Brogdale Collections is famous worldwide for their 150-acre fruit collection, but their education department is working in some less expected areas too. Last autumn they took part in a joint venture with the charity School Food Matters (a Countryside Classroom partner) which introduces the cultivation of fruit and vegetables to inner city London schools. Apple trees from Brogdale nursery were presented to children from six London schools, who were taught about how apples grow and how to plant and care for their own tree.
A seventh tree was presented to Borough Market, which is also working with the charity. The day was a resounding success with the children and was extremely well received by School Food Matters. We hope this will become part of a long-term collaboration with the charity.
Back at Brogdale, they have completed the build of an interactive weather station(pictured). An area of land was gifted by the landlord to site a fully functioning teaching space. This includes information boards, measuring instruments and a human sundial activity. This has provided a valuable teaching resource to explore the impact of climate on fruit production and the environment. A significant area of KS1 and KS2 curriculum, the weather station has proved popular with all school visits
