Our Horticulture and Sustainable Food Systems programme looks at the range of processes that are involved in growing food, and the many journeys taken to get to our plate. We provide opportunities for young people aged five to 18 to engage in the world of growing food in our organic garden and on the wider Dumfries House Estate.
Our school education workshops support the delivery of The Curriculum For Excellence, and many of our activities are based outdoors on our 2,000 acre estate, making use of our natural spaces to inspire learning. The King’s Foundation works in harmony with the natural world, and as such our workshops also touch upon the UN Sustainable Development goals and support learning for sustainability. Please see below for all workshop details.
Perfect Pollinators and Wildlife Warriors – All Primary Stages – Full Day Workshop
Working with the seasons, until late September, your group can book our Perfect Pollinators workshop. Discover why tiny creatures make a big difference in our education garden. In this full-day workshop, pupils will explore the world of pollinators, learn how to survey for helpful insects, lend a hand in our vegetable garden, and create something to support wildlife at home or school. A fun, hands-on way to understand how plants grow and how living things work together. From October to December, pupils will Become a Wildlife Warrior! Pupils will explore our garden ecosystem, discover how plants and animals are connected, and help create space for wildlife on the estate. They’ll also make something to take back to school and support nature in their own community.
Super Soil – Late Primary Stage – Full Day Workshop
Get ready to dig deep! In this hands-on workshop, pupils will explore the incredible life hidden beneath our feet. From surveying worms to examining tiny soil creatures under the microscope, they’ll uncover the vital role soil plays in supporting healthy plants—and healthy people. Working in our Education Garden, pupils will learn how to care for this precious resource and help it do what it does best: grow good food.
The Seasonal Garden – Late Primary Stage – Full Day Workshop
Where does our food really come from—and what does it take to grow it? In this full-day workshop, pupils will roll up their sleeves in the Education Garden to take part in hands-on growing tasks and cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients in our kitchen space. Along the way, they’ll explore how the changing seasons affect what’s growing and what jobs need doing, discover how we source food year-round, and learn about food miles and sustainable choices that help care for people and the planet.
Earth Matters – All Secondary Stage – Full Day Workshop
What lies beneath our feet—and why does it matter? In this workshop, pupils will investigate the makeup and importance of soil through hands-on fieldwork and microscope exploration on the Dumfries House Estate. They’ll dig into soil composition, biology, and nutrient cycles, uncovering its vital role in food production, ecosystems, and human health. With practical activities in our market garden, this session builds enquiry and experimental skills, making it ideal for secondary pupils studying geography, earth science, agriculture, or anyone with a passion for sustainability.
Sustainable Sourcing – All Secondary Stage – Full Day Workshop
What does it really mean for food to be sustainable—nutritionally, environmentally, and economically? In this hands-on workshop, students will explore the journey from plot to plate, harvesting and preparing produce from our vegetable garden while unpacking what makes an ingredient truly sustainable. They’ll investigate the industrial food system, reflect on the challenges of accessing a healthy, sustainable diet, and consider the impact of how our food is produced. The day concludes with preparing a simple, seasonal dish—showing how local ingredients can be part of a more sustainable future. Perfect for secondary pupils studying food, health, or environmental subjects.
If you require any further information on our Horticulture and Sustainable Food Systems workshops before booking, please contact us at dh.education@kings-foundation.org
