About This Resource

Welcome to the Community Herbarium — a gentle, nature-based project designed to help children slow down, notice the world around them, and build a meaningful connection with plants. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, leading a forest school session, running an eco-club, or guiding a home-educating group, these free resources give you everything you need to explore plants through observation, creativity, and seasonal awareness. Each child becomes a “plant detective,” meeting one plant closely and recording what they see, feel, and wonder. Simple, grounding, and beautifully adaptable, this project can slot into science, nature study, outdoor learning, or a weekly rhythm that deepens connection with the living world.

Who’s This For?

These resources are designed for any group exploring plants, seasons, or nature connection, including:
• Steiner / Waldorf schools
• Forest schools
• Primary school classes
• Home educators
• Nature clubs & eco groups
• Scouts, Brownies, Guides
• After-school eco clubs
• SEN groups
• Outdoor classrooms & wild-learning groups
• Any teacher wanting a gentle, sensory-based plant project

What’s Included

• Teacher Guide
A simple outline of the project rhythm: going outdoors, meeting a plant, returning to draw or write, and sharing together. Includes guidance on sensory noticing and plant-friendly behaviour.

• Kids Field Note Template
A child-friendly worksheet with space for drawing, simple observations, and plant details. Designed for younger children (roughly ages 4–11).

• Adult / Older Student Sheet
A more detailed template for older pupils or teachers, including fields for habitat, plant parts, condition when collected, and personal reflections.

• Botany Add-On Guide
A short botany guide that introduces basic plant patterns — leaf shapes, stem types, flowers and buds, habitat and “plant mood” — plus gentle instructions on how to press leaves and flowers.

• Partner School Badge
Classes who complete the project and share their Herbarium pages can receive an official Plant Advocate – Partner School badge to print and display. Many schools invite children to sign around the badge as a way of honouring their plant work.

Community Herbarium Gallery

A place to share what schools and groups are creating.

When classes, forest schools or home-educating groups complete their Herbarium project, they’re invited to share a photo of their work. This might include:
• A child’s Field Note page
• A pressed leaf or flower sheet
• A nature display or seasonal corner
• A class Herbarium wall
• Drawings, notes, or observations from the project

Submitted contributions will appear here in the Schools & Groups Gallery, a growing celebration of nature-based learning.

To contribute:
Please send photos to hello@plantadvocate.co.uk with:
• School or group name (or initials)
• General location (region only)
• Permission to display on the website