Connecting with children and schools has always been a key focus of The Serge Hill Project as we navigate the changing world that draws us further from our natural world. We know that for our younger generations—especially those growing up in urban communities—there are many barriers to experiencing the fundamental benefits of being within gardens and natural spaces, with subtle yet significant consequences.
Our educational programme fosters learning through a playful and explorative approach that emphasises nature connection. Through wellbeing, creative practices and seasonal gardening skills we encourage children to be directly with and responsive to the natural world.
Those who have visited us throughout the season have immersed themselves in The Plant Library, exploring its 2,000 species of perennials and bulbs through sensory and ecological trails, learning about the plants’ stories, properties and their relationships with the creatures they host.
In the therapeutic garden, the schools become more active—getting their hands into the soil, sowing and foraging flowers, herbs, fruits, vegetables and seeds that later become transformed into pieces of art or surprising snacks. Children learn about the natural cycles that sustain our everyday lives, the material cultures of plants through craft and how to care for gardens as ecosystems.
Personal space and reflection within the gardens is also encouraged. Plants become vessels for conversations around energy, emotion, expectation and rest. Many schools recognise the value of these visits in the time spent away from the formality and pressure of the classroom. They often note uplifted moods, deeper engagement, and the growing confidence and expression of particular students who may be experiencing challenges in and out of school.
Since March 2025, we have hosted 44 educational visits, welcoming over 260 children and young people from local primary, secondary, SEND schools, and home-schooled groups to The Plant Library, Apple House and therapeutic garden.
The Serge Hill Project also offers an outreach for schools, supporting them to develop their gardens and green spaces. These projects aim to bring The Serge Hill Project’s values and impact into the school environment, creating more energising places for children and staff to learn and connect as a community.
Our first outreach schools are Central Primary and Lanchester Primary, Watford. We have been busy planting bulbs in sand and green waste this autumn—mirroring the horticultural approaches we use in The Plant Library—and introducing new habitats such as bug snugs to encourage more wildlife within their urban playgrounds, with many developments to come in 2026.
Looking back on our first season, we are feeling enthused and inspired by the young minds we’ve had the pleasure of working with and are now taking school bookings for 2026. If you know of a local school that would be interested in visiting us or you have any questions about our education programme, please get in touch with Rachel via rachel@sergehillproject.co.uk