than sitting indoors. They plant seeds to take back to school or home, so they have something to continue caring for after the visit.
We see how excited young people are to touch, smell and taste things for themselves. It can be a real confidence-builder. For some children, putting their hands in the soil feels brave. As their confidence grows, so does their curiosity.
That often extends to food too. Children who are convinced they don't like vegetables can become intrigued when they've picked something themselves. Suddenly tasting it becomes fun and exciting rather than something they're being told to do.
"A massive thank you. The children and adults absolutely loved it. It was so engaging and they learned so much. The farm is absolutely beautiful and we love our trees!" Bridget Darcy, deputy headteacher, St Aidan's Catholic Primary, Ilford
What happens during the workshop?
We welcome groups from nursery and early years to key stage 4 and college age. Talk to us about how we can tailor your session to fit your group’s needs or curriculum and complement your classroom learning. Activities might include:
- Tasting salad leaves or fruit (depending what is ready to harvest).
- Exploring the sites’ various features including the greenhouses and (at Dagenham Farm) compost toilet!
- Planting seeds and taking them back to your school or home to experience their full life-cycle.
- Gaining an understanding of how a balanced ecosystem is key to organic growing.
- Using the Learning Garden as a way to enhance classroom learning – particularly science.
- Making fresh herbal tea from herbs that the children pick with the educator.
Topics can cover:
- Seasonal eating
- Plant life cycles
- Crop rotation
- Soil health
- Composting
- Biodiversity
“Thanks for a wonderful visit that consolidated our science topics at school.” Primary school teacher
How long are the sessions?
The educational workshops last 1.5 – 2 hours, and we can accommodate either two or three classes over the course of a school day. Times can be organised to fit round your schedule.
Booking
We can accommodate up to 30 students at a time and we require a minimum of two adults per class. Session are fully risk assessed, and our staff are trained in first aid.
For information about pricing, dates and booking, contact Katy Barker.