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About Us

A green oasis in the heart of London, training young people to fulfil their potential.

Roots and Shoots is an independent, award-winning educational and environmental charity based in Kennington, South London. From a derelict site in 1982, it has grown to become a well-established and respected vocational training organisation with biodiverse wildlife gardens, offering a safe haven for both people and nature to flourish.

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The charitable aims of Roots and Shoots are:

To provide accessible and positive vocational and educational opportunities for young Londoners with an Education, Health and Care Plan. We have created a safe and inspiring space filled with nature in which young people facing multiple challenges can thrive. This empowers them to develop new skills, build confidence and gain employment experience to prepare for the world of work.

Read more about our Vocational Training

To provide a sanctuary for nature across our unique one-acre site in central London, which has been designed and is maintained to enrich biodiversity in the urban environment. We are an environmentally-focused organisation, promoting urban gardening and nature for all, with our therapeutic green spaces enhancing the wellbeing of our students, staff, volunteers and community users.

Read more about our Environmental Projects

In addition to our education and environmentalism work, behind our 40-year legacy is an ethos which supports collaborative creativity and the local community. Our immediate local communities are ethnically diverse and characterised by areas of social deprivation with a lack of access to green space. To address their needs, we offer access to nature and collaborate with local community groups and charitable organisations, offering advice, support and meeting spaces.

We hire out our Hall and meeting rooms to charities and not-for-profit organisations as an affordable venue space in the heart of London. The income from this supports the work of our charity. We also host Open Day events, providing environmental education and entertainment for local families.

We are a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. Our Charity Registration Number is 1064070, and our Company Number is 3400781. We have a Board of eight experienced and dynamic Trustees who oversee our organisation.

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Our Impact

“An outstanding and imaginative programme promoting in depth understanding of sustainable development combined with a wildlife garden that is a place of peace and beauty for deprived multicultural communities.”

UNESCO Man and the Biosphere UK Award 2011

From a derelict and polluted site in 1982, Roots and Shoots has grown to become a well-established and respected vocational training organisation with biodiverse wildlife gardens, offering a safe haven for both people and nature to flourish.