Our Ethos
At Footprint Gardens we wholly believe in looking after this planet for future generations, especially since we see so many children getting to grips within their environment. Being able to educate children (and adults) through design, materials and construction methods whilst ensuring the maintenance of grounds is at the core of what we do.
To minimise our carbon footprint, we aim to use environmentally conscious construction techniques, ethically sourcing our materials for the benefit of local businesses and communities. We’re grateful and fortunate to be working within this interactive sector and believe we have a duty to educate children to look after their environment and become role models for the wider community.
We’re fortunate to work outside and benefit from open space and natural fauna. We believe that gardening alleviates stress and enables us to recharge which is why we ensure our clients are part of the process.
“Simply contemplating nature helps to rest and recharge our brains”
Professor Alistair Griffiths
Health & Wellbeing
Gardens transform lives
It’s been proven that gardens and gardening make us feel better and that anyone, anywhere can enjoy their healing power. “A gardening green revolution has started – with increasing scientific evidence highlighting the critical importance of garden plants, gardens and gardening benefiting our physical, mental, and social wellbeing.” (RHS, Professor Alistair Griffiths)
Public Opinion on Gardens
85%
Quality of Life
80%
Education
68%
Relaxation
Summary of Gardens Survey for the National Trust carried out by Ipsos MORI
The importance of gardens and gardening for the general public Amongst the general public over 7 in 10 thought that it was important (critical, very, or fairly important) to their quality of life to spend time in gardens (71% agree).
Reasons why gardens are important. Gardens provide the public with an opportunity to unwind / relax. This is the most frequently mentioned response (68%) when people are asked why spending time in gardens is important to them. This is important to people irrespective of their age or life stage.
Should all children learn about gardening, including growing food, at school? The majority of the public (80%) think that all children should learn about gardening including growing food at school.
Sustainability
A Climate for change
The Government wanted all schools to become ‘sustainable schools’ by 2020. “We would like all schools to develop their grounds in ways that help pupils learn about the natural world and sustainable living, for example, through food growing and biodiversity conservation.”
The rise of sustainability in schools
Education
Inclusions and participation
By 2020 the Government would like all schools to be models of social inclusion, enabling all pupils to participate fully in school life while instilling a long-lasting respect for human rights, freedoms, cultures and creative expression.
Summary
Wellbeing, sustainability and education are key tenets of our ethos at Footprint Gardens. They enable us to create foundations on which to create fantastic bespoke gardens and natural play spaces which serve families, children, teachers and governors. These tenets are also key to Ofsted inspections and by speaking with key stakeholders, we’re able to help schools prepare for their future, staying ahead of the curve.