Ep 206 James McLennan From Playground to Paddock: Farming the Future of Education by creating 2.2 kms of garden bed in 24 hours

Come with us for a wander through the fertile grounds of possibility with James McLennon, the visionary behind Farm My School. Todays ep unearths how a patch of school soil can become so much more than a playground—it can nourish bodies, minds, and entire communities. From the thriving farm at Bellarine Secondary College to the ripple effects it’s having on students, neighbours, and local food systems, James shares how education and regeneration can thrive side by side. This is a story about reimagining our schools as living, breathing ecosystems—places where compost becomes curriculum and connection becomes the harvest. Tune in for a hopeful glimpse of a future where every school grows food, community, and a deep sense of belonging. 

We talked about:

• School grounds can become fertile community hubs—places that feed both bellies and belonging
• When locals roll up their sleeves together, school gardens become living lessons in connection
• Building a farm in a single day can spark a groundswell of hope, pride, and shared purpose
• Food production isn’t separate from education—it is education in its most delicious form
• Regenerative farming principles can take root in classrooms, teaching care for soil and soul alike
• Local food systems are the backbone of resilient communities and thriving futures
• When students grow food, they also grow confidence, calm, and mental well-being
• Partnering with local growers deepens food diversity and strengthens community ties
• The Farm My School model offers a blueprint for rewilding education from the ground up
• The vision ahead: a network of school farms growing food, connection, and a future of togetherness

Pod Partners Rock: Australian Medicinal Herbs    Code: Future5

Links You'll Love
Farm My School online

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Jamie Loveday - Sowing Seeds for Food Deserts in the City

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