Jaywick Martello Tower: Growing up, digging deep: The story of Scouts, food and farming
Food is central to our lives. We all eat it, talk about it and most of us have a go at cooking or even growing it.
Since the start of the Scouts in 1908 it has also played an important role in the activity programme. Today Scouts in the UK offers almost half a million young people, aged four to 25 the chance to make new friends, have amazing adventures, and learn new skills. Through Scouts, young people learn to grow and make food, about the role it plays in keeping us healthy and its part in important celebrations.
This exhibition from the Scouts Heritage service explores the story of food and Scouts through three main themes: grow, make, and eat. From learning to use a horse and plough, responding to the needs of a country in wartime, to planning expedition menus and exploring new cultures, we will see how the Scouts has evolved and responded to stay relevant to its young people.
Event details
Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out

Need to know
Explorer Pass
Save money with your Explorer Pass
Our annual Explore Essex Pass will give you and your family the freedom to explore some of the incredible places and green spaces that Essex has to offer, as many times as you like throughout the year, with free parking at seven country parks, 2 or 1 on Sky Ropes, priority booking on specific events, and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres.
Related events

Jaywick Martello Tower: Creative Net - New Year Moodboards with Jane Stewart
Free workshops on the first Wednesday of every month. Everybody welcome! Materials, coffee, biscuits, and great creative conversations provided.
- Dates: January 7, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 1:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Jaywick Martello Tower: Creative Net - Creative Writing with David Brown
Free workshops on the first Wednesday of every month. Everybody welcome! Join David Brown for this exciting one-off workshop, you will get to explore experimenting with a variety of styles and ideas with a view of stimulating new content.
- Dates: February 4, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 11:00am - 1:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Jaywick Martello Tower: Great Arcana Journey
Discover the timeless wisdom and symbolism of the Major Arcana through stunning collages by Josie Staessen, inspired by the classic tarot Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
- Dates: February 18 - March 8, 2026
- Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free