summer fun in the garden!
We've had a busy time at space2grow already this summer! We've welcomed over 140 children from Potters Gate Primary School just up the road and London Fields Primary School in Hackney to the garden. Here's a taste of what they got up to!
Hackney children enjoy space2grow
Summer at space2grow kicked off with our annual visit from year 5 children from London Fields Primary School in Hackney. Supported by a generous local benefactor, the trip gave 50 children the chance to escape the city, explore the space2grow garden and spend a magical night under canvas.
A wonderful range of activities was put on for them including meeting an array of farm animals from Mill Cottage Farm Experience, exploring the garden and working together in teams to build dens, paddling in the river, as well as plenty of time to relax and play in nature.
After a busy day the children tucked into a fish and chip supper from The Traditional Plaice in Downing Street and enjoyed hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows around the campfire. Before they left they decorated lovely wooden medals made by Farnham men in sheds, our collaboration with Farnham Maltings. Huge thanks to the 1st Rowledge Girl Guides group who lent us tents and of course to Kate, Kelley and the space2grow team who worked so hard to make this a very special visit.
reflections from London Fields Primary school
Reflections from a teacher..
"It was a brilliant opportunity for the children to move out of the city to a more peaceful setting with exposure to both camping and nature. The children had the opportunity to take on lots of activities they wouldn't normally experience. Getting into groups and sorting sleeping arrangements (away from families) helped to build independence. It also fostered lots of teamwork responsibilities as they had to look after the tent and site together. The children really enjoyed being with friends and socialising outside of the normal structure of a school day, fostering better friendships and giving them a chance to bond in a different way."
Reflections from the children...
“My favourite activity was the den making, I could have stayed there making it for hours!”
“I loved the farm animals as I have never seen them so close and I got to touch them!”
'”I enjoyed everything, the space was great and I liked spending time with my friends outside school”
“Can we go back? I miss the dogs and doing fun activities with my friends”
“My favourite part was playing with the dogs and the farm animals”
Potters Gate year 3 children special visit
It was an absolute joy to host an evening visit for 90 year 3 children from Potters Gate Primary School. Led by teachers and supported by parent helpers and the space2grow team, the children had a great time exploring the garden, paddling in the river and tackling some nature based activities.
Wands were crafted from willow harvested from the garden and many spells were cast! Hopes, dreams and gratitude were written on ribbons and used to decorate one of our trees. The evening drew to a close with hot dogs and hot chocolate with plenty of marshmallows!
Potters Gate Primary school reflections
Reflections from teachers...
"It was a wonderful experience outside of the classroom, seeing the children in a different environment and it felt like a family night out."
"The setting was beautiful and it felt like being in an 'Enid Blyton' book watching them play in the river, exploring the maze and doing craft activities without a mobile phone or device in sight."
Reflections from the children....
"I liked it, especially the paddling."
"It was nice to be in the fresh air and the natural environment."
"It was brilliant, I loved making wands."
"Wet and Tasty!"
"Writing my hopes and dreams for the future to tie to the tree was my favourite part."
"I loved being out in the evening with my class mates and teachers."
If you would like to share what the acre means to you, please email info@space2grow.space - we love hearing everyone's reflections.
And one more thing ... to help keep our wild garden beautiful, please make sure you take all your rubbish with you and, ideally, bring any food or drinks in recyclable containers.
Thank you and see you soon!