Introduction
The organisations involved in the development of Fruit-full Schools are all committed to developing traditional orchards - but recognising the particular value of doing so specifically within the school context.
If orchards are to be sustainable, they need to be valued by those who can care for them. Here on this section of our site we share a range of ideas and resources for schools through which to harness in-school or local orchards as a powerful resource for pupil learning and development.
This strong emphasis on supporting children’s development reflects the approach taken by the programme's lead partner, Learning through Landscapes. You can find out more about the support they offer schools in order to encourage and improve outdoor learning and play at www.ltl.org.uk.
The range of ideas provided here give you a taste of the many ways in which orchard environments can support and stimulate learning and development. As the programme progresses, we will be adding hundreds of tried and tested resources, developed in real-time by participating schools for others to replicate.
Fruit-full Schools coordinators are also helping our participating schools to develop links with their local orchard groups and experts. One of the best ways to find your local orchard group is to visit the site of programme partner, Common Ground or see the orchard networking site www.nat-orchard-forum.org.uk. There are now over 350 community orchard groups across the UK, many of them set up with guidance and support from Common Ground. Although not specifically written for a school audience, their Community Orchard Handbook is a great introductory resource and can be bought online direct from their website.
So . . . you have inspiration, practical resources and a local expert! All you need now is trees or funding to purchase them. We suggest that you contact your Local Authority (often the Biodiversity Officer, Tree Warden or someone in the Environmental or Sustainability Team) because traditional orchards are now a target within their Biodiversity Action Plans. Many of the authorities we spoke to in the development of this programme funded the purchase of 5-7 fruit trees for local schools. Make sure you try and get a local variety!
Downloads
Planning for change
An introductory step-by-step guide to re-thinking the design and use of your schools' outside spaces - by school grounds experts, Learning through Landscapes. Improve teaching and learning outcomes, encourage pupil participation and engage the wider community...and create more attractive places in which to grow and learn.
Download (PDF)
Links
Concrete Jungle
A national schools campaign to create the country's biggest wildlife garden and help to save species in decline. Concrete Jungle aims to create more than 300,000 square metres of wildlife habitats in schools.
The Orchard Year
Find out what's happening in orchards near you this time of year...? An annual calendar of all things orchard by Fruit-full Schools partner, Common Ground
In partnership with
