Foreland's Field of Dreams

The environment

The site was previously an open field, previously used for agricultural purposes. The project site now nclude a 0.1 hectare area dedicated to horticulture, and will includes a small woodland area. The principal use of the site will be as a recreation, education and training facility and the majority of the site will remain without permanent built development. The horticulture and woodland area enhance the ecological value of the site. It provides additional educational benefits to the locality and will help develop an awareness and respect for the environment surrounding them. Native trees are planted which will help attract wildlife to the area, and a woodland walk is created to the edge of the project. The project proposes open sports and recreational uses that improves access to the countryside and includes measures to enhance habitats. It will also not result in the coalescence of settlements as a result of built development.

The local economy

WE are providing affordable or free at point of use specially designed facitlities

Volunteering, jobs & education

The project increased volunteering, jobs, and education through several targeted strategies: 1. Volunteering Initiatives Awareness Campaigns: Organised campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of volunteering amount staff and parents, including social media outreach, community events, Beecycle cycling club and partnerships with local organisations. Volunteer Matching Platforms: Developed and promoted online platforms to match volunteers with organisations in need such as Kent Coastal volunteers , making it easier for people to find opportunities that align with their interests. 2. Job Creation Skill Development Programs: Implemented training and certification programs for horticulture through liberty college, helping individuals gain the skills needed for new job opportunities. Partnerships with Charities : Collaborated with local charities to create roles and entry-level positions for program participants, providing a pathway to full-time employment. 3. Educational Opportunities Tutoring and Mentorship: Established tutoring for horticulture and mentorship programs to assist students in achieving EHCP success and preparing for future paths. Community Learning Centers: Created community learning opportunities that offer a range of educational programs for all ages, from early childhood education to adult learning and continuing education courses but only for special education needs and disabilties plus their families.

Arts, culture & heritage

Our project in Ramsgate, Thanet, East Kent, goes beyond providing a cycle pathway and pavilion for special education needs and disabled individuals; it also significantly contributes to the enrichment of arts, culture, and heritage in the community. Phase 1: Overcoming Challenges and Laying the Groundwork Phase 1 of the project was the most challenging due to the complexities involved with planning permission, ownership issues, and fundraising efforts. Despite these hurdles, we successfully navigated this phase, laying a strong foundation for the subsequent stages. This phase also involved extensive consultations with local historians and cultural experts to ensure that our project aligns with Ramsgate's rich heritage and community values. Phase 2: Building Foundations and Integrating Cultural Elements During Phase 2, we saw significant progress with the foundation being dug and the building installed. The remaining tasks, including the interior fit-out and exterior cladding, are designed to reflect the local architectural styles, thereby preserving the aesthetic continuity of the area. This phase incorporates local art installations and historical references within the design, offering educational insights and fostering a deeper appreciation for the town’s cultural heritage among users. Phase 3: Creating a Multifaceted Cultural Space Phase 3 focuses on completing the site with access paths, sensory gardens, and a horticultural center, along with a forest school and storage facilities. This phase integrates arts and culture in several ways: Sensory Gardens: These gardens will feature local flora, serving as a living exhibition of East Kent’s natural heritage. They will also include interactive art pieces created by local artists, providing a sensory experience that connects learners with the region's ecological and artistic heritage. Horticultural Center: This center will educate learners about traditional and contemporary gardening practices, emphasising sustainable techniques that have been part of Kent's culture for generations. Forest School: The forest school will incorporate storytelling and outdoor art projects, allowing learners to engage with the natural environment and local folklore, thus preserving and passing on cultural narratives. Community Engagement and Educational Impact By involving local artists, historians, and cultural organisations in the project, we ensure that the space becomes a vibrant cultural hub. Educational programs and workshops will be held regularly, focusing on arts, history, and environmental stewardship, thereby enriching the community's cultural life. First Learners in ’24 Our first learners have started in early '24, the project has provided immediate benefits. The early stages of use has focused on gathering feedback to further integrate arts and cultural elements, ensuring that the space continuously evolves to meet the community’s needs. In summary, this project not only provides a much-needed recreational facility but also serves as a conduit for celebrating and preserving the rich arts, culture, and heritage of Ramsgate and the broader East Kent region. Your support will enable us to enhance these cultural elements, creating a legacy that honors the past while building a more inclusive future.

Activity, health and leisure

Encouraging Physical Activity Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that offers numerous physical health benefits. By providing a safe, accessible pathway, we encourage individuals with special needs and disabilities to engage in regular physical activity. This pathway allows users to learn and practice cycling in a controlled environment, which can improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, coordination, and overall fitness. Regular cycling also helps in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Promoting Mental Health and Well-being Physical activity is closely linked to mental health benefits. Our cycle pathway offers a therapeutic outdoor experience, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The sense of accomplishment from learning to cycle and the enjoyment of being outdoors can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence among users. The sensory gardens and horticultural center further enhance mental well-being by providing calming and engaging environments where users can connect with nature. Fostering Social Interaction and Inclusion The pathway and its surrounding facilities are designed to be inclusive, promoting social interaction among users, their families, and the broader community. By involving local artists, historians, and cultural organisations, we create a vibrant cultural hub that encourages community participation. Regular workshops and events will provide opportunities for social engagement, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. Providing Leisure and Recreational Opportunities Our project goes beyond cycling by incorporating sensory gardens, a horticultural center, and a forest school. These facilities offer diverse recreational activities that cater to different interests and abilities. The sensory gardens provide a multisensory experience, while the horticultural center offers hands-on gardening activities. The forest school promotes outdoor learning through storytelling and art projects. These elements ensure that the site offers a variety of leisure activities that can be enjoyed by everyone, making it a versatile recreational space. Community Engagement and Long-term Benefits By integrating arts, culture, and nature, the project promotes a holistic approach to health and leisure. The involvement of the community in the development and ongoing use of the site ensures that it remains a dynamic and relevant space. Educational programs focusing on environmental stewardship and cultural heritage further enrich the community’s engagement with the site, fostering long-term health and leisure benefits.