From the Ground September/October 2019
It’s the start of a new school year and things are already in full swing on the allotment. Both classes have been
busy tidying up the raised beds in readiness for the term ahead.
The fence around the pond and wildlife area is finally complete. Parents from the school joined forces towards
the end of the Summer holidays to erect the posts. It was also given a lick of paint and colourful chalkboards
were mounted. The children can use these to make observations about nature and the changing seasons.
The large work bench that was made by Bill Pankhurst is also finished. Scaffold boards were recently slotted in
to form the top and it looks fantastic! It has been getting a great deal of use, particularly at our From The
Ground after school sessions, which take place on a Friday.
The children have been busy making their own bird
food and studying animal anatomies and the table has been invaluable in facilitating both.
The children’s topic for this term is My Wonderful World and the focus is firmly on environmental issues. With
that in mind, the children are having a seed saving workshop with the Stroud Seed Bank this month. Our local
MP David Drew will also be attending and getting involved with some hands on activities. Earlier in the year
the school joined Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library, becoming Gloucestershire’s first seed guardian
school. A wonderful accolade to hold. At the seed saving workshop, the children will be learning more about
what that role means and the importance of seed conservation.
The children are also due to have a composting workshop with Bisley Community Composting and an oil and
watercolour workshop with Art Sparks from Pegasus Art in Thrupp. Both should be extremely useful sessions
that we hope will provide many wonderful learning opportunities. Bunting is also on the agenda. Each child
will have the opportunity to design and make their own flag out of recycled materials. The final creation will
decorate the fence, we can’t wait to see it!
In other news From The Ground, the school is to become a LEAF Demonstration School, (Linking Environment,
Food and Farming). The school recently met a representative from LEAF at the allotment to discuss how we
can get involved. As a LEAF Demonstration School we will be acting as a best practice example of how food
production, farming and the countryside can be used as a core element of the school curriculum. It’s a really
exciting opportunity.
There’s a great deal to look forward to over the coming months. A big thank you to everybody who has
continued to support our venture. Everyone is always welcome at the allotment to see all the good things the
children are doing.
Best wishes,
OAT (Oakridge Allotment Team)
07983 465414 info@fromtheground.co.uk
It’s the start of a new school year and things are already in full swing on the allotment. Both classes have been
busy tidying up the raised beds in readiness for the term ahead.
The fence around the pond and wildlife area is finally complete. Parents from the school joined forces towards
the end of the Summer holidays to erect the posts. It was also given a lick of paint and colourful chalkboards
were mounted. The children can use these to make observations about nature and the changing seasons.
The large work bench that was made by Bill Pankhurst is also finished. Scaffold boards were recently slotted in
to form the top and it looks fantastic! It has been getting a great deal of use, particularly at our From The
Ground after school sessions, which take place on a Friday.
The children have been busy making their own bird
food and studying animal anatomies and the table has been invaluable in facilitating both.
The children’s topic for this term is My Wonderful World and the focus is firmly on environmental issues. With
that in mind, the children are having a seed saving workshop with the Stroud Seed Bank this month. Our local
MP David Drew will also be attending and getting involved with some hands on activities. Earlier in the year
the school joined Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library, becoming Gloucestershire’s first seed guardian
school. A wonderful accolade to hold. At the seed saving workshop, the children will be learning more about
what that role means and the importance of seed conservation.
The children are also due to have a composting workshop with Bisley Community Composting and an oil and
watercolour workshop with Art Sparks from Pegasus Art in Thrupp. Both should be extremely useful sessions
that we hope will provide many wonderful learning opportunities. Bunting is also on the agenda. Each child
will have the opportunity to design and make their own flag out of recycled materials. The final creation will
decorate the fence, we can’t wait to see it!
In other news From The Ground, the school is to become a LEAF Demonstration School, (Linking Environment,
Food and Farming). The school recently met a representative from LEAF at the allotment to discuss how we
can get involved. As a LEAF Demonstration School we will be acting as a best practice example of how food
production, farming and the countryside can be used as a core element of the school curriculum. It’s a really
exciting opportunity.
There’s a great deal to look forward to over the coming months. A big thank you to everybody who has
continued to support our venture. Everyone is always welcome at the allotment to see all the good things the
children are doing.
Best wishes,
OAT (Oakridge Allotment Team)
07983 465414 info@fromtheground.co.uk