The funds thus far have been used to clear unsuitable plants from the area and dispose of the
material. A mini-digger was used to excavate large tree roots. Durable edging was also purchased
with the funds, as the old edging had begun to rot and rust, posing a danger to the children. These
activities were carried out by staff, pupils and their parents, bringing the community together. In
preparation for planting up the bed, 4 th Class carried out a project on plants that attract native
butterflies and moths.
The next lot of funding will be spent on plants, a bird bath, and gardening tools to allow the pupils
and wider community to continue their learning and maintain the bed. Through this next stage of
the project, pupils will learn about plant lifecycles, planting and propagating. They will also gain first-
hand knowledge of the environment and their impact on it, through topics such as biodiversity,
ecosystems and pollution. Through working in the garden, pupils will be empowered to make a
positive change to their environment when anxiety and fear about man-made climate change is
increasing. Building on the research conducted by 4 th Class and in consultation with Pascale from
Growing Space, plants will be selected based on their ability to attract native pollinators, especially
endangered solitary bees. Plants will also be chosen because of their sensory qualities, so that they
appeal to all children and will specifically benefit those with differing sensory needs, such as those
who attend our classes for children with autism.
Hi Pascale,
I'm just updating you with where we are up to with our project. We took a break over the winter due to weather conditions but are hoping to reconvene this weekend. The edging will be going down and the last of the weeds removed.
We will be ordering seeds, plants and compost in February ready for planting.
We are looking forward to getting going with this project again.
Many thanks for your help up to this point.
I'm just wondering if you could let me know how to apply for the rest of the funding?
All the best,
Lynda
Hello! wonderful progress with your team.First meeting is now completed and we now are in the design phase. Please let me know when we can meet on Zoom again so we can continue the discussion. I will show the proposal for the space. Looking forward to catching up soon!
Wonderful work done by the group so far. Site cleared and ready for edging and planting.
Hello everyone, lovely to meet you virtual for our first kickstart call. Let move on to the design phase and set up a date to discuss options for the space! When is your next availability?
Plus, would a potential site visit in October be possible ? on a tuesday or wednesday ? Let me know!
Hello all, I am looking forward to connecting to help you build your mini Growing Space! Once your application is approved and your seed fund paid, I will get in touch to arrange a time for our kick start call! Looking forward to working with your team!
Action plan:
Timeline: When will you be able to start your project? How often will your team meet? Are there any key dates to share for the project?
Budget: You don't need to share exact prices, but please share how you're planning to spend the seed funding & what costs you're anticipating to get your project up and running:
Impact: How will your community benefit from this project? Do you have any measurable goals for your project, such as the number of people that will participate? Are you hoping to spread knowledge or increase interest in a specific subject?
Location: If your project requires physical space, have you decided the location? Do you have all necessary permission and permits to carry out your project at the chosen location?
Additional questions
Please answer the questions below as much as you can.
Growing Space will review the information you provide before your kickstart call.
This will help save time and get you started straight on your project once you receive your seed funding!
1) Please take a few pictures of your site (at different time of the day ideally and when the sun is out).
2) Please write here a small description of what you would ideally like to achieve
3) Please confirm the age group of children you are working with and that will be involved in the implementation of your project
4) Please give us the estimate of the number of children that your new Mini Growing Space will benefit (can be directly and indirectly)
5) What activities do you plan to offer that will include your community (other than children) (for instance, parents, neighbours, extended families of children or else, elderly people)
6) What do you already have in your site that can be reused (material, structures etc)?
7) Water access - please state if you have water access on your site and if you are willing to install a water butt (not obligatory)
8) Please confirm in writing here that you have permission from a manager or landlord (of the building or head of a school (as necessary) that says that they are happy to make the improvement of their outdoor space and let you lead the project.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ask a written permission to the site owner. The process is simple but essential to avoid delays in the future. This can be done an email or official head letter from a landlord or manager etc. Thank you for being diligent.
That’s all for now!
We are excited to get you started!
I have send Zoom links for the meeting on July 17th.
Deirdre Harnedy has joined the group. Welcome, Deirdre!
