A HORTICULTURE student from Droitwich is launching a pioneering project to get children growing across the UK.
Ross Dyke, a degree level sustainable horticulture technology student based at Pershore College, is launching the Get Children Growing pilot project in a bid to teach children the art and science of cultivation.
The student of Warwickshire College and University Centre will provide free eco-friendly sunflower grow kits as many as 25 primary schools across the UK.
He also works part time as a crop technician at Bonterre CIC, a non-profit, based in Worcester supporting children having difficulties accessing mainstream education.
Bonterre’s teaching of horticulture was one of the inspirations behind the pilot project. Ross noticed the positive difference of outdoor learning and equipping the children with the knowledge to grow plants, fruit and vegetables.
Ross, aged 39, said: “Through my studies and my work, I’ve seen just how much of an impact horticulture can have.
“I’ve also seen just how much children enjoy learning about growing plants and the sense of achievement they feel when getting to eat them.”
It is hoped the pilot project will lead to a larger-scale, permanent project, with an eventual aim of getting horticulture on the curriculum in primary schools.
The horticulture student added: “I’d love to see horticulture on the curriculum, so I wanted to start with a project that will just get children growing in schools.”
The schools selected to take part will also be provided with prizes such as bug hotels and bird houses to award to their best growers.
All participating schools will be entered into a raffle in June next year, with the winning school receiving a special day with Lee Connelly, the UK’s leading children’s gardening educator.
Head of horticulture at Warwickshire College Group (operator of Ross’ educational establishment), Josh Egan-Wyer, shared his pride for Ross taking on such an ‘innovative’ project, whilst highlighting the importance of exposing youngsters to horticulture.
Ross has received valuable support with the project as British Garden Centres and Westland Horticulture are on board. Donations of seeds and pots are being supplied by Mr Fothergill’s Seeds, New Leaf Plants and Webbs Garden Centres.
Visit www.theplantpod.co.uk for more information.
