Member Article

Schoolchildren head out and about in Northumberland

Schoolchildren in Newcastle upon Tyne are learning about nature with the Out and About Project at Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

With support from the Out and About Fund at the Community Foundation and private donors Graham and Sara Alder, the project helped connect children to nature using forest school techniques including den building, mapping activities, looking at animal skins and skulls, trails, campfire cooking and the identification of forest species.

Four schools in Newcastle upon Tyne benefitted from the project, with each school attending a forest school site at East Chevington, Northumberland for 6 outdoor sessions.

Schoolchildren used digital cameras to document their activities which they will share with classmates and parents as part of an assembly. Children will showcase items made at the forest school and talk about their achievements with some children planning to show power point presentations and videos.

Derry Nugent, Director of Philanthropy Services at the Community Foundation said:

“Forest School has been a huge success and we’re delighted to support the project through the Out and About Fund at the Community Foundation. We are so lucky in this region to have such an amazing and diverse natural environment. It is becoming increasingly important for young people to know that green spaces are theirs to play in and to start what will hopefully be a lifelong passion for the local environment and wildlife.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Adam Lopardo .