Can you help create living classrooms for our city’s children?
Imagine a child pulling a carrot from the soil for the first time — the look of pride, and wonder that food doesn’t just come in plastic bags. Imagine a place where children learn science and maths by planting seeds and making compost without having to leave their school grounds.
School gardens aren’t just about growing vegetables, they’re about growing confidence, curiosity, and connection to nature. Studies show that gardening boosts a child’s learning and engagement and are a great way to engage parents and carers too. Sadly, not all children have access to a garden. But in a city like Brighton and Hove, with its strong environmental values and thriving community spirit, we believe every child should have the chance to connect with the soil and learn where their food comes from.
Why School Gardens Matter
With rising concerns over children’s health, food inequality, and disconnection from nature, growing food in schools is a powerful tool for change. Through gardening, children gain:
- Stronger academic outcomes
- Practical skills that stay with them for life
- An understanding of where food really comes from
- Confidence, patience, teamwork, and responsibility
- Improved wellbeing through time spent outdoors
- An appreciation for nature and the seasons
- The ability to make healthy food choices
Food-Growing Champions
From Portslade to Saltdean, Patcham to Queens Park, schools across the city are looking to grow. But with increasing financial pressures and staff shortages, schools need the help of experienced growers. Some have space but no experience. Others have raised beds that need some love.
This year, we’re focusing on creating 5 exciting school growing projects. If you (or someone you know) has experience growing vegetables, herbs, or fruit we would love your help. Whether you’re an allotment enthusiast, a permaculture advocate, a handy person, or just someone with a productive back garden, your skills could be invaluable to a local school.
You don’t need to be a professional, a love of growing and a willingness to share your knowledge and ‘thyme’ is all that’s required. It could be a one-off project like building some raised beds, or you may be able to help maintain a growing space throughout the year? Your local business or workplace could even help to fund a school garden, like Littletums children’s catering. Thank you ‘berry’ much!
Schools need help with:
- Creating the beds, paths and general garden infrastructure that will allow children to use their spaces
- Maintenance of the growing space
- Teaching basic growing skills to teachers, children, and families
- Mentoring young garden champions in the school
- Volunteering regularly — or just for a few hours to get things started
Your role can be flexible, fun, and truly rewarding. You’ll be helping shape healthy, resilient, environmentally-aware children and communities for years to come.
What Schools Say
At Goldstone Primary School in Hangleton, sustainability isn’t just taught, it’s lived. In their vibrant school garden, supported by their PTA, children get their hands dirty learning how to care for the planet, one seed at a time. Not only do children learn how to make compost from their food scraps, they even plant a big pair of cotton underpants to see how healthy the soil is. There’s a giggler. If the pants eventually disintegrate the soil is great!
From growing seasonal foods to understanding biodiversity, these young learners are discovering how everyday actions can build a healthier, more sustainable future. See for yourself what it means to the children in this short clip.
Raphaela Harris, teacher and sustainability lead for Goldstone Primary School said:
“The garden belongs to every child in the school. Children who might be struggling in the classroom really flourish in the garden. It’s a place where every child can achieve… The children are really passionate and take the message home – how important it is for the planet to grow our own food in a way that takes care of the soil. They enjoy taking their new skills in gardening and cooking back home. It has a huge positive impact on everyone’s wellbeing.”
Katie Eberstein, programme manager for Our City Our World wants all children in all Brighton & Hove schools to have the opportunity to grow, cook and eat their own food.
“We know this is good for their health and wellbeing, for learning life skills and for connecting with their environment. There’s so much food growing expertise within our communities, it feels important to link that with schools to help the younger generation develop a love of gardening and growing.”
To register your interest, email katie.eberstein@brighton-hove.gov.uk and say what area of Brighton and Hove you live in so we can match you to the right school.
‘Peas’ spread the word and ‘lettuce’ grow something beautiful, one garden at a time. 😉 Thank you!
