Trees for Cities – Edible Playground project

Transforming city spaces for outdoor education

Improved health and wellbeing. Better social skills. Heightened creativity. These are just a few of the ways children benefit when they learn outdoors. Yet, every month in England, less than one in 10 pupils get out of the classroom into green spaces.

We’re helping change this. In 2018, we gave a £5,000 grant to Trees for Cities’ Edible Playground project, which transforms the grounds of buildings into inspirational spaces for teaching children about growing and eating healthy food.

The funding paid for an Edible Playground and woodland garden at the disused churchyard of Christ Church Kensington in West London. It is a space for children to learn outside, grow food and connect with nature. Two local schools and countless members of the community benefit from the new environment.

400 pupils, 30 teachers and countless members of the community benefit from the Edible Playground and woodland garden at Christ Church Kensington.
90% of schools with an Edible Playground have seen improvements in their pupils’ social skills and knowledge of the natural environment.
90% of schools say their Edible Playground has assisted their work with children with special educational needs or challenging behaviour.

Experiencing nature

Our Executive Trustee Soma wanted to support the project because she believes in the wellbeing and educational benefits of green spaces. “We know how much our own children loved getting out and learning about nature. We want as many people as possible to have this valuable opportunity.”

Outdoor learning all year round

The churchyard transformation includes raised growing beds, fruit trees, shaded seating areas and wildlife habitats. There is also be a greenhouse, composting area and an irrigation system so the space can be used for teaching all year round.

Trees for Cities provide online resources and advice linking the Edible Playground to the school curriculum.

“It’s been fantastic to receive support from the Kusuma Trust for the Edible Playground at Christ Church Kensington. The project will give the local children and wider community a fantastic opportunity to grow fruit and vegetables, relax and play outside and learn in a natural green environment.”

Carys Alder, Development Manager, Trees for Cities