Shoreham primary school opens new allotment with help from local garden centre
Herons Dale Primary School has launched a year-round growing space with support from Tates of Sussex, giving pupils hands-on gardening opportunities.
Pupils at Herons Dale Primary School now have access to a fully working allotment that will offer them hands-on gardening opportunities throughout the year. The project, based at the school in Shoreham-by-Sea, has been made possible with support from Tates of Sussex and its nearby Mayberry Garden Centre, which donated a range of plants to get the space started in time for work during the October half-term break.
The allotment has been designed with two main student programmes in mind. The first is a plot to plate enterprise, where children will grow crops to supply the pupil-run café. This gives students the chance to harvest, prepare and serve food they have grown themselves, connecting them to the full journey from soil to plate.
The second element is a sensory herb garden, featuring fragrant and textured plants. These will be used in weekly cooking sessions and as part of a calming, interactive space for pupils to enjoy.
Learning through nature
Laura Khot, HLTA and allotment project co-ordinator at Herons Dale, explained the thinking behind the scheme. "This will provide an immersive, therapeutic and calming space specifically designed to engage our students' senses," she said.
For Benjamin Tate, executive director of Tates of Sussex, the partnership reflects the importance of giving young people outdoor learning opportunities. "We're delighted to support Herons Dale Primary School with this wonderful project, giving children the opportunity to learn new skills, connect with nature and experience the rewards of growing their own produce," he said.
"It's especially rewarding to know that the allotment will provide an engaging outdoor space that can be enjoyed by pupils throughout the year."
Getting involved
The allotment marks a practical step forward for environmental and food education at the school. Parents and community members who wish to support the project can contact Herons Dale Primary School on 01273 596904.
Source: Primary school creates new allotment to help pupils connect with nature