News

We’re pleased to announce that spring has officially sprung at Access to Industry and our Midlothian Welfare Garden group is back! Running on Tuesdays from 18 March (spring term 18 March-3 June; autumn term 19 August-4 November), the group will be clearing, planting and growing in Dalkeith Welfare Hall’s garden space.

Kicking off with some introductory learning on tools and plants found in the garden, plans for the coming weeks are to focus on cutting back overgrown shrubs, clearing up storm damage and build on the work done last year:

Students will be part of a team working towards common goals – solving problems, learning to give and take direction, providing support to new members, and sharing tasks to make up a well-functioning team. Those who manage to sustain will be put forward for an Adult Achievement Award.

As well as learning new skills, the group is intended to supporting students’ health and wellbeing, with an activity that gets them outdoors, socialising with their peers, and in touch with nature. The group meets at 9:45am for tea, coffee and breakfast, ahead of a 10am start – join us!

Jennifer Melville, Midlothian Services Co-ordinator, says:
“We hope to supplement the planting we put in (spring flowering bulbs and perennial shrubs) with more colour and a culinary herb patch. We will be doing this on a budget, so this means propagating from seed and taking cuttings and divisions from what we already have. We also hope to attract more birds and will place feeders around the space. This will provide a calm and beautiful space for the Welfare Hall members and the various groups who use it throughout the week.”

To join, ask your Caseworker, or contact Jennifer on jennifermelville@accesstoindustry.co.uk.