There is an increasing need within our local community for additional Early Years spaces. This space will help us create a high quality provision in the form of an outdoor nursery and a teacher-training centre. Our existing Nursery, currently at full capacity, is recognised as a Centre of Excellence and as a result, we work with other providers in a consultancy role to raise standards for all and share our exemplary practice. We are passionate about environmental education and over recent years have seen a decline in children’s knowledge and experiences of nature and the natural world. This can have a devastating impact on their sense of responsibility for all living things and the environment. We aim to educate children through the natural environment, developing lifelong learning skills, inspiring them to connect with nature and the outdoors! This facility will also be utilised by local community, teacher training, scouting groups and accessible to all. Engaging all in our Woodland!

What we'll deliver:

• Camp fire area, amphitheatre and allotment
• Connect people with nature.
• Forest school learning for all ages.
• Instil a life-long passion in awe, wonder and care for the natural environment.
• Build an Outdoor Log Cabin style classroom, constructed sensitively with respect to the surrounding landscape.
• Classroom space for up to 30 people.
• Faciliate outdoor learning through play in the natural environment.
• Kitchen and toilet
• Offer an outdoor classroom for use by the local community.
• Provide essential teacher training and consultancy.

Why it's a great idea:

With an increasing need for early year’s places and children’s declining understanding of the natural environment, this facility will provide the opportunity needed to ensure that we develop well-rounded individuals equipped for the next stages in their learning journey taking with them, a sound knowledge and love of the environment and all things nature! The community aspect of this project will ensure that this continues and is enhanced, as they journey into adulthood.

Steps to get it done:

• outdoor classroom
• outdoor clothing for all weathers
• allotment

We aim to become as self-sufficient as possible. Our Nursery currently grows potatoes, radish, lettuce and green beans. With this facility, we will extend our allotment area to include a variety of fruit and vegetables, providing the children with unique hands on experiences, feeding curiosity and developing an understanding of healthy eating.