Woodland social Saturdays

The Pitch

Problem statement

We want to run 4 family forest school play events at Greenslate farm for the local community to feel better by spending time in nature together. Children are spending more time indoors on devices than ever. Three-quarters of UK children spend less time outside than prison inmates, according to a new survey revealing the extent to which time playing in parks, wood and fields has shrunk. A fifth of the children did not play outside at all on an average day, the poll found. Active play is essential to the health and development of children, but that parents’ fears, lack of green spaces and the lure of digital technology is leading youngsters to lead enclosed lives.

Solution

We want to run 4 open community play days in the woods to encourage families to get out in to nature to feel better, we want to show families how beneficial it is to get away from online entertainment and be together enjoying nature. We will run activities like den building, natural art and campfire cooking during each free event. We will give parents simple ideas of what they can do with their children outdoors in nature with an aim to improving mental health and wellbeing.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

My outdoor classroom CIC believes all children have the right to play in nature. For the last 10 years we have been working with parents to support families in accessing nature and greenspaces. Most parents are keen to get their children outdoors but struggle with what to do when they get there and can be anxious around nature if they haven't experienced much themselves. That is where we come in. We give parents/carers, teachers, nursery staff, youth workers etc simple fun ideas in how to engage children and young people with nature to feel better. We are experienced in facilitating forest school sessions and outdoor play where children come away happy, muddy and relaxed.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

200 people

Expected impact

Families will spend time in nature together to feel better. Parents will learn ideas to encourage their children to spend time outdoors in nature. Families will come away happy, muddy after a fun filled afternoon in the woods which contributes to better wellbeing and mental health.

Track record

We have worked with 1000s of children. Each week we work with around 150 individual children visiting our forest school. We focus on raising confidence, emotional, physical, social and creative skills whilst in the forest. Mostly we encourage play, real holistic play. My Outdoor Classroom CIC believes every child has the right to a childhood full of play and nature even in the most urban area. We are an educational initiative to encourage children and young people to get outside and learn about the nature on their doorstep. Finalist for community event of the year 2020 for the Liverpool Echo awards Winner of the 2018 Echo Environment award, health and wellbeing project of the year. During the last year we have supported 60 young people in achieving their John Muir discovery award.