Archive for May, 2012

Roots and Shoots Charity

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Image: Roots and Shoots

We are really pleased that all the plants used for our Anthropologie window are being donated to Roots and Shoots a brilliant non-for-profit organisation based out of Lambeth in South London. Roots and Shoots provides vocational training for young people from the inner city, mainly from the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark, they strive to equip young people from non-privileged background with vital the skills and self-confidence that will support them for work. Alongside courses in Maths, English and retail skills; Roots and Shoots is most famous for its horticultural training for young people. Following on from the collaboration with Anthropologie, we have decided to donate all the flowers and plants from the shop windows to the horticultural classes at Roots and Shoots.

Image: Roots and Shoots

Linda Phillips set up the charity was set up in 1982, to help young people from Lambeth and Southwark prepare for the world of work. Linda remains an active director to this day. Back in 1982, up to twenty 16-19 year olds who had difficulty coping in the traditional educational system spent a year learning with Roots and Shoots. The organisation has grown and grown since then.

Image: Roots and Shoots

Today, Roots and Shoots have a permanent training base on the site of an old meccanno factory in Kennington. It is a beacon for eco-living and bio-diversity, and was completed in 2005 and then officially opened in 2007 by HRH The Prince of Wales is the central hub of Roots and Shoots’ activities. It is clad in wood with sustainable energy and other environmental features.There is a large photovoltaic roof (solar electricity) which generates around 50% of energy, solar water heating, rainwater collection for the WCs and to water plants, along with built-in insect and bird boxes in the cladding.

Image: Roots and Shoots

The building is also an important focal point for the local community, and provides extra classes on urban biodiversity and is often visited by local school parties. Their garden is well-tended to and there are several beehives. It’s a very inspiring place, and we’re delighted to support their work this year.