Adult learners from the Northfield Centre have been cultivating confidence, practical skills, and community spirit through an inspiring gardening volunteering project at the Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum.
Since June 2026, a group of eight learners aged between 30 and 60, many of whom are autistic and live with a range of disabilities, have taken part in weekly garden duties. What started as a passion for gardening has blossomed into a powerful vehicle for adult learning and social inclusion.
The volunteering initiative goes far beyond green fingers. Tutors have cleverly woven core functional skills like English, maths, and science directly into the outdoor activities. Learner’s practise reading and following instructions, learn how to use garden equipment safely, and study plant life cycles, such as spreading delicate Welsh poppy seeds.
After each session, structured paperwork helps embed English skills. Learners recall what they accomplished in the garden, list the equipment they used, and reflect on the wider impact of their volunteering. By connecting their local efforts to the Thinktank community, Birmingham, and the wider West Midlands, the learners gain a greater appreciation of the “bigger picture.”
As teacher Mark shares, “It’s a great opportunity for SEND learners to go out into the community and prove their worth.”
Alongside academics, the project strongly encourages social and emotional development. Working collaboratively in groups helps build vital leadership skills, encourages conversation, and fosters peer socialisation.
The project’s roots began at the Northfield centre, where learners spend two days a week caring for the centre’s own outdoor space, growing flowers and plants. In fact, all the small plants they eventually plant at the Thinktank Science Garden are carefully nurtured and grown first right in their own garden space at the Northfield centre.
Their hard work doesn’t stop in the dirt! The learners host an annual plant sale at the centre to raise money for charitable causes. Most recently, funds raised from their year-long growing efforts were proudly donated to charity shops along Harborne High Street, including Sense, Scope, and Mind.
As Learner Abigail adds, “It feels good to give back to charity. And doing gardening for the community to look forward to and look at when it grows, feels nice.”
As winter approaches, learners’ physical attendance at the Thinktank pauses, but they will carry on their learning and actions back at the Northfield centre. However, when the first shoots of spring start to appear, they will be back in force at the Thinktank’s Science Garden to care for and grow the space again.
The project has been deeply transformative for those involved, boosting wellbeing and self-esteem.
Learner Samantha says, “I really like teamwork, getting together and watching the plants grow.”
Learner Jason comments, “I used to volunteer before in a garden centre in Northfield; it feels good to do. Getting fresh air, growing plants and watering, it feels relaxing to do.”
Collaborations between BAES and iconic city institutions like the Thinktank create transformative opportunities for our learners, fostering independence, wellbeing, and community connection. At the same time, this partnership benefits the wider Birmingham public and countless schoolchildren who visit the Science Garden, proving that inclusive volunteering makes our city a richer, more vibrant place for everyone.
Birmingham Museums Volunteer Manager, Eldina Bolic commented, “Birmingham Museums is delighted to welcome BAES volunteers to Thinktank. The Science Garden has bloomed under their care, and we’re very grateful for all their hard work and enthusiasm. As a charity caring for Birmingham’s museums and collections, we want our spaces to be places where everyone in the city feels they belong and can take part. We look forward to continuing our partnership with BAES and watching the garden grow.”
The Birmingham Adult Education Service is immensely proud of our Northfield’s SEND volunteers for showing how dedication, teamwork, and a touch of nature can make a lasting difference across our city!
