Shared Earth Learning Co-op, a local not-for-profit Forest School company, is celebrating its successful application for community outreach work beginning in March.
SEL Co has secured £3,000 from housing association Aster Community’s Neighbourhood Panel to provide a series of free sessions to provide regular opportunities for local children to engage in nature and environmental awareness activities.
Building on outreach and engagement started with their autumn spruce-up for spring projects at Singers Knoll and at Ecos Court, where children and local families litter-picked and planted spring bulbs. Experienced Forest School leaders, Alex Hart and Helen Moore, are delighted to be able to continue the work they’ve already begun.
Helen explained, “We’re really excited at getting this award, which will help us provide a mix of practical and playful outdoor activities in three different locations in Frome. This will culminate in a series of whole day Forest School sessions during the summer holidays at our base at Vallis Veg agro-ecological market garden.”
SEL Co say, “Studies show that nature deficit disorder affects many children and young people today, with large amounts of screen-based time and rising levels of obesity. Aside from the obvious fresh air and exercise, Forest School enhances local people’s relationship with nature, nurturing a love and awareness of the wildlife on their doorstep and encouraging children and young people to respect and protect the natural spaces within their local community.
“It simultaneously develops personal and social skills and awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability, and can also improve community cohesion by integrating people across the generations and from different backgrounds.”
Shared Earth Learning is also running two whole day Forest School sessions during the February half-term. With an early spring theme, the sessions on 16th and 17th February will be located at Vallis-Veg, within walking distance of the town centre. They are offering places for up to 12 children aged 5 – 14 years old. For further information and booking, see: http://sharedearthlearning.blogspot.com/
