The extinction of experience and (re-)cultivating wellbeing and sustainability through garden-based learning

Abstract

In the context of children and young people’s decreasing experiences of, and exposure to, natural environments, increasing mental health concerns and growing worries about global environmental problems, this paper examines the role of school gardens in addressing some of these issues. Drawing on the experiences of three initiatives stemming from the original pilot school garden programme, the paper presents evidence indicating how garden-based learning can positively contribute to better health and wellbeing, learning and environmental awareness.