Summer of Outreach 2024
- 23 September 2024
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At One Garden Brighton, our Outreach Department has been busy over the past few months, delivering a range of exciting projects and events to engage the local community and inspire sustainable change.
Community Outreach at One Garden Brighton
From empowering young women to get into mountain biking, to providing hands-on learning experiences in horticulture and sustainability, our mission is to connect people with nature while promoting a greener future. Here's a roundup of what we've been up to:
Brighton and Hove Mountain Bike Network for Girls
This year, we were thrilled to host the Brighton and Hove Mountain Bike Network for girls, a local initiative dedicated to creating a fun, free, and inclusive space for girls aged 12-17 to learn mountain biking. The group meets for skills sessions, local rides, and social events designed to build confidence and foster friendships.
Participants have the option to hire bikes and helmets, making the sport accessible to all. This initiative is all about empowering young women to experience the joy of outdoor adventure and connect with nature in a new, exciting way. To get involved, reach out to the team at brightongirlsmtb@gmail.com.
Welcoming Our Summer Intern: Hannah
In collaboration with the University of Sussex, we had the pleasure of hosting Hannah, our summer intern, who worked with us in the garden and glasshouse for six weeks. During her internship, Hannah took on several mini-projects, including working on our Sustainable Hydroponic Growing Towers, setting up tomato planters, and helping with the vegetable garden's harvest. She also learned to build support structures for climbing plants like melons and cucumbers.
Hannah shared her experience, saying:
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you, the garden team, and the wonderful volunteers. I truly enjoyed my time at One Garden and greatly appreciate the experience."
We love supporting young people in gaining valuable work experience and helping them explore career options in sustainability and horticulture.
Our First Corporate Away Day
In July, we hosted our first Corporate Away Day, which was a huge success! The event allowed local businesses to take a break from their usual environments, enjoy some time outdoors, and reflect on their own sustainability practices. Our team facilitated engaging, hands-on activities designed to encourage collaboration and foster creative thinking around environmental issues.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one attendee remarking:
"We had our best Green Summit yet, and it was thanks to your time and effort during the run-up and on the day of the event."
We look forward to hosting many more corporate groups as part of our mission to integrate sustainable practices into everyday business life.
If you wish to host your business away day with us, email us at outreach@onegardenbrighton.com
Sustainability-Focused School Visits
As part of our commitment to education, we have been hosting Secondary School Visits with a strong focus on sustainability and outdoor learning. These interactive sessions bring students into our garden to explore a variety of sustainability-focused, curriculum-based workshops.
From hands-on horticulture lessons to the history and heritage of the local area, these visits offer students a unique learning experience that enhances their well-being while sparking an interest in environmental stewardship.
As a subsidiary of Plumpton College, we take great pride in offering high-quality educational experiences that promote an appreciation for the outdoors and sustainable living.
Hydroponic Volunteer Project
Volunteers are at the heart of our Hydroponic Volunteer Project, an essential element of our sustainability strategy. This project offers community members the chance to work alongside our expert garden team, gaining hands-on experience in hydroponic growing methods.
Our volunteers receive dedicated supervision and training, learning about this innovative and eco-friendly approach to farming. It's a fantastic opportunity to contribute to our sustainability efforts while gaining new skills in a friendly and supportive environment.
What's Next?
As we move into the next season, we're excited to continue offering these meaningful programs and engaging with the community in new ways. Whether you’re a young adventurer, a student, or someone looking to volunteer, we have something for everyone at One Garden Brighton.
Stay tuned for more updates on our outreach activities and how you can get involved. Together, we can build skills, inspire sustainable change, and continue to connect with nature in our beautiful space.
For more information on upcoming events or to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to seeing you in the garden!
