Drawing on the Eden Project’s planetary emergency mission, the group of Cornish children and their teachers were invited to spend time with the Eden Project Schools Team at the home of the famous Biomes. Together with their teachers the reception-age children got to connect with the natural world around them, exploring their surrounding green spaces to discover natural objects, such as leaves, petals and seeds to create magnificent celebratory ‘Wild Crowns’.
Emma Vyvyan, Head Teacher of Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery, which is based near Eden Project’s famous Biomes said: “It’s been such a wonderful morning for the children getting to learn all about the Coronation and getting to be outside at the Eden Project foraging for leaves and petals to make their own Wild Crowns.
“We are all about learning beyond the classroom and we hope our children can inspire other schools, families and children to get outside, get involved and make their own Wild Crowns.”
The activities focused on the importance and ease of recycling and engaging with the natural environment to encourage more young people, their families, schools and communities to join in to be part of history with a Coronation Big Lunch considering how to make their events sustainable.
Peter Stewart LVO, Chief Purpose Officer at the Eden Project, which is behind the Coronation Big Lunch said: “It’s been fantastic to see Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery Children connecting with nature and getting creative at Eden, the home of The Big Lunch, ahead of historic celebrations on 6-8 May. Their stunning Wild Crowns show that decorations don’t need to cost the earth or be harmful to the planet. We hope to inspire people everywhere, including schools and families, to get a Coronation Big Lunch in the diary. Use your imaginations and inspiration from the natural world to create a celebration fit for Royalty!”
The Eden Project, the people behind the Coronation Big Lunch celebrations, has created FREE learning resource packs to help schools and families so that they can make their own Wild Crowns and Chairs for Champions fit for a King or Queen. Any School wanting to get involved can access the instructions and special lesson plans designed for all Key Stages, with a bespoke set published for the Coronation.
Eden Project Communities is also working with the Scouts and Pawprint Family, with both organisations offering commemorative badges for the Coronation Big Lunch that encourage children to complete activities to earn their badge. Pawprint Family Coronation Big Lunch Challenge Pack is full of simple craft, cooking and activity ideas for children of all ages. They also offer a pack for the Month of Community, which brings a raft of initiatives and charitable causes under one umbrella in June.
Charlotte Russell, co-founder of Pawprint Family, said: “Seeing how much joy our official Coronation Big Lunch badge and activity pack has already brought to the children at Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery has been great. From getting outdoors and exploring new areas; to using their creativity and receiving their badges as a reward for their wonderful creations: they’ve loved every minute!
“Here at Pawprint Family, we are passionate about facilitating adventure for all, so to be able to work with the Eden Project Communities to commemorate such a historic moment is fantastic. We hope that with our Coronation Big Lunch badge and free activity pack, we can support more young people across the country to enjoy everyday adventures, in fun, accessible, and rewarding ways.”
The Coronation Big Lunch will form part of the celebrations for His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort’s Coronation Weekend between 6-8 May 2023. Tens of thousands of events are expected to take place across the United Kingdom, bringing neighbours, communities and the nation together in celebration and friendship, and raising community spirits as part of this historic occasion. Her Majesty The Queen Consort has been Patron of the Big Lunch since 2013.
Children and young people across the UK are invited to make ‘Wild Crowns’ from natural and recycled materials and share photos of them in use for the chance to win a Pawprint Coronation Big Lunch Badge and a Guide to the National Anthem which is beautifully illustrated by Rosie Brooks who famously illustrated Sir Paul McCartney’s guitar. One lucky winner will also receive a Big Lunch food voucher to buy supplies for their community Coronation Big Lunch.
A further prize offers a Virtual School Workshop delivered by Eden Project Schools Team on key Eden Project topics – the rainforest, sustainability through food and climate to a primary school chosen at random that registers their Coronation Big Lunch event on the Coronation Big Lunch map.
To find out more about the Coronation Big Lunch ‘Wild Crowns’ photo competition, to sign up for a digital pack full of ideas and inspiration, or to register your event on the map visit www.CoronationBigLunch.com.
