A green space for budding kids

Has your school signed up for Cultivation Street 2019 yet?

If not, there’s plenty of time. School gardens help kids relax and learn fresh skills – especially in cities where green space may be at a premium.

Our 2018 schools category winner, Hammersmith Academy, West London, makes full use of its green space.

Science teacher Patrick Kirwan has seen first-hand how students benefit from spending time outside.

He said: “Many of our students live in apartment blocks and don’t get a chance to enjoy time in a garden on a regular basis.

“So we need to create space for them to have these nature related experiences in school. For me, the most surprising thing about starting a school garden is that these young people don’t need any motivation to engage with horticultural or growing activities, they just need an opportunity.

“A range of activities are offered in the garden every day, from sowing and pricking out young seedlings, weeding, watering, planting, upcycling pallets and even caring for chickens.

“We have a student team that leads these activities, through which they are developing leadership skills as well as horticultural skills.”

Patrick added: “Our spring displays are really uplifting, so students enjoy sitting in a beautiful space surrounded by colourful flowers.

“They often grab a watering can during break or lunchtime and water the plants without being asked.

“These activities have a calming influence and many have developed new friendships when working with other students in the garden.”

Cultivation Street, sponsored by Calliope®, rewards school and communities for their inspirational work. For info on linking with a garden near you, visit cultivationstreet.com.