We have worked so hard with our children to create a fruitful orchard complete with pear trees, apple trees, redcurrant trees, blackcurrant trees and gooseberry trees as well as strawberry plants. We have encouraged the children to take responsibility for helping the trees to grow and helped them to develop an understanding of where their food comes from. Being trusted to care for our trees and helping them to thrive enables our children to feel pride and empowerment. Being in nature has a calming effect on our children and gardening has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve mood and enhance self esteem.
