Work with local schools is key to our philosophy of engaging with and educating children and young people about the joy of nature and horticulture, and raising awareness of how our food is produced.  We currently work with 13 schools and 3 pre-schools, hosting visits to around 900 local children each year. We offer tailored sessions in the gardens on themes such as ‘mini beasts’, ‘weather, seasons and the environment’, ‘how plants grow’ – each giving our young visitors a chance to get their hands dirty! Children with special educational needs are particularly welcome and our gardens offer plenty of sensory experiences including over 100 different herbs! Our gardening activities are educational as well as helping to improve mental health and well-being, helping children through:

Development of motor skills – through garden-based activities like planting, handling tools, digging,
Sensory development – using the senses of sight, touch, smell and hearing,
Social development – working together, talking about the garden, learning teamwork and sharing, and for visiting families, spending quality time together,
Development of self-confidence and improved emotional well-being,
Encouraging healthy eating – showing children where food comes from and developing a sense of pride in ‘growing their own’.

Contact us to find out more, to arrange a visit to Ross Community Garden, or if you are interested in our new projects in Newent or Ledbury.