Behind the Sunday Mirror – Radlett Lodge School
At times like this, we are all doing the best we can to keep our mental and physical health strong. Our Cultivation Street category, ‘Gardens for Better health’, helps to showcase gardens that are having the most positive impact on the mental or physical health of the local community. We are looking at the people who are helped, the programmes provided, and the impact on the local community.
Radlett Lodge is a National Autistic Society school that caters for 55 pupils aged between four and 19 years. An on-site mini allotment was started at the school with the hopes that horticultural engagement would benefit the pupils learning and wellbeing.
The on-site allotment originally consisted of two beds which were used to grow produce and then sell onto the public and staff through seasonal fairs and pop-up shops, generating much-needed funds for the project. The off-site garden now consists of 6 ground-level beds and 8 raised beds each packed with a variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables, including strawberries, raspberries, potatoes, runner beans, broad beans and tomatoes. The garden not only teaches young people horticultural skills, but it also teaches them how to lead a healthy lifestyle and to enjoy the great outdoors.
Jo Galloway, the Principal at Radlett Lodge, said “Not only does it provide a therapeutic environment where they can build strength and confidence, but it gives them opportunities to create, make and be successful. Giving our pupils this ambition, this skill, this confidence is absolutely priceless.”
Register for Cultivation Street today at www.cultivationstreet.com. You’ll also find some fun free resources for you and the family to enjoy from your own home. Including, how-to guides, downloadable colouring pages and much more.