Member Article

‘FROM PLOT TO PLATE’ MIDDLESBROUGH NURSERY LAUNCHES EXCITING NEW ALLOTMENT PROJECT

Rosedene Nurseries kick-started a new allotment initiative at the start of the year, nearby its Easterside nursery in Middlesbrough.

The team has developed a patch of land to help educate their young children about the importance of healthy eating, sustainability and the environment.

The nursery, which is an integral part of the Easterside community, provides early years care to children from six weeks to four years old, has transformed a small patch of land with the help of it’s staff, families and children, to a treasure trove of herbs, fruits and vegetables.

The children have worked with nursery staff and green-fingered parents to plant carrots, lettuces, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes and more, having already harvested a feast in late summer, they are looking forward to what produce they can pick later this Autumn. The Easterside allotment fits in with some of Rosedene’s key childcare experiences; which centre around outdoor learning, forest school and wellbeing.

Gemma, manager of Rosedene Easterside, said: “At Rosedene, we focus on wellbeing and making healthy choices, and we’re delighted that our new allotment will give the children the chance to see where fruit and vegetables come from and have the change to taste them completely fresh. “We love to involve our parents, and we’re pleased that some have come forward to help transform the garden. We’ve also cooked some meals such as soup on the campfire in the nursery garden with them also.”

The project has already received an overwhelmingly positive response from parents, and new allotment projects will be kickstarting in Rosedene’s Stockton nurseries later this year.

Sophie, a Rosedene parent, said: “I’ve loved being involved with this project because it’s given me the chance to do something fun with my child while exploring new recipes to bring home to the kitchen.” “Rosedene is great at keeping parents involved with everything they’re doing, and I hope they continue to have projects like this in the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .