Oakland Foundation Celebrates Success of Worcestershire Bonterre ‘Grow to Eat’ Project
- kwatts45
- 7 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Mark Williams, Trustee and Grant Application Coordinator of the Oakland Foundation visited Bonterre, a Community Interest Company (CIC) to witness the remarkable results of the Foundation’s £3,600 investment in their ‘Grow to Eat’ project.
During his visit, Mark was warmly welcomed by Bonterre’s Mike Stringer and given a tour of the vibrant outdoor learning site.
Said Mark: “It was wonderful to see the children and their progress. They proudly showed me the potatoes and small pots of basil they were growing. Later, they enjoyed strawberry picking. It’s such a positive educational programme for them to see where fruit and vegetables come from.”
The ‘Grow to Eat’ project, developed as a pilot with the Country Land and Business Association, provides hands-on, nature-based learning experiences for young people experiencing disadvantage, aged 8 -18 across Worcestershire.
The Oakland Foundation’s recent grant enabled Bonterre to run three blocks of six-week sessions, each offering two hours of expert-led activities per week for groups of up to ten children. Activities include seed sowing, planting, harvesting, animal care, carpentry, cookery, campfires, and sports, and all designed to boost confidence, teamwork, and life skills.
Mike from Bonterre added: “We are incredibly grateful to the Oakland Foundation for their continued support. Their funding allows us to welcome children who benefit from a different kind of learning environment. The Grow to Eat programme provides children with a unique learning experience that encourages them and helps to broaden their horizons. The programme also gives children a better understanding of where their food comes from and how it is produced."
Bonterre’s initiatives help many children in Worcestershire experiencing disadvantage, focusing on educational enrichment and positive experiences for vulnerable young people. Bonterre has supported over 1,000 young people that struggle in school classroom environments, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), mental health conditions, and challenging home situations. The farm provides a safe, inspiring space for children to develop resilience, emotional awareness, and practical skills.