St John’s School and Quakers Hall Lane Allotments partnership delivers environmental and community benefits

Published: 01 April 2026

Sevenoaks Town Council’s Quakers Hall Lane Allotment site has seen an impressive community collaboration thanks to a partnership between allotment tenants and pupils from St John’s CE Primary School, which adjoins the site.

Over the past year, Simon Aguss, an allotment tenant, and Ed Grobel, Forest School Teacher, have worked together to deliver a series of outdoor learning activities as part of the St John’s Forest School programme.

Around 90 pupils have taken part in a hands-on environmental project using timber from a tree felled on site. The tree had become overgrown and was casting significant shade over neighbouring plots, affecting crop growth. The timber from the pruned tree was all put to good use – to create stakes, construct a dead hedge, cover a hedgehog hibernaculum, build a habitat pile for amphibians and reptiles, craft seating for Forest School sessions, and provide firewood for allotment holders.

Over three days in December, January and March, students learned how to safely use tools such as bowsaws and loppers, construct the hedge, and build a fire – over which they enjoyed roasting chestnuts, marshmallows and even allotment-grown sprouts.

The initiative has delivered significant benefits for both people and nature. As well as enhancing biodiversity and improving the amenity of the allotment site, it has provided pupils with valuable life skills.

Ed Grobel, St John’s Forest School Teacher, commented, “St John's pupils have loved being involved in this project and have benefited in all sorts of ways. They have acquired practical knowledge; developed skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving; and it's been wonderful to witness them grow in confidence, independence and resilience. If nothing else, they've enjoyed being outdoors having fun with their friends! And I know they've felt very proud to be able to contribute to a real-life community project that helps local wildlife. I'm very grateful to Simon Aguss, Sevenoaks Allotment Holders' Association (SAHA) and the Town Council for facilitating this and I am looking forward to similar projects in the future.”

Cllr Dr Merilyn Canet, Chair of the Community Asset (Open Spaces) Committee at Sevenoaks Town Council, remarked, “We’re delighted to see such a strong connection between the allotment community and St John’s, giving children a truly special opportunity to learn in the open air. It’s wonderful that knowledge is being shared across generations and young people are learning new skills and getting involved in environmental projects like this. People of all ages and circumstances are welcomed at our allotment sites – they are a real centre of community life.”

There is currently only a short waiting list for Town Council allotment plots. Anyone interested can contact Sevenoaks Town Council at allotments@sevenoakstown.gov.uk