The Nature Explorers’ Play Scheme
This past summer (2019) we were able to run The Nature Explorers’ Play Scheme for the very first time. And what a brilliant summer it was!
The project ran in July and August, and encouraged children and teens from the Andover area to get outside and get creative. Located in Harmony Woods, children took part in a myriad of different nature-based activities, such as: paper making, tie dying, teddy bears picnics, willow weaving, dream catcher making, nature walks, pond dipping, minibeast mayhem and more!
The fantastic project was all possible due to funding awarded by the Hilden Charitable Trust, and thanks to the appointment of our part-time officer, Becky , a position made available by a grant from the Ernest Cook Trust.
With all of the activities costing £1-3, we wanted to ensure that the Nature Explorers’ Scheme would be accessible to all local children in the area. One of the things that we at Andover Trees United pride ourselves on is being able to offer the woodland and the opportunity for outdoor learning to every single child. And of course, we welcome every adult, too.
The play scheme was enjoyed by all that attended, and a common feedback was that it offered something for the community that was not present before.
Community workshops and events such as the The Nature Explorers’ Play Scheme are something that we will continue to provide. As well as offering Harmony Woods, and the soon-to-be new woodland classroom as a base for all members of the community to use and to feel a part of. After all, it is our community that created it!
The Nature Explorers’ Play Scheme is returning for 2 days this October during the school holidays. We will also be running craft sessions and volunteer workdays throughout the coming months for anyone to attend - details can be seen in our events calendar. Moreover, we have some exciting new projects in the pipeline which we hope will connect members of the local community to nature and to each other even more.
As well as growing community, we aim to grow biodiversity (through the planting of the wood) and grow learning (through work with local schools). We hope to encourage an appreciation of the natural world in children or adults who may not otherwise have access to it. Gaining an appreciation for the environment leads to gaining an increased sense of care for the environment, which we believe is an invaluable asset to have in the face of the climate crisis. Environmental conservation champions are needed now more than ever before. Therefore, this project along with other work that we do, not only allows us to support our local community and environment, but it allows us to take positive action against climate change, too.
Acting locally, thinking globally.
If you like the work that we do, please consider supporting us in any way you can. Whether that be through spreading the word, donating funds, or coming to help out practically. All support is gratefully received, thank you.
