Roots and Shoots near Kennington Cross is a registered charity and vocational hub dedicated to educating young people facing multiple challenges in Lambeth and Southwark and preparing them for the world of work through internships in horticulture and retail. It’s also a green space for urban biodiversity and is frequently visited by school groups. In addition to all of this good work, it’s open to all for a wonder around its verdant and leafy half acre. And did you know this verdant patch is UNESCO award winning?
On Saturday Roots and Shoots will be having their annual community open day called ‘Flourish Fest’ and we’re all invited! In addition to giving you gardening tips, looking at the activities from last year there was the suggestively sounding pond dipping, butterfly sessions, bug drawing, cyanotype printmaking and chalk painting which was for all ages to enjoy. The event featured delicious tacos (yes!) with storytelling by their education staff. The day also featured live music scattered throughout the site. This all sounds great, but to us frankly it seems aimed at kids. Don’t get us wrong, we love children. In fact a few Observer staff were once children themselves. So we reached out to Roots and Shoots and its certainly adult friendly.
In addition to the frolicking fun listed above, they also have a very busy apiary on site. When we first read this we excitedly thought it had something to do with apes. As it turns out its where bees live, and beekeepers will be showing off their craft. There will also be a masterclass in creating floral crowns which will be perfect for our upcoming team building weekend at Glastonbury, provided we don’t trample over it at 4am in the Silver Hayes dance tent.
Roots and Shoots is a vital charity, and on the day they can tell you how you can volunteer, for example tending their gorgeous Doorstep Green in Fitzalan Street. On a visit for this article we saw a group of young people with additional needs attending a lecture on potting plants and a second group who were proudly harvesting vegetables. Helping them could be another way to show your support.
