Magical adventure garden in the community

[kateland]

Do you think there is a need is for a community garden aimed at Children and families that would have 4 primary areas...

?? Green Dream? Area dedicated to the planting/growing of Vegetables, fruit and herbs.

??Creeping, Crawling, Flying? Area dedicated to encouraging wildlife into garden.

??Reflections? Area dedicated to being Sensory Inspired, specially designed for those with Special needs and disabilities.

??Imagination? Area Dedicated to Imaginative play encouraging the children to make better use of their outside area for play.

The green area will also be used to promote healthier eating and encouraging children to eat more fruit and vegetables.

The host for this project would be the local Adventure playground , using surplus land to the back.

so can I ask you...

1.Is there a need for this in our community?

2.Why is there a need for this?

3.Would your children use the Garden?

4.Would you like to get involved in a project like this?

We are in the process of seeking funding for this project ,any comments greatly appreciated.

x

[annamart23]

All sounds great ? we'd definitely use it and appreciate it.

[Ruth_Baldock]

Snap. This kind of thing sounds right up my 14 m/o street!

[ryedalema]

kateland Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

>

>

> Is there a need for this in our community?

> Why is there a need for this?

> Would your children use the Garden?

> Would you like to get involved in a project like

> this?

>

> 1. Yes

2. I think the more places where kids can get involved with nature the better. Not so much the local playgrounds (although they are fab for different reasons) but places like Dulwich woods where they can see actual living things in a real ecosystem is, I think, amazing and magical. I was forever foraging in the dirt when little, and playing with butterflies (nicely - not pulling their wings off) and I-spy with those nature watch books. Not many places we can do that around here. Our back garden's not bad (it backs onto the cemetery) but postage stamp sized. I'd love our girls to run around and discover knooks and crannies in a garden like that - perhaps find some more fairies;-)

3. Yes...

4. Def!

[kateland]

Thanx for the feedback so far guys...

ryedalema...Have you been down to dog kennel hill adventure playground before? come and see us! We are a playground in the sense that-we have wooden play structures,lots of swings, an indoor area and as there is a large area of the playground that is 'untouched' & left in its more natural space were able to encourage the kids to 'fairy find', build dens & bug find....and as this 'unstructured' form of play is very very important this is what we are trying to promote...encourage & work on....

[ryedalema]

Hi Kateland - I've been past many many times (the girls are at nursery just behind Sainsburys), but the age range is a bit old I think. They are 3.5 and 14 months - and while the eldest is BEGGING me to let her go - isn't your equipment for older kids?

I'd love to be proved wrong here btw !!!

xx

[alicinha]

There is a garden in Forest Hill, which pretty much has the things you're mentioning in this thread. Have a look at their website: http://devonshireroad.blogspot.com/

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Can't help thinking Rye Park Adventure Playground (with veg growing area) plus the sensory trail in the park; and the Wildlife Centre, Marsden Road pretty much have those angles covered.

[Gussy]

Have to say I also thought about Marsden already having a similar thing going. However, I'm all for somewhere else!

[espelli]

It would be amazing to have a Forest School type area that children could use. Forest schools are wonderful and make such a difference to city children of all ages. In which case leave it wild - as long as there aren't too many brambles!

[kateland]

ryedalema....yep it is aimed at older kids we do however get many families come in with babies in buggies even-I know I used to go alot when I nannied and had 2 older ones and a little one! Were having a fun day tomo-ur little one could get her face painted....come and visit! x

[Ko]

the adventure garden idea is fab. we would definitely use it.

[bee74]

we would be very interested. it's a great idea. there is never too much green/organic stuff for kids to do.

thanks

[nikki73]

I think its a great idea.Kate is your funday today?I thought it was yesterday.what time is it on?thanks

[kateland]

I'm loving these happy positive comments!! Nikki it was yesterday-I'm sorry :( x

[The Nappy Lady]

Hi Kate,

I particularly love the idea of a fairly wild space where children can build dens & use their imagination whilst also working cooperatively with others they meet there. This is a great idea, and I think the vegetables etc would be good too as long as there is space to do it all well, rather than trying to cram it all in if that makes sense.

Molly

[Cas59]

Im doing the same thing in my communial garden , it is a fantastic idea, i would certainly visit with my grandchildren. Good luck