500 young children in Islington will be getting a special introduction to the natural world thanks to a grant from London Freemasons to The Garden Classroom charity.

The £59,000 grant will fund Little Seedlings, a special programme of year-round sessions for children under five years together with their parents and carers.

Islington is one of the UK’s most nature-deprived boroughs, where 71 per cent of residents lack access to a private garden. Across the UK, children are increasingly disconnected from nature, with research showing that 50 per cent of children cannot identify stinging nettles, 24 per cent do not recognise a conker and 83 per cent do not know what a bumblebee looks like.

An estimated 38 per cent of Islington children live in poverty and free-to-attend regular activities which benefit physical, emotional, cognitive and social skills are much needed. Children and adults alike will enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being outside, connecting with each other and the natural world around them. Sessions will also build social networks and friendships, so crucial for new parents and carers at risk of loneliness and isolation.

Each week at Little Seedings, child-led play and sensory activities such as mud kitchens are combined with ‘greening activity’ designed to increase biodiversity and improve the greenspace, such as planting, making seedballs, building log piles and even improving ponds. There are also regular activities linking food growing and healthy eating to develop an understanding of nature's journey from field to fork. Each week, heathy snacks, stories and songs build community and a sense of belonging.

Amy Haworth, The Garden Classroom’s Director of Community Programmes, said: “We’re very grateful to London Freemasons for their generous grant which allows us to introduce hundreds of local children to the natural world. Little Seedlings will give Islington children the chance to explore the natural world in a way that’s often impossible for those who live in this highly urbanised environment.”

Paul King from London Freemasons, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to help The Garden Classroom with their hugely important programme that gives Islington children the same experience of nature that kids from more rural parts of the country enjoy as a matter of course. Access to green spaces is vitally important for every child.”