We continue Norwood Forum’s support for Incredible Edible Lambeth’s food growing initiatives, promoting their schools conference on 1 February 2026. We were delighted that three Norwood schools took part; Hitherfield, Elmgreen and for the first time following our publication, Rosendale School. They were joined by other schools across Lambeth with on-site food growing initiatives and locally based Studio Cultivate and Dad's Kids Club. Also present were  Hackney School of Food and Christchurch School Community Garden providing advice and information from further afield. 

There were fantastic examples of different food growing spaces within schools, from good sized designated areas at Rosendale and Hitherfield to roof top Garden beds at Elmgreen. Discussion included onsite composting of food waste and the leadership of school kitchen staff in growing initiatives. Whilst resources are scarce, specialist advice is available though Incredible Edible and via members such as Studio Cultivate, whose story based approach teaches ecology, outdoors, to about 1400 children a week across London, creating edible gardens within each setting. 

We encourage parents and staff at other schools in our area to explore possibilities and join Incredible Edible Lambeth's network. Forty years ago, gardening was part of the science curriculum. The conference included discussion of the benefits of bringing this back to foster a better connection in young people to the food we eat, improving their health and wellbeing. Restoring schools as central community hubs, including onsite food growing projects that could involve the whole family would go much further towards these ends. 

A full report can be read on Incredible Edible’s website and we look forward to working with Incredible Edible Lambeth’s mapping and other collaborative projects throughout the year.

The Norwood School garden which Norwood Forum seed funded via our fledgling Gipsy Hill Health & Wellbeing small grants scheme in 2022.
Photo courtesy of Incredible Edible Lambeth