This is thanks to a £59,000 grant from London Freemasons, Islington under-fives and their families will take part in outdoor learning through The Garden Classroom’s Little Seedlings programme. Islington is among the UK’s most nature-deprived areas, with 71 per cent of residents lacking access to a private garden. The free scheme offers weekly child-led activities including mud kitchens and nature-based play, alongside hands-on projects to improve green spaces, such as planting and pond care. "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: "Access to green spaces is vitally important for every child."

Source: The Times February 14, 2026 11:09 UTC