A new children’s workshop called Grow & Learn, based at the Ventnor Botanic Gardens, has been a runaway success, proving so popular it’s almost fully subscribed.
The weekly workshop, which commenced in September, has a focus on art and nature, aiming at home-educated children aged between 5 and 10 years.
Run as a not-for-profit by filmmaker, Rowena Amos and mindset coach, Bethan Carr the sessions are led by artist, illustrator and early years educator Lucia Para. It is also supported by well-known Island storyteller and historian, Holly Medland Lees and ex-teacher Trish Campbell.
Rowena says:
“We recognised there was a need in the South Wight, to create a fun, relaxed workshop where children can explore art and nature in an inspiring setting. The botanic garden is perfect, we have
a modern, warm room with views over the courtyard and access to the beautiful gardens.“It’s a very safe space with the benefit of on-site parking, and a café where parents can enjoy some time off or catch up on work. I think after Covid there are a lot of parents looking for alternative ways to educate their children and be more actively involved themselves. Hopefully, we can be one solution to that.”
Beth adds:
“It’s very much a parent cooperative, we encourage everyone to get involved as little or as much as they wish. Any extra funds are being pumped back into the business, so we can invite along various guests, giving the children a rich wealth of learning experiences. We’ve had fitness classes, talks on Minibeasts, Science experiments and Daniel from Sandown’s very own Poo Museum, to name a few!”
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The Botanic Garden staff have been hugely supportive of the project. The children have access to Trish, their on-site gardener, learning about planting and climate. There’s been painting activities down in the studio with resident artist Mark Cosby and learning about local, fresh ingredients with chef Michael.
Darren, manager at Ventnor Botanic Gardens, says:
“We are really pleased to be supporting the Grow & Learn workshop here. The garden is ideal for discovery and of course for well-being. Our Plantation Room Café has proved a very popular location for the parents!”
Grow & Learn runs every Thursday from 10:00 to 14:00 in the Canna Room at the Ventnor Botanic Gardens. Parents who join, get a complimentary six-month pass, so they can access the gardens and park free of charge. Any children in the workshop get access to the gardens, playpark and all outdoor spaces.
For all information or to register your child, go to www.growandlearn.co.uk.
