All the income we make through our programme of events goes back into furthering the work of the Trust. This allows us to subsidise some of our children’s activities making them more affordable for all families to enjoy. We are always happy to get your feedback and listen to your suggestions for new courses and workshops. Click Help & Contact at the bottom of the page.
Beth Chatto was a strong, determined plantswoman and her innovative ecological approach has influenced generations of gardeners. She was passionate about working with the natural world rather than against it making famous the phrase Right Plant, Right Place. She strongly believed that the key to creating a healthier planet, is education.
"I wish to set up an Education Trust in my name to carry forward my passion for plants and ecological approach to all.”
In her 91st year Beth Chatto set up the Education Trust to develop educational opportunities through The Garden for everyone. The aim of the Trust is to inspire, educate, and to promote enjoyment and wellbeing for all through gardens and the outdoor environment.
Established in 2015 Beth Chatto Education Trust has developed a varied annual programme of courses, workshops, projects and activities for adults, children and community groups. The programme consists of firm favourites that are retained each year and new courses that keep the programme current and interesting. There is something to suit everyone whether you are an experienced horticulturalist or a novice keen to try your hand at something new.
We offer RHS Theory qualifications, practical gardening courses, one-day creative workshops, lectures, school visits, Forest school and children’s holiday garden activities. These can run for a morning, a day, termly or up to two years for the RHS qualifications.
The Beth Chatto Education Trust aims to facilitate people to access the outdoors, enjoy learning in our gardens and connect with the environment to enhance wellbeing.
Many of our courses are based in the Beth Chatto Gardens in our purpose-built education building, the 'Willow Room'. In addition to the formal gardens, we also have a separate ‘wild garden’ which we use with children and for hands-on practical learning.
Courses and events can be found and booked on our website.
If you would like to make a donation, click on the donation button to see examples of the many positive ways you could support us.
For children and schools
Beth Chatto’s gardening ethos will be translated using basic ecological principles that run through many environmental activities for children. Such as, Where do I live? What do I need? Why do I choose to live here? What makes me suited to my home? Who helps me survive?
Essentially, the principles of habitat, habitat selection, adaption, interrelationships and associations will be explored. These themes for both plants and animals will be taught through tailored fun activities, which each teacher can choose to suit their class learning outcomes.
If you are interested in booking a school visit, please download the school visit activity guide below for further information and contact details.
