WILD IN BRENT
Funded by The National Heritage Lottery Fund, Wild in Brent (April 2021–Dec 2023) is a multi-stakeholder project that has enabled LEAP to expand its reach in the borough of Brent.
Working in partnership with schools, community, environmental and media organisations, LEAP continues to develop its work in expanding opportunities for schools and communities to be involved in conserving Natural heritage.
By working with core partners; Brentfield Primary school and Roe Green Junior School, Wild in Brent focuses on providing opportunities for children that do not have access to green space at home, to repurpose unused areas in their schools into wildflower meadows and edible gardens.
Project Aims:
To conserve and restore natural heritage
To improve wellbeing for children who do not have access to green space at home
To enhance learning and skills
To build sustainable links within the local community
Environment
The project creates a greener environment at the schools, through planting to boost biodiversity. This contributes to the borough’s
Climate & Ecological Emergency Strategy - Nature and Green Spaces.
“Your commitment to providing opportunities for Brent’s children and communities to connect with nature and explore nature-based solutions to climate change, is both admirable and very welcome.”
“I once saw over 60 bees at the meadow site and counted them with the children. Result!”
Workshops
Through hands on learning children and adults gain green skills, including sowing wildflowers, vegetables, planting, harvesting, composting. Activities provide knowledge and understanding of the importance of boosting biodiversity and other green solutions to combat combat climate change.
“The open air, activity led, creative learning environment, was a fertile ground for the shyest of children to ‘open up’, both in words and actions.”
Community
The project facilitates links within the local community.
Roe Green Walled Garden and St Rafael’s Edible Garden host our young gardeners, parent volunteers and teachers, providing inspiration and support as well as fostering valuable links between the school community and their local community gardens.
“The visit to the local community garden was very worthwhile. Lots of our children (and parent volunteers) had no idea of its existence! It was then lovely to see some of these volunteers at our garden event. I feel this could be a source of advice for us in the future.”
Events
Our young gardeners showcase their achievements at our celebration events where they take on the role of ‘tour guide’
for our visitors.
“Many thanks for inviting me to see the garden - a truly inspiring community space that will hopefully be replicated elsewhere in the borough.”
“It’s a beautiful garden. Clearly well loved. Tour guides were amazing- thank you! Well done to the whole team.”
Media and Learning
Working with Alternative View Studios LEAP’s short animation film – ‘Brent Gets Wilder’ shows the process of repurposing an unused area into a thriving biodiverse haven for wildlife.
Upskilling and sustainability
Wild in Brent offers opportunities to school staff and volunteers to upskill in areas that will contribute to the sustainability of their garden projects.
“We have learnt practical ideas as well as gaining new knowledge on how to develop a sustainable and successful gardening club”
Brentfield Before & After
Roe Green Before & After
