A new generation of gardeners and growers is being nurtured from within a community space.
Schoolchildren have been reaping the benefits of spending time outdoors for the past few years, but the team behind their gardening sessions have their sights set on bigger things.
Naturehood Stamford has become a registered community interest company which will open doors to expand its reach within the community.
Naturehood Stamford volunteer Laura Mitchell with directors Tom Houghton and Annie Alcock. Photo: Iliffe Media
The team is based behind Bluecoat Primary School in Green Lane where pupils enjoy regular gardening sessions as part of their school day.
The venture started four years ago when youth minister Laura Mitchell’s children joined the school. Noticing the overgrown garden out the back, she quickly approached the new headteacher and offered to bring it back to life.
The revamped garden opened in May 2023 to coincide with the coronation of King Charles III. Regular gardening sessions for the pupils came next and last month saw the launch of Grow and Munch pre-school and home education sessions.
Children from Bluecoat Primary School in the Naturehood garden. Photo: Iliffe Media
Headteacher Emma Houlton said: “The whole ethos of Bluecoat is being part of the community. We have a fantastic space here and we want to share it.
“We also want to offer a broad and balanced curriculum and this teaches life skills which the children can take forward with them. Learning isn’t just about being in the classroom, it’s about real life.
“These sessions level the playing field. The garden is somewhere that all children can achieve. They can look at what has grown and know they contributed to it.”
Bluecoat pupils have seen the wildlife garden become a haven for frogs and newts, and even spotted two ducks on the pond last week. Talking about their favourite things to do in the garden, many say they enjoy weeding and the golden raspberries they have grown are a hit.
Children play in the Naturehood garden. Photo: Iliffe Media
Some of their produce was used during a gala dinner for parents held at the school this week.
Company director Annie Alcock recently qualified as a Forest School instructor, offering scope to broaden what the groups offer next term.
The Rotary Club of Stamford St Martins, Stamford Young People’s Charity and Burghley House have supported the group with grants and resources in the past but now a lottery grant will keep the group running for another two years, allowing the weekly sessions to continue along with four seasonal community events each year.
Annie said: “It’s all about being outside. My own children need to be outside and moving – they thrive on it. Allowing them to connect with nature and to learn about where they live and how to look after it is really empowering for them.
The wildlife garden includes a pond. Photo: submitted
“The children build a huge amount of resilience and self-esteem while they are here which they take back into the classroom.”
Next month, Naturehood Stamford will host three community days to showcase what they do. They will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 12 and 19 from 10am until midday with support from fellow directors Tom Houghton of Boston Market Garden CIC and herbologist Nicola Fenton.
Director Nicola Fenton. Photo: Iliffe Media
Next term, the home education and pre-school groups will continue while Annie also hopes to launch a ‘campfire and chill’ group for teenagers and in the future offer after-school and holiday provision.
Details of the events are available on Naturehood Stamford’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Comments are closed.