About Roots and Shoots
Roots and Shoots is in Kennington, south London, close to the Imperial War Museum and the Houses of Parliament. Since our charity began 25 years ago, the one-acre derelict Civil Defence site has been transformed. Where once a Meccano factory engineering works and barrage balloon launch pad stood are now our eco-training centre, plant nursery, shop, Wildlife Study Centre and Wild Garden.
The charity was set up in 1982 to help disadvantaged young people from Lambeth and Southwark prepare for the world of work. Up to twenty 16 - 19 year olds, all with educational problems or issues , spend a year with us. All have been unable to cope at school and many are at odds with the world when they arrive at Roots and Shoots.
Training
We take an holistic approach to their training, teaching key skills and general life skills alongside horticulture or retail, working towards an NVQ Level 1 qualification in one of these subjects. Within Roots and Shoots’ nurturing and supportive environment, young people acquire social skills and confidence and find a purpose and direction to equip them for work and life.
Work experience with local employers is also part of their programme. The time spent depends on each individual’s needs and wishes and we find the experience encourages them to take responsibility for their own learning and personal development.
The Wildlife Garden and Study Centre
The Roots and Shoots Wildlife Garden and Study Centre are a wonderful learning resource, providing environmental education for nursery, primary and special schools, as well as for the wider community. Diverse habitats have been developed in the Wild Garden to increase and promote the biodiversity of insect, plant and bird life. Surrounded by high buildings, the entire site is a lush inner-city oasis with a mild climate in which plants from warm temperate and mediterranean climates flourish.
The Wild Garden is also the base for the London Beekeepers’ Association who hold their meetings and courses at Roots and Shoots. Our honey, said by many to be some of the best in London, is sold in our shop - stocks permitting (it can be a rare commodity!). The shop also sells Roots and Shoots Orchard Bounty, our own apple juice, pressed on site with apples from our friends' orchard in Wales, as well as other ethically sourced items.
The Eco-Building
The eco-building, opened in 2005, is the hub of Roots and Shoots’ activities. It is clad in wood with sustainable energy and other environmental features. There is a large photovoltaic roof (solar electricity) which generates around 50% of our needs, solar water heating, rainwater collection for the WCs and to water plants and in the cladding there are built-in insect and bird boxes (for our hard-pressed sparrows and starlings). It’s where the training rooms, office and reception are housed and has a light and spacious hall and meeting rooms, which are available for hire.
Open Days and Educational Days
The Wild Garden is open all-year round during the week and is much enjoyed by schools and local communities. We are also open for special events at weekends and in the evenings in the summer. These are seasonal - in spring we have Science Open Day, for summer there is the Open Weekend for the National Gardens Scheme, in autumn we have our grand Apple Day and finally there is a Christmas Fair and celebration. At most of these events we exhibit the work of children using the Wildlife Garden during the year, hold workshops, lectures and exhibitions on urban biodiversity and seasonal themes and there is always a storyteller or two. Accompanying the educational aspect of these days are our popular Producers’ Markets. These also have a seasonal theme and stall-holders sell a selection of fresh organic produce, interesting hand-made crafts and home-grown plants.
Roots and Shoots is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, no 3400781 and registered charity number 1064070/0.