Member Article

Housebuilder helps young minds roam wild in the woods

If you go down to the woods today you’ll be in for a big surprise, as Morpeth youngsters set up a very different kind of classroom.

Bluebell Woods is part of the Saint George development, being built by Linden Homes. The developer is offering the children the chance to let their minds roam wild - whilst exploring the natural environment.

Three and four year olds from Goosehill Private Nursery and Nature Kindergarten, are visiting the woods on a weekly basis, enjoying outdoor educational sessions designed to enhance the development of life skills and play.

Activities include bug hunting, sensory walks, foraging, shelter building, tree climbing, woodwork, natural art and cooking on a camp fire, to name just a few.

To make their visits more comfortable, Linden Homes is providing parking and toilet facilities - as well as storage areas for the nursery’s outdoor equipment.

Amanda Willis, teacher, child psychologist and early years specialist at Goosehill Nursery said: “It is vital that creativity is nurtured and we actively encourage our children to engage in the outdoors and nature as it has a huge impact on their learning and growth.

“We are very grateful to Linden Homes for supporting us in allowing pupils to discover Bluebell Woods. I firmly believe that the environment can be like a third teacher, helping youngsters to learn about all aspects of the curriculum through the exploration of their natural surroundings.”

Kevin Chatterton, Operations Manager with Linden Homes in the North East, added: “This has been a wonderful project to be involved in, as the benefits to Goosehill Nursery and its children are far reaching. As an environmentally responsible developer, we like to add value to the communities in which we work by supporting fantastic initiatives such as this.”

Saint George (NE61 2NU) comprises a mix of three, four and five bedroom houses, set beside the woods and areas of open green space. The development is only a short walk from Morpeth town centre and construction of a second phase of new homes will begin soon.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .