Roots Return to Venturers’ Academy To Inspire Educational Gardening For a Second Year Running

Last year, Venturers’ Academy got in touch to see if we could lend a hand with their school’s growing space in Hartcliffe, Bristol. The planters had become overgrown, the greenhouse needed a clear-out and they were dreaming of a space where their students could spend time outside, connecting with nature and experiencing the joy of growing their own food.

Together with some of the young people, a few dedicated volunteers, and a couple of teachers, we rolled up our sleeves and gave the area a much-needed makeover. We cleared the greenhouse, weeded and replanted all of the raised beds, and filled the space with strawberries, potatoes, climbing beans, leeks, and more.

Increasing educational gardening in learning spaces is something that’s really close to our hearts at Roots—not just for the skills it teaches, but for the confidence, calm, and connection it cultivates.

About Venturers’ Academy

Venturers’ Academy is a pioneering school for children with a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). The school provides a highly personalised, inclusive education tailored to meet a wide range of needs. From early years through to age 19, the academy offers continuity and stability for families looking for specialist provision.

By combining a bespoke curriculum, they’re able to offer choice, flexibility, and meaningful progression routes that support each individual’s unique journey. They’ve been internationally recognised as one of the world’s top three schools for overcoming adversity. It’s a very special organisation—one we’re hugely proud to partner with.

This year, we’ve been back just in time for this year's growing season.

From Soil to Soup

Last year’s harvest had gone down an absolute treat. The students at Venturers’ Academy gathered some of the produce they’d grown and turned it into a big, hearty soup—the perfect way to celebrate the fruits of their labour.

First Up: Team Meeting

To kick things off, Ed (Root’s founder!) gathered everyone together for a team huddle. With the sun shining and tools at the ready, he welcomed the group and gave a quick run-through of the plan for the day.

Ed split everyone into smaller teams, assigning each group a raised bed to take responsibility for. Each team would start by weeding their bed, then move on to planting and watering.

Weeding, Planting and Watering

Once the teams were in place, it was time to prepare the beds. Everyone got stuck in with a good round of weeding to make space for new growth. The soil was topped up where needed, giving the seedlings a fresh, nutrient-rich base to settle into.

This time around, we came armed with trays of beans, rocket, lettuce, spring onions, potatoes, tomatoes, calendula, kohlrabi, and some purple sprouting broccoli. With the plants carefully spaced and tucked into the soil, the final job was a thorough watering.

The students took real ownership of their patches and it was clear how much pride they felt in the work they’d done.

Growing Skills, Joy and Purpose Within Learning Spaces

Over double the amount of students joined us this year after taking an interest in last year’s growing season. The energy in the space was amazing—full of chatter, teamwork, and muddy hands.

It’s always such a pleasure to return to spaces like this, not just to lend a hand, but to witness the growing confidence, connection, and sense of ownership that comes from growing.

Solving Eating Challenges Through Educational Gardening

For individuals with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), getting a nutritious diet can be difficult due to eating challenges. Venturers’ Academy are looking at different ways to overcome this challenge.

James, the post-16 lead at the academy, says:

“We want to make sure our students are eating properly and getting all the things they need.”

James told Roots that before the students had the chance to grow their own food, a bowl of vegetable soup would’ve been met with a firm “no thanks.” After harvesting their own leeks and potatoes, they’re much more open to giving new foods a try.

“It’s really great to see that there’s a lot of hope for us to make the kind of change most people assume isn’t possible.” — James

Pushing for Educational Gardening in More Schools Across the UK

It’s hard to believe that growing food hasn’t been part of the national curriculum since 1945. In a time when food security, climate resilience, and mental health are hot topics, it feels more important than ever to get kids outside, learning where their food comes from, and experiencing the hands-on benefits of growing.

We’ve seen first-hand how transformative it can be—especially in settings like Venturers’ Academy, where students are given the space to connect with nature in a calm, sensory-rich environment.

Here’s what founder Ed had to say:

“This is what it’s all about for me—getting young people interacting with nature, growing their own food and helping them develop a deeper understanding of where food comes from. I’m so proud of how willing the students at Venturers’ Academy were to get involved, and it’s lovely to see kids who last year didn’t want to put hands in the soil, now enthusiastically planting and enjoying the space.

Bring growing back on the UK curriculum, GOV, please!”

Want to Learn More About Our Community Projects?

🍎 Recovering our orchards in the UK

🌽 Bristol Market Garden with Generation Soil

🤲🏾 What we do with our site's surplus produce

Hey friend! We’re Roots Allotments 🌱

We create shared spaces for local food production and nature. They provide members with everything they need to get started—from seeds, tools, and plants, to growing advice—whilst fostering community with in-person workshops and events.

The spaces consist of a mixture of biodiversity-boosting habitats like native woodland and hedgerows, fruit orchards, insect habitats, ponds, and wildflower meadows.

Together we can show that food can be grown with nature, not against it.