Nature Connection @ Greville Smyth Park

A partnership project with Ben Carpenter founder of Grassroot Communities CIC

I am working to develop a new project exploring outdoor learning and forest school activities and programmes for all ages in my local park. All schools that are within walking distance of Greville Smyth Park are being offered the opportunity to benefit from learning outdoors in a local community green space which will connect them to nature through hands-on learning experiences.

Sessions will be tailored to the learning and developmental needs of pupils and will enhance learning across a broad range of subject areas as well as supporting the personal development of children through building confidence, self esteem, communication and inter personal skills. Progressive programmes of activity will be on offer which will have the most impact through building on the experience of each session which will be cumulative in its effect on children’s levels of engagement with learning. This will also develop a long lasting positive relationship with a local green space and increased levels of confidence for children being out in their local community. In addition one off sessions will also be possible to support wider learning in school settings.

Types of Sessions on offer:
Outdoor Learning – using the outdoor environment to enhance and support learning on a broad range of subjects such as english, maths, science and more.
Forest School Sessions – regular sessions focused on personal development particularly suited to small groups needing additional support and nurturing.
School trips – one of sessions to enhance specific learning topics and explore the green spaces in and around the park.

This project is being set up because we want to see parks used as learning spaces and because we have a deep belief that children need to spend more time learning and developing outside.

We are planning to meet with local schools to explore this further. We will also be running a twilight information and activity session on Friday 5th May at 4 – 5.30pm for local schools that are interested.