The Bramblewood Project CIC is managed by a group of local people of varying backgrounds, all committed to nurturing Bramblewood into a flourishing woodland and community venue. Originally formed as Wild and Rooted CIC by two mums, Sam, a nurse, and Helen, a Forest School leader. They wanted to create somewhere for older children and families to enjoy, learn about and play in nature together. Sam and Helen were gradually joined by more interested and committed local people and The Bramblewood Project came into being. Together, we have begun creating and maintaining a mosaic of wild habitats and have measurably increased the biodiversity of the 1.2 acre woody scrubland in the nearly 3 years we have been looking after Bramblewood. As well as creating more habitats and hibernacula, we have transformed a third of the site into a small thriving forest school with den and adventure areas, a fire circle for gathering at, a small working tool area, a wood store, a mud kitchen and a secret hideout. At Forest School children get to play and adventure freely in nature, they are supported to try new skills e.g. whittling and construction, as well as singing, hearing stories round the fire and being supported to test the edges of their own adventuresomeness. Bramblewood Forest School has been extremely successful and quickly became oversubscribed. Social disantincing has increased our waiting list significantly.
We have been blessed by our staff, many of whom have offered their services free of charge to help us build up equipment and cover costs whilst growing. We have welcomed The Duckworth Trust’s warden and volunteer support on several occasions and have managed to secure funding to support children whose families may not otherwise afford forest school, from the Worcester Play Council, on 2 occasions. We are very grateful.
A key limitation has been having to use a camping loo, preventing us from opening to adults who might not be keen to use the wild facilities. Nonetheless, The Bramblewood Project now encompasses a band of committed adult volunteers, who help at forest school, share skills and contribute to woodland and biodiversity management. As a group, we have come to recognise the immense potential of Bramblewood to contribute to people's mental and physical wellbeing, and are excited about the possibilities this funding, the new facilities and becoming the Worcester’s centre for woodland wellbeing and nature connection, will bring.
