This week and for the next 6 weeks leading up to the end of Summer term, Year 6 children will be working with the South London Urban Growers (S.L.U.G).
About SLUG:
S.L.U.G: The local gardeners that are transforming disused patches of land in Southwark into Food Forests. A local gardener is on a mission to transform disused green spaces across the borough into what he calls mini ‘Food Forests’. Thirty-one year-old horticulturist and Camberwell resident for six years Ben Peirson has already transformed a small patch of land in Camberwell into a mini food forest and is currently undertaking a larger project at St Francis Park, just off Dog Kennel Hill in East Dulwich.
Ben created S.L.U.G. (South London Urban Growers) in 2019 with fellow horticulturist Alice Ashton from Tulse Hill, but uses a collective of volunteers. The pair aim to get local people in each area to come in on the projects and have managed to win some funding from Southwark Council.
Food Forests’ are assemblies of edible and useful plants that mimic a natural forest. The gardeners plant perennial plants (plants that last more than two years) and edibles that are well adapted to growing in London’s warming and increasingly drought and flood prone climate. The crops include Tree Kale, Oca Root and Passionfruit, to name just a few.
Outdoor Learning is Growing!
SLUG will be with DKH Primary once a week for the remaining weeks leading up to half term. The children are really enjoying their time with the SLUG team and are learning alot about the importance of growing our own crops and how ground to table is undoubtedly the best and healthiest way to eat good food.
As well as SLUG coming in weekly, we of course have Mr Butt who regularly escorts children to our allotment patch, and now Martin Finn, one of our Governors has agreed to work with some children every Friday at the allotment. We are so lucky to have such wonderful, green fingered people in our amazing DKH community.
A huge thank you to you all!
Gallery:
For a larger view, please click on the thumbnails below.