The idea
Connect2 Nature is one arm of our Connect2 project. Connect2 aims to support, educate & inspire people in a multifaceted way.
Connect2 Nature will run 2, 6 week programme to work with Up & Downs & Dudley LA Foster Carers.
Creating a sustained relationship with our natural world has huge benefits, for us as individuals but also supports conservation behaviour. This is enhanced through the pathways of nature which include:
Senses - tuning in to nature through the senses
Emotion - feeling alive through the emotions and feelings nature brings
Beauty - noticing nature’s beauty
Meaning - nature bringing meaning to our lives
Compassion - caring & taking action for nature
Nature exposure has shown to make people feel good & function better. It is hoped that through these pathways we can provide children with opportunities to learn about nature & how it can help them but also how they can help protect nature. Developing these relationships it is hoped will create life long benefits.
What we'll deliver
- Provide 2 programmes of 6 sessions in a natural environment
- Over each programme develop each nature pathway in more detail and how they can impact on us as individuals
- Provide crafts and activities for the children to engage in, if they wish.
- Learn new skills, like fire lighting, green woodworking, campfire cooking
- Provision of nature play opportunities and children to have freedom and choice to play in a way they wish..
- Provide opportunities to support physical and emotional development for children.
- Develop a community where participants feel safe and can support each other
Why it's a great idea
Boost the health and wellbeing of the participants immersing them in a natural space where they feel safe and valued.
Develop a deeper relationship and understanding of nature in which they continue to care and respect it.
Provide opportunities and activities to learn new skills which will hopefully develop new interests.
Make new friends and create a supportive and kind community.
Provide new opportunities
Steps to get it done
- Recruiting the children to the groups
- Planning the 6 week programme of events
- Using the seasons to plan the activities e.g Autumn with harvesting apples, make apple juice
- Work with the group to formulate a plan of what they would like to do
- Buy resources to reflect the needs of the group
There is much evidence to support how being outside in a natural environment can boost our wellbeing and with the nature emergency that we are now in, we really hope that this project will help support both needs.
Working with children as a forest school leader for 12 years I see the positive impact this has on them. Their knowledge, skills and wellbeing have all improved with 100% attendance on FS days.
Connect2 nature I hope will widen those opportunities to other groups after this project and look to work with vulnerable parents/carers, young carers, bereavement support for children.
