A new initiative is sowing the seeds of change in schools across the UK. The Growing Nature Academy (GNA) is an inspiring partnership between The Vegan Organic Network (VON) and Veganism in Education (VinE), dedicated to integrating ethical, ecological, and vegan organic principles into education. By empowering students, teachers, and the wider school community, GNA is fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
A Mission Rooted in Sustainability
At the heart of GNA is a commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource use. By embedding vegan organic ethics into the curriculum, the academy nurtures responsible global citizens who are passionate about building a compassionate and sustainable world.
How We’re Making a Difference
GNA is creating engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments where children can experience the benefits of planet-friendly vegan organic growing. Through practical resources, expert guidance, and hands-on experiences, students will gain a deep understanding of sustainable agriculture. The programme includes going into schools, school visits to vegan organic farms and animal sanctuaries, offering immersive learning experiences that connect young minds to nature. We also support vegan organic growing educational initiatives worldwide, such as the Atlas Vegan School in Uganda.
VON brings extensive expertise in vegan organic growing, while VinE has successfully introduced free classroom resources on ethical veganism. Now, VinE is expanding its efforts to develop sustainability and climate change resources, supporting schools in their veganic growing projects.
Our Progress So Far
GNA has already taken significant steps in bringing this vision to life:
A dedicated Research & Strategy Team has been established, Veganic farms interested in hosting school visits have been identified, a network of speakers and facilitators engaged in school-based education has been compiled, promising collaboration opportunities with like-minded organisations have been explored, several pilot growing projects have been launched.
Growing Awareness Through Community Engagement
GNA made its public debut at Heaton Park’s and Hulme Community Garden Centre’s Apple and Pumpkin Days, where Dan and Cherry led a sprouting workshop that captivated visitors of all ages. Attendees were introduced to the benefits of sprouting and had the opportunity to sample lentil, mung bean, and alfalfa sprouts. The hands-on activity of growing microgreens was particularly popular, sparking enthusiasm for plant-based, homegrown nutrition.
Bringing Green Learning to Schools
This spring, GNA will launch its first school visits:
Dan and Cherry will work with St Margaret’s Primary School in Manchester and, Juliette and Giles will partner with Clare Community Primary School in Suffolk.
The programme aims to create vibrant, hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to connect with nature while developing essential life skills. Activities will include engaging assemblies, lunchtime programmes, gardening clubs, and the construction of raised vegetable beds on school grounds.
Connecting Schools with Veganic Farms
Educational farm visits offer an invaluable opportunity for children to witness sustainable farming in action. Through government-backed educational access payments, farmers and landowners can receive support to host school visits. GNA is working to help farms access this funding and develop tailored educational resources.
The first year of school visits will include trips to Tree of Life Veganics, Dalton Moor Vegan fruit farm, and Tolhurst Organic farm. Students will explore key themes such as: Veganic growing and agroforestry, no-dig farming and agroecology, food security and land use, growing fruits and vegetables, wildlife and botany.
Interactive activities will immerse students in the natural environment, incorporating elements of permaculture, forest bathing, and indigenous-inspired practices. Children will engage in nature-based crafts, wildlife identification, and cooperative team-building exercises, fostering a holistic appreciation for the land and its rhythms.
Join Us in Growing the Future
The success of GNA depends on collaboration and community support. We are seeking: educators with experience e in sustainability and curriculum development, organisations interested in supporting or partnering on school-based veganic growing projects, funding and donations to expand the programme to more schools in the coming years.
The Growing Nature Academy is more than just an educational initiative—it is a movement to inspire the next generation to nurture the planet with compassion and care. Together, we can empower children to grow, learn, and thrive in a greener world. Will you help us plant the seeds of change?
Dan Graham