Roots and Shoots is in Kennington, south London, close to the Imperial War Museum and the Houses of Parliament.Since the charity was founded 27 years ago, the one-acre former Civil Defence site has been transformed. Where once a Meccano factory engineering works and barrage balloon launch pad stood are now an eco-training centre, plant nursery, shop, Wildlife Study Centre and Wild Garden.

The charity was set up in 1982 by Linda Phillips, who is still the Director, to help disadvantaged young people from Lambeth and Southwark prepare for the world of work. Up to twenty 16 — 19 year olds, all with educational problems or issues , spend a year with them.All have been unable to cope at school and many are at odds with the world when they arrive at Roots and Shoots.

An holistic approach to the students’ training is taken, teaching key skills and general life skills alongside horticulture or retail. They work towards an NVQ Level 1 qualification in one of these subjects.Within Roots and Shoots’ nurturing and supportive environment, young people acquire social skills and confidence and find a purpose and direction to equip them for work and life.

Work experience is also part of their programme.The time spent depends on each individual’s needs and wishes. This experience encourages them to take responsibility for their own learning and personal development.

The Roots and Shoots Wildlife Garden and Study Centre are a wonderful learning resource, providing environmental education for nursery, primary and special schools, as well as for the wider community. Diverse habitats have been developed in the Wild Garden to increase and promote the biodiversity of insect, plant and bird life.Surrounded by high buildings, the entire site is a lush inner-city oasis with a mild climate in which plants from warm temperate and mediterranean climates flourish.

The Wild Garden is also the base for the London Beekeepers’ Association who hold their meetings and courses at Roots and Shoots. Their honey, said by many to be some of the best in London, is sold in their shop — stocks permitting.

Given its proximity to the Houses of Parliament the project was visited by House of Commons staff who stated in their magazine -‘Around the Commons”:

“If you are ever presented with the opportunity to visit a place called Roots and Shoots — grab it! And if you are ever asked to do some voluntary work there, even better. The place will gladden your heart and renew your faith in human nature — in fact in humans and nature (if need be). That’s pretty much the sentiment of a team of 14 Commons staff who spent a day there in September.”

Which seems like a good recommendation to visit their upcoming events:

Art Exhibition
26–29 October

Paintings and prints by carefully chosen new artists will be on exhibition at Roots and Shoots Kennington London.
ART EXHIBITION OPENING TIMES:
Monday 26 October, 10.00 — 16.00
Tuesday 27 — Thursday 29 October, 10.00 — 20.00

Auction
Saturday 31 October.

Work by famous artists in our auction 31 October

Up to 300 works by some of thecountry’s best known artists will be auctioned at Roots and Shoots ArtAuction in a fundraising event sponsored by office recruitment andsupplies company EBG and co-ordinated by Andrew Hallifax-Lyons, along-time Roots and Shoots supporter. Paintings and prints by carefullychosen new artists will be on exhibition at Roots and Shoots from 26 –30 October. Prices are expected to range from ¬£10 to ¬£30,000-plus andthe sellers’ and buyers’ commissions will be donated by EBG to Rootsand Shoots.

Both events to be held at
Roots & Shoots
Walnut Tree Walk,
London
SE11 6DN

For details please call 020 7587 1131