Coventry University expands school allotment initiative
New project will help more children connect with nature, grow food and improve wellbeing across the city
Coventry University is helping children across the city discover the benefits of growing their own food and spending time in nature by expanding a successful school allotment initiative.
Dr Jana Fried, Assistant Professor at the university’s Research Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR), has co-led a UNESCO award-winning pilot project with Earlsdon Primary School and Grow Coventry CIC since 2023.
The initiative, which has supported children to develop practical gardening skills while improving their wellbeing, is now set to reach more schools across Coventry thanks to new grant funding from the Nature Towns and Cities programme.
The programme is a partnership between Natural England, the National Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It was launched to help millions more people access nature and enjoy green spaces close to home.
Dr Fried said: "Coventry has 45 allotment sites across the city but many people either don’t know how to access them or face long waiting lists.
"If you enable schoolkids and their parents to get involved, you’re opening up allotments to families who wouldn’t normally enter these spaces.
"This model could also encourage involvement from families who don’t want to take on a whole plot themselves, making participation more accessible and manageable.
"That can create more access for wider populations, including migrant communities who often have deep knowledge of food growing but lack access to green space.
"This funding will allow us to expand the pilot to new schools and build a network to support further growth. More people engaging with nature also helps protect it.
With the additional funding, Dr Fried’s project will expand the school allotment model, creating more opportunities for children to take part in hands-on environmental learning and food-growing activities.
The project forms part of Coventry City Council’s ‘Green for All’ programme, which aims to make nature and green spaces more accessible throughout the city.
Earlsdon Primary School is one of the city schools to have already seen the benefits.
Rebecca Bollands, Headteacher at Earlsdon Primary School said: "Two years ago we took over a community allotment ten minutes from the school due to our lack of green space.
"Pupils grow beans, potatoes, chard, raspberries, sweetcorn, leeks, pumpkins, rhubarb and more. The produce is used in school meals, shared with families and donated to food banks.
"The impact has been huge, practical work helps pupils retain learning, being in green space boosts wellbeing, and they’re more willing to try new fruit and vegetables.
"We’re keen to share our experience with other schools because many more children could benefit from outdoor learning."