OXFORD'S new children's allotment group is planning a series of events to educate, inspire and excite youngsters about cultivation.

The co-operative, who are transforming a disused site at the Cricket Road allotments near Florence Park, are holding an open workday there this Sunday from 1pm.

The following Thursday they are holding a discussion group on the 'Reggio Emilia approach' – an educational philosophy focused on 'self-directed, experiential learning', developed in the Malaguzzi region of Italy.

On Thursday, September 20, the group is holding another discussion on 'flexi-schooling' and home education.

The two discussion sessions are both being organised in conjunction with The Nature Effect, an Oxford-based community interest company which aims to galvanise 'personal, professional and community development connecting people with their Earth'.

The children's allotment group, who started work on the site this year, have already raised £17,000 in grants towards their work.

Group founder Alice Hemmings said the cash boost would help ‘kick start’ plans to launch the outdoor education space for children and a full-time childcare co-op scheme run by parents.

Find out more at facebook.com/childrensallotment