Nature-Based gardening sessions for home-educated children

Eleanor Williamson, a qualified Social and Therapeutic Horticulturist based in Aldbourne, is offering home-schooled children weekly nature-based gardening sessions designed to support their wellbeing, confidence, and connection to the natural world. Starting in March, the sessions will take place every Wednesday at Aldbourne Community Garden, offering small-group, hands-on learning experiences rooted in gardening, food growing, and nature connection.  Numbers are limited to six children per group to ensure individual support and a calm, inclusive environment.

Children take part in seasonal activities such as planting, harvesting, caring for plants, and exploring the natural world. Sessions are child-led and flexible, allowing participants to engage at their own pace and according to their interests and abilities.

Eleanor has already run several similar sessions in local primary schools and she is the founder of Lettuce Grow which she set up in order to use gardening as a tool to support mental health and well-being. “These sessions are about learning by doing,” says Eleanor  “Children build real skills, confidence, and a sense of pride through practical, outdoor experiences, while benefiting from the calming and restorative effects of being in nature.”

Morning sessions: Ages 5–11 (primary school age) will run from 10 am to 11.30 and afternoon sessions Ages 11–16 (secondary school age) will run from 1 pm to 2.30. The cost is £12 per session, (block booking and sibling discounts available). Places are limited and early booking is recommended.

Eleanor commented, “The impact of these gardening sessions has already been seen in a local primary school where Lettuce Grow has been running weekly sessions. Parents consistently praise the supportive structure and positive impact of the sessions.”

One parent commented,“It was wonderful to watch my daughter’s confidence increase after learning about gardening. Each visit seemed to help her grow, as she came home clutching another pot of seedlings armed with more new and interesting opinions, hypotheses, and full of gardening information.”

For more information or to book a place, parents can email eleanor@lettucegrow.org.uk or visit the Lettuce Grow website here.