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.
All Primary – Growing for our Future – Perfect Pollinators
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.
All Primary – Growing for our Future – Wildlife Warriors
Become a Wildlife Warrior. Pupils will investigate our education garden ecosystem by surveying the wildlife found here, and the connections between the plants and animals of the garden. We’ll learn why wildlife is important for our plants to grow and do some hands on work to make more space for wildlife here on the estate. Pupils will also get to make something to take back to school to be wildlife warriors for their own community.
Late Primary – The Journey of our Food – Super Soil Workshop
In this hands-on workshop, pupils will dig into the fascinating world beneath our feet. They’ll carry out worm surveys, examine soil-dwelling creatures under the microscope, and discover how healthy soil is essential for healthy people and plants.
Late Primary – The Journey of our Food – Seasonal Garden Workshop
Pupils will learn how to grow, harvest and cook with seasonal produce, explore how the time of year shapes garden tasks, and discuss food miles and the importance of making sustainable choices.
All Secondary – Growing for our Future – Scran from the Soil
Getting hands on with our food from seed to spoon. This practical workshops will get students stuck into the work of our Education Garden, learning what it takes to produce healthy, tasty organic fruit and vegetables. They will enjoy the fruits of their labour, cooking nutritious and delicious food using produce from the garden and taking this home to enjoy. We will explore how healthy soil and sustainable growing practices lead to the best food for ourselves and our planet. This workshop is ideal for all ages of secondary school pupils with an interest in food from growing to eating.
All Secondary – Horticulture Skills – Earth Matters
Through a series of practical activities, pupils will explore the vital role of soil, water, and biodiversity. They’ll discover how these natural resources support all life on Earth and why it’s so important to protect them.
All Secondary – Journey of our Food – Sustainable Sourcing
In this workshop, pupils will investigate where our food and materials come from, examine the impact of our everyday choices, and learn how to make more responsible decisions to help protect both people and the planet.
Timings: Primary 10am until 2pm. Secondary 10am until 3pm.
Numbers: (Min/Max): Primary 15/30. Secondary 12/20
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.
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