MEP has been teaching gardening and horticultural skills since 2010, primarily at the Roedale Valley Allotments site in Brighton. During lessons, MEP volunteer teachers introduce horticultural language within the context of tending a garden, and growing and cooking vegetables, and the allotment provides a space to put this knowledge into action.
Sessions at the allotment help students to learn new vocabulary, participate in physical activity and develop new skills. Being in a natural environment and engaging with healthy lifestyles are also beneficial for mental health, confidence and self-esteem. Crops grown are decided in a participatory manner, based on the plants students like to grow, foods they like to eat and experiences of gardening in other countries. There is an emphasis on producing fruits and vegetables for students to eat nutritional meals – both in their own homes and in shared MEP lunches.
In 2024, the plot was officially converted from shared access to our exclusive use as the MEP Community Garden. During the Spring and Summer months, we host many joyful gardening sessions – providing tea, snacks and transport costs for MEP students and their families. We are now developing a sensory garden at the Community Garden and plant beds for students to develop their own growing spaces.
The MEP Community Garden is managed by volunteers, and we are always looking for new people to get involved, especially as plans and site usage expands. If you are interested in helping, please contact the Migrant English Project by email at mepbrighton12@gmail.com with “FAO MEP Community Garden” in the subject line.
