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Go Flourish Education and Community Garden Model (Pilot for Scalability)

Proposal code: THC-2026-05-119

Funding to support the Go Flourish Liaison Teacher at North Kessock, sustaining a school-based garden linking education and community and enabling a scalable model for wider rollout.

What do you want to do? We are seeking bridge funding to support the Liaison Teacher role at North Kessock Primary School. The Liaison Teacher is a fully qualified teacher with RHS training who works with children, staff, families and the wider community using the Go Flourish garden within the school grounds. The role integrates curriculum-based outdoor learning during the school day with community use of the same space beyond school hours.

The post is currently fully funded by Go Flourish, with impact evaluation being undertaken by the University of St Andrews School of Psychology & Neuroscience. This is a pilot project designed to develop a scalable model for wider rollout across schools.

Funding would strengthen an established model and support learning from the pilot to inform future replication. The Liaison Teacher is central to this integrated education–community approach, enabling continuity between school learning and wider community engagement.

Funding will support delivery of: •    An integrated school and community garden programme •    Curriculum-based outdoor learning during school time, including Teaching Assistant volunteer opportunities through Go Flourish •    A relationship-based model; the Liaison Teacher builds trusted relationships with children, families and local residents, enabling meaningful and sustained engagement. •    Weekly intergenerational community garden sessions for families and local residents outside school hours •    Shared care of the garden by children, families and community members, including during school holidays, building ownership and stewardship •    Flexible volunteering opportunities supporting inclusion across ages and abilities •    The Liaison Teacher as the key link between school and community, a role not otherwise resourced within school capacity •    Volunteer coordination, including safeguarding (PVG processing) and support •    Maintenance and development of a shared beautiful, psychologically-informed garden space widely described as a “sanctuary” •    Access for children to play within the garden, including a wild area and a play structure called ‘The Crown’ designed for imagination and exploration

The Liaison Teacher is already in post and funded by Go Flourish. This funding would sustain and strengthen delivery during the pilot phase while a long-term sustainable model is developed.

Why is your project important for your community?

This project creates a shared community garden embedded within North Kessock Primary School, providing a community infrastructure asset that integrates education, wellbeing and community connection in one accessible space.

The garden is an established biodiverse environment, widely described locally as a “sanctuary”, and is used by children, families and local residents, supporting inclusion and strengthening community relationships across generations.

The project aligns strongly with the Black Isle Local Place Plan, particularly priorities around: •    Community infrastructure and shared local facilities •    Community wellbeing and reduced isolation •    Nature, biodiversity and environmental enhancement •    Climate action and “think global, act local” approaches •    Strong, resilient rural communities •    Community participation and empowerment •    Support for local living and place-based activity

The Plan also references “Flourish” environmental education approaches, reflecting the same nature-based, community-led learning model delivered through Go Flourish. This builds on that locally recognised approach.

The model uniquely combines formal education and community use of the same space. A qualified teacher delivers curriculum-based outdoor learning during the school day, while the garden is also used for community activity beyond school hours. This creates continuity between school, home and community life.

The project supports intergenerational learning, volunteering and shared stewardship, strengthening local ownership and contributing to a more resilient and connected community.  

What positive impact will your project have?

Expected outcomes include: •    Increased community use of a shared green space and stronger local ownership •    Improved wellbeing for children, families and local residents through access to nature •    Stronger school–community relationships through shared activity •    Development of practical skills in food growing and environmental stewardship •    Increased knowledge of local food systems and sustainable growing practices •    Enhanced biodiversity through habitat creation and cultivation •    Increased volunteering and intergenerational skill-sharing •    Reduced isolation and improved social connection •    Greater community resilience through shared learning and participation

This is a preventative, community-based approach supporting wellbeing, inclusion and resilience through regular engagement with nature, food growing and shared stewardship. The long-term aim is to develop a scalable model that can be replicated across other schools in Highland, supporting wider policy goals around prevention, wellbeing, environmental sustainability and community resilience.

Key milestones and next steps

Community engagement: •    Active school-community garden established with regular participation •    Strong relationships with school staff, families, Parent Council and Go Flourish •    Ongoing involvement from children, families and volunteers

Project development: •    Pilot model successfully delivered within school grounds •    Integrated education and community engagement approach established

Consents: •    School partnership in place and supportive of delivery •    Community use of garden agreed (supported through Highland Council licence to occupy)

Funding: •    Go Flourish currently funds the Liaison Teacher role •    This application seeks bridge funding to sustain delivery and develop a long-term model

Next steps: •    Continue weekly school and community garden activity  •    Expand volunteer participation and engagement  •    Strengthen evidence base to demonstrate impact, scalability and potential for wider adoption  •    Develop a scalable delivery model informed by the pilot  •    Build a sustainable community of engagement and shared stewardship around the garden

• Community Hub
• Environmental Initiatives
• Mental Health
• Nature Restoration
• Outdoor Community Space
• Youth Spaces & Activities

• Black Isle & Easter Ross