Engaging with the wider community

Over the last few years and in conjunction with “The Line” (East London’s public art trail), Pudding Mill Allotments with its volunteers have been opening their gates, welcoming primary schools and adult walking groups with the aim to explore biodiversity, composting from organic waste material, educate on the origins of our food as well as nurture peace, mindfulness and well-being in an urban environment.

With regards to local schools, we have played a part in expanding their curriculums with hands-on activities, which range from showing how compost is made for free using food scraps and other organic matter from home, to simpler things such as observing, holding and learning about earthworms, showing the connection between seen and unseen organisms that break things down into compost.

We had the pleasure in hosting a mindfulness walking group, again in collaboration with “The Line”, a seasonal event where they enjoyed fresh produce directly from the plots along with hot drinks, conversation and immersing themselves in a setting where nature takes precedence over the hubbub of the city.

Feedback from The Line (East London’s public art trail that connects Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2)

School visit: I’d like to say a massive thank you to yourself, Julia, Mark, Alex and Fiona for so wonderfully accommodating us at the allotments across four school trips. You welcomed 150 students in total! 

Students learned about biodiversity, exploring the produce, flowers and mini beasts on plots and learning about how compost is made. They also had the opportunity to collect some plants and hold worms, which they found exciting.

They also engaged the students with light-touch mindful exercises and techniques and enjoyed lunch at the allotments. All have been facilitated by Rochelle with co-facilitation support by paid Youth Guides.

Wellbeing Walking Group: The Line’s Wellbeing Walk visited the allotments and the participants evidently enjoyed exploring the garden. Carmen was so hospitable, giving us a tour of the site and showing us different plants. The participants were curious to learn the names of new plants, excited to taste some of the fruits and were laughing and chatting the whole time, as well as taking photos of everything in sight. Everyone said they would love to return and see the garden in different seasons. It was clearly beneficial for their wellbeing and everyone left with smiles on their faces.

Also a poem from one of the participants, based on the visit:

Allotments
To walk amongst
Nature is a sight to behold.
To touch to feel to taste is a marvel.
To enthral, sustain, to enrich God's delight.
A path of sheer wonder at the sight.

Feedback from teachers and support staff

‘You were so fantastic with the children as were the lovely ladies at the allotment. So welcoming and really understanding of the children’s needs and interests. It was a great day, and the children got a lot out of it and it really supported the work we are doing in class.’ - Megan Brady, teacher at School360

‘We had such a wonderful time on the trip connecting with nature and learning about plants and so much of our local area – a really wonderful time. I really loved the whole trip, and perhaps the allotment (if they’d allow it) is a better setting for lunch/wellbeing activities? We had such a lovely day on both trips and cannot thank you enough for leading the way.’ - Josh Hopper, teacher at Chobham Academy.