Gardening with Children

Children's inexhaustible curiosity makes discovering the world through a garden into a wonderful adventure full of wild beasts, jungles and forests - and it's good exercise too!

Schools

There are a number of organisations that can help enthusiastic teachers to change their school grounds from concrete deserts into endlessly exciting and inspiring outdoor classrooms. Grounds for Learning  is a Scottish-based charity which can help with all aspects of school grounds development for biodiversity. They also hold School Grounds Resources Boxes, packed with information and activities, which can be loaned to interested schools. Contact your nearest Grounds for Learning officer for more information.

There is range of grants available to help fund such developments, and to bring in expert advice to start you on the right track. We may also offer grants for school biodiversity projects, either directly, or in partnership with your local authority.

Resources for parents, carers and young people's clubs

Many of the resources listed in the related links can also give guidance to anyone wanting to inspire and excite children to Garden for Life. If you are a parent, consider setting aside a part of your garden as your child's special patch. Children get enormous pleasure from planting a seed and watching it grow - especially if they can eat the results. Even one or two pea plants in their own garden, a patch of mint to nibble from a pot, or a 3m high sunflower to attract the bees, will encourage them to have a lifelong enthusiasm for growing and caring for the natural world.

For other ideas of outdoor activities for children see our Fun With Kidspage.