"Grow Wild " Summer Programme is three-week initiative in deprived area of East Ham in the London Borough of Newham run as part of "Go Wild" Summer Fun Playcheme sessions throughout the school holidays in partnership with Children and Families Project and Food Growing Project – “Grow Together. Be Together” run by Bonny Downs Community Association (BDCA).
“Growing Wild” Summer Programme will take place at Flanders Field Community garden and on a private 9-acre enclosed playing field which has access to a multi use games area, sports pavilion, gym and marquee.
Flanders Field community garden is a new food growing space where currently building work is underway to transform the corner of previously derelict area of the field.
The garden will provide exciting children's play space with edible kitchen garden, vegetable raised beds, an urban forest garden, roof garden, small orchard, physic garden with wild flowers, vertical gardens, polytunnel, wildlife pond, bonfire area.
What we'll deliver:
- art and crafts
- cookery sessions
- food growing
- outddor nature games and play
- survival skills and bush crafts
- woodwork sessions
- treasure hunts
- upcycling workshops
Why it's a great idea:
Children will have a chance to participate in the creation of some garden features like educational signage displays, mosaic pathways, clay oven, willow tunnels, bicycle- juice maker and lots more!
All activities will help children to connect with nature and their surroundings, learn about the benefits of food growing and woodwork. Children will be encouraged to use their creativity and passion for their interests.
This project will provide the opportunity to unite across different cultures, faiths and backgrounds whilst actively encouraging community participation and involvement.
This project will also support disadvantaged local young people by providing them with training, work experience, mentoring.
Young children who will participate in the Grow Wild Summmer programme will also have a chance to become long term members of the Flanders Field community garden and bring their familes and friends to get involved in Grow Together Project through out the year.
Steps to get it done:
- Through employment and mentoring of local young people to plan and deliver this project alongside BDCA staff.
We are planning to celebrate the opening of the Flanders Field Community garden by inviting local residents and public to Grow Together Be together launch event in the new garden on 20th April 12 - 4pm. Join us on the day! All welcome.
During the programme of the day there will be special performance from "Take Note" - Contemporary Choir from Blackheath. Take Note is our contemporary music choir and focuses on choral repertoire from musicals to jazz and Gilbert & Sullivan to pop, with a host of other genres in between.
Members of this choir have been rehearsing for weeks under the leadership of great young conductor and composer Hilary Campbell, to help fundraise for "Grow Wild" Summer Programme. Please come and support their efforts or donate here on this website to help reach the target for this project!
