Outdoor Learning

The Orchard is a sanctuary—a safe, calm, and quiet space ideal for one-on-one mentoring and an inspiring outdoor learning environment. It also hosts summer transition projects, easing the path for young people moving from primary to secondary school.

We grow organic fruit and vegetables year-round, incorporating them into our mentoring activities and offering them to young people to take home to their families.

Photos of The Orchard on this page were taken by Alana, a member of the JHF Social Group.

            

Community Involvement

In 2020, the local community came together to construct a beautiful outdoor learning centre called the Orchard. Since then, our community has continued to support it. For example, Clevedon Community Bookshop donated a reading bench, a popular feature for anyone seeking some quiet time. In February 2024, we partnered with Sustainable Clevedon to create a natural screen from the neighbouring campsite by planting a hedgerow.

We also pride ourselves on sharing the space with other organisations. The Brandon Trust uses one of the soil beds to grow their own vegetables, and another group regularly visits the Orchard as a destination for their walking group. The Brandon Trust described the Orchard as “

“The group enjoy the general gardening jobs they do: weeding, pruning, sowing seeds, watering, harvesting etc. They like having their own raised bed to grow vegetables in and then taking the produce home and using it for cooking. When asked about working in the orchard, VB said it’s “lush”… All in all, working in the orchard is beneficial in many ways. Members of the group can learn new skills and maintain existing skills. Being active in the orchard helps their physical and mental wellbeing and they enjoy the social aspect of doing things together.”

We also offer workshops to other charities and corporate sponsors.

Youth Voice

At the Orchard outdoor learning centre, youth voice is the cornerstone of all our youth work. We actively listen to young people’s ideas and incorporate their feedback into how the space is utilised, the activities we run, and the maintenance of the site. This collaborative approach ensures that the Orchard remains a dynamic and responsive environment, tailored to the needs and interests of the young people we serve. By empowering them to take an active role in shaping their learning experiences, we foster a sense of ownership and pride in the Orchard, making it a truly youth-led space.

To offer a small example- when a young person expressed a desire to see a frog, a team from the JHF and the local community built a pond in the shape of a heart to reflect our logo. Over time, he did eventually see a frog!

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is very important to us as a charity; we are committed to keeping the Orchard as environmentally friendly as possible. Some examples of our practices include:

  • Composting all of our green waste and teaching young people about the composting process.
  • Maintaining wildflower meadows for bee pollination.
  • Avoiding the use of fertilisers or pesticides.
  • Using biodegradable materials and recycling where possible.
  • Having a pond that serves as a habitat for some animal life and a water source for others.
  • Encouraging biodiversity by providing ample space for creatures to use as protected areas and habitats.

In 2023, we invited the Team Wilder Ecological Advisory Service to survey the Orchard. They praised our eco-friendly practices and nature connection efforts, and offered practical suggestions for increasing biodiversity and sustainability.

You can read the full report here.

Partners

We would like to extend a special thank you to the National Lottery Reaching Communities grant funding for helping us set up the Orchard, and to the Quartet Community Fund for their support in maintaining this vital part of our charity.

If you or your organisation would like to support this amazing space, then please contact us to find out about ways that you can get involved.

Harry’s Transformation through Outdoor Learning

Harry, a primary school student, struggled to focus in the classroom and often felt dysregulated. His difficulty concentrating hindered his learning and affected his classmates.

The school referred Harry to the JHF, where he was paired with a carefully selected mentor. Together, they visited the JHF Orchard for outdoor learning sessions and did a variety of activities including pond dipping, planting vegetables, table tennis and darts. 

In just a few sessions, Harry displayed a profound transformation: 

  • Flourishing Outdoors: While he struggled in the classroom, Harry thrived in the outdoor setting, highlighting the positive impact of nature on learning.
  • Engagement in Activities: He participated in various outdoor activities, developing confidence to try new things. 
  • Punctuality and Manners: He was always on time for sessions, displaying politeness and good manners.
  • Connection with Nature: Harry connected with the natural world.
  • Ownership of his learning: Harry displayed curiosity and an interest in learning. 
  • Calm and Relaxed: He was much calmer during the sessions, a start contrast to his behaviour in the classroom. He vocalised that he felt more relaxed when spending time outdoors, something he hadn’t done much of in the part. 

Harry’s experience at the JHF Orchard demonstrated the transformative power of outdoor learning. He became more engaged, confident, and calm, showing that alternative learning environments can significantly benefit students who may struggle in a traditional classroom environment.