At OrganicLea, we believe every child and young person deserves the chance to learn how to grow their own food. So we offer a variety of learning opportunities through schools and colleges, community centres, and other settings. This includes accredited training, school trips, our Forest School for younger children and work experience that forms part of our Garden of Sanctuary.
Our work with schools and young people supports the Waltham Forest Schools and Colleges Climate Charter. We focus on important topics like water, food, the circular economy, climate justice, nature, and building resilience. OrganicLea can help you meet the Charter’s goals and take positive action for the climate.
Providing the right support
We support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and those with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, to learn practical skills and build confidence outside the classroom.
Our garden projects help young people connect with nature, improve wellbeing, and develop life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving.
Our main building, classrooms, toilets, kitchen, and about half of the growing areas are wheelchair accessible.
We can offer:
- Year-long programmes at Hawkwood, with the chance to earn AQA Unit Awards in skills such as food growing, horticulture, enterprise, carpentry, and cooking.
- Support for schools to use their gardens as learning spaces for all students, staff, and the wider community, led by experienced staff.
- Alternative Provision at Hawkwood for students who find mainstream education challenging, with the option to earn a Level One qualification in Practical Gardening Skills.
Tours and activities with a trusted guide
If you’d like to bring your students for a visit to Hawkwood Nursery, we’ll arrange for a friendly, DBS-checked member of the OrganicLea Young People’s team to show you around. They’ll make sure everyone is safe, lead hands-on food-growing activities, and keep things fun and engaging.
We offer four types of seasonal school visits, spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each including a site tour, group activity, and the chance to harvest, cook, and eat what you pick. We work with you to tailor the visit to your class’s needs and curriculum.
School visit price list
| Half Day | Full Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 15 students | Up to 30 students | Up to 15 students | Up to 30 students | |
| Non fee-paying schools | £230 | £330 | £300 | £500 |
| Fee-paying private schools | £250 | £420 | £375 | £625 |
Discounts are available for multiple class visits. If cost is a concern, please contact us – we may be able to help.
What to expect from the visit
Visits usually last between two and three hours. You’ll get a guided tour of the 12-acre site and take part in a gardening activity that’s suitable for your group. Visits can cover a range of curriculum topics, such as:
- Primary Science: Learn about plants, seasonal changes, habitats, and local wildlife. See how we support biodiversity at the nursery.
- Geography: Explore food miles and where food comes from.
- History: Discover traditional and sustainable farming methods still used today.
- Cooking and Healthy Eating: Work together to harvest fresh produce and turn it into delicious, healthy meals.
- Secondary Subjects: Our visits support Geography, Biology, Science, Business Studies, History, and Politics, including GCSE and A Level topics.