Edible Playgrounds bloom in primary schools in Glasgow

Children at three primary schools in Glasgow are connecting with nature as part of the curriculum, with the introduction of Edible Playgrounds. Funded by Clear Channel UK and built by the charity, Trees for Cities, the outdoor teaching gardens promote healthy lifestyles to children while providing them with crucial education about growing and eating healthy food.

These engaging learning spaces are designed to meet the specific needs of each school and complement the regular curriculum. They provide tools for students of all ages, enabling teachers to enrich lessons in subjects such as math, science, spelling, and art through hands-on experiences in the garden.

Clear Channel and Trees for Cities have a longstanding partnership that began in 2016, originally focused on street tree planting to bring more greenery to urban areas and create healthier communities. This collaboration has since expanded to include Edible Playgrounds in several cities, including five primary schools in Newcastle, two in Haringey, and now, Alexandra Parade Primary, Anderston Primary, St Denis' Primary schools in Glasgow.

The Edible Playgrounds were funded by Clear Channel as part of advertising concessions with Glasgow City Council, which returns a sizeable revenue share to the council for re-investment in public services. 

With nearly one in four children leaving primary school with obesity, Edible Playgrounds addresses data that links childhood obesity, urban housing density, and the lack of access to green spaces, by offering a sustainable solution. Taking learning outdoors enables children to gain opportunities for increased physical activity and improved motor skills. The initiative also instils healthy habits as students grow and prepare their fruits and vegetables. Teachers benefit from outdoor time which has been shown to reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, thereby enhancing overall well-being.