Participants researched allotments in the First World War to make the layout of the gardens and cultivation methods as authentic as possible. They grew traditional vegetables that were available during the war and developed both their own and others’ skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to grow their own food.

The adult learners created information boards for the garden, a cookbook and 10 short films. They developed culinary and gardening skills, took ownership of the garden and felt proud of their work.

Local schools also benefitted through developing their own First Word War learning allotment and an education resource pack. One of the schools won the regional environmental award for their work on the pack and garden. A young girl was inspired by the experience: “I really do now want to do horticulture at Oatridge because I enjoyed the planting out and seeing the vegetables at the end.”

A celebratory event in the summer with over 160 attendants marked SRUC Oatridge Rural College’s achievement, where people were shown around the allotment and given cooked food that was grown by the participants.