| How can we use gardening to teach children about the natural world and the importance of sustainability? |
| While volunteering at Gazen Salts Nature Reserve, I often saw school groups arrive with their teachers, excited to explore the wetlands and discover local wildlife. Watching children engage with nature firsthand was inspiring—spotting birds, studying insects, and asking questions about the ecosystems around them. These visits were a powerful reminder of how essential connecting young people with the natural world early on is. Through conversations with other volunteers, we often reflected on the role of education in creating a more environmentally conscious future. One approach that stood out to me was the philosophy of Forest Schools, which I had the chance to learn more about during my time there. These programs promote outdoor, hands-on learning, encouraging children to explore, play, and grow in natural environments. They foster curiosity, resilience, and a deep respect for nature. Here’s how gardening can teach children about the natural world and sustainability: Understanding Ecosystems and Life Cycles Plant life cycles: Watching a seed grow into a plant and produce new seeds helps children understand natural cycles. Pollinators and soil life: Observing bees, butterflies, worms, and composting processes reveals the interconnectedness of life. Soil health: Kids learn about decomposition, nutrients, and microbes by composting and digging in the dirt. Learning About Sustainability Composting: Teaches how to reduce food waste and return nutrients to the soil. Water conservation: Children learn to use water wisely and understand its importance. Growing food: Helps children appreciate where food comes from and how growing locally supports the planet. Native plants and biodiversity: Encourages respect for local ecosystems and the benefits of supporting native species. Promoting Responsibility and Scientific Thinking Weather and seasons: Kids observe how climate and seasons affect growth. Photosynthesis and plant biology: They learn basic scientific concepts in an applied, memorable way. Responsibility: Taking care of a garden builds patience, consistency, and empathy. Fostering Creativity, Wellbeing, and Connection Creative expression: Activities like garden journaling or drawing plants connect art and nature. Mental health: Gardening has proven benefits for reducing stress and encouraging mindfulness. Healthy eating habits: Children are more likely to try fruits and vegetables they’ve grown themselves. Simple, Impactful Activities Build a pollinator garden with bee- and butterfly-friendly plants. Set up a worm compost bin to explore decomposition. Create a rainwater collection system to water plants. Plan a “plant from scraps” day using kitchen leftovers. Track the growth of a seed with drawings or photos. By making gardening a regular part of children’s learning, we can help them develop a deep appreciation for the natural world and empower them to be thoughtful stewards of the environment. |
Earthly Comforts 
Absolutely, gardening is a wonderful way for children to learn about the natural world.
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Start them young as they say and they carry on being interested 🙂
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Indeed!
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