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.
Wild Garden and Study Centre
Roots and Shoots Wild 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 temperate climates flourish.
The Wild Garden is the base of the London Beekeepers’ Association, whose members run beekeeping courses and taster days. Our honey, said by many to be the best in London, is sold in our shop - stocks permitting. The shop also sells Roots and Shoots Autumn Bounty, our own apple juice, pressed on site, and other ethically sourced items.
The Eco-Building
The eco-building, opened in 2005, is the hub of Roots and Shoots’ activities. Built in wood from sustainable sources, with sheep’s wool insulation, it has a sedum roof and photovoltaic panels, generating all our own electricity with some left over to sell through the National Grid. Rainwater is collected for the WCs and to water plants, and the building also includes insect and bird boxes. 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 the local community. In spring, summer, autumn and at Christmas we also hold an Open Day, when various children’s activities linked to the educational calendar take place and our popular Producers’ Markets are held. 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.