Stomping Grounds wants to support families from all backgrounds to belong in nature. We want to increase our work in the Haltwhistle area working with children and families under 7; in partnership wth South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society. We want to target families with the least access and have developed our offer to be inclusive of neurodivergent families and those from ethnically minoritized backgrounds. We plan to work closely with volunteers and of part the project legacy intend to train 1 individual in level 3 forest school so that they can lead future sessions . Our previous work in the area highlighted how families can feel isolated, in the post pandemic period as one participant descrbed "I also felt very overwhelmed and anxious when meeting new people and encouraging my child to interact with others. Forest school really provided a safe and relaxing space where I could get over those hurdles and make new friends"

What we'll deliver:

• We will deliver 15, half day family forest school sessions in Haltwhistle
• Train one local person in level 3 forest school to carry on the work in the area
• Create volunteering roles for adults to support forest school sessions

Why it's a great idea:

Our project will beneft families in this area of Haltwhistle from a range of backgrounds, supporting them to overcome social isolation and building community cohesion as they make full use of local, natural assets. We reduce social isolation by empowering our participants to have better connections with others, through developing new skills and memories together, and establishing a sense of responsibility for themselves and others.We enable people to be independent by increasing their connection with themselves. Our activities can lead to improved self advocacy, a greater ability to problem solve, increased confidence to try new things and instil perseverance and resilience. We always priortise those with the least access and our work with neurodivergent families and those with hidden disabilities has allowed us to learn and co-produce projects that allow us to incorporate families unique lived experience.

Steps to get it done:

• Target local families with children under 7 who are isolated or face barriers to accessing the outdoors
• Begin Family Forest School sessions for 12 families, with volunteer support at the riverside park
• Train one local individual in level 3 forest school leadership

Stomping Grounds Forest School exists to transform people’s physical and mental health in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the North East, and to increase their connection to their local environment and communities. We do this by providing outdoor education, forest school and family days in a range of settings across the region. Our main site is Duke’s Hagg Wood in Prudhoe, which we use to engage people from the neighbouring villages as well as across Newcastle and Gateshead. Our work is focused on children and young people but we also run activities for marginalised women and whole families, in addition to targeting those that have been historically excluded from outdoor activities and people unable to attend due to financial reasons.