Brookside Preschool Allotment

At the end of September 2020, we were lucky enough to get our very own allotment plot!

We were so excited at the prospect of such fantastic learning opportunities for our children, but also a little daunted by the huge task of getting everything started!

After looking around other plots with the children, we came up with a plan of what they would like to grow on their plot. We fundraised to raise the money needed to transform what was an empty muddy area, to what is now a spectacular successful produce producing plot! With the help of our staff and parents, we have achieved so much in such a short space of time and we couldn’t be more proud!

Our children have been involved along every step of the way - preparing the area, sowing seeds, watering, weeding and harvesting their produce. Experiencing the full process of growing their own fruit and vegetables. We managed to grow some amazing radishes, potatoes and lettuce - which the children took home to enjoy with their families!

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Children’s allotment gardening - benefits:

There are so many benefits! Allotments are the perfect way to encourage children to lead a healthier lifestyle, allowing them to grow healthy foods and also engage in extra physical activity! Children are more likely to eat vegetables if they've grown them.

There are so many learning opportunities:

* Measuring how fast plants grow

* Seasons and the passing of time - observing changes

* Bugs and insects - taking care of our environment

* Showing care and concern for the world around them, learning where food comes from, and what weeds are - "Why is grass a weed in the allotment but not in the garden?"

We feel so lucky to have such a fantastic learning space, it’s such an amazing addition to our wonderful preschool.