Planting futures: School-based food forests and their contribution to holistic education for sustainable development
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Authors
This study explores the integration of school-based food forests (FF) into education systems and their potential to foster holistic education for sustainable development (ESD). Using the Whole School Approach (WSA) as a conceptual framework, the research examines the FF project at Chestnut School in Northern Germany, employing interviews and participatory methods to identify its educational, ecological, and social contributions. As edible, perennial, and biodiverse agroforestry systems, FFs address key sustainability challenges. Thereby, they support holistic school transformation, positioning themselves as a model for innovative, solution-oriented ESD. Beyond ecological and recreational benefits, FFs offer interdisciplinary and hands-on learning environments that bridge formal and informal education. They promote systemic thinking, agency, and self-efficacy, enabling students to connect personal actions with broader sustainability goals. The Chestnut School case underscores the FF’s potential to foster human-nature connections, critical thinking, and sustainable food practices.
Original language | English |
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Journal | GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 2 |
Pages (from-to) | 97-105 |
Number of pages | 9 |
ISSN | 0940-5550 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2025 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 by the author.
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
- General Environmental Science
- Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous)
- Environmental Science(all)
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- case study, edible forest garden, education for sustainable development, food forest, holistic learning, sustainable food systems, Whole School Approach
- Sustainability education
- Sustainability sciences, Communication