Funding boost for outdoor play in Leicestershire

A funding boost of £50,000 from the People's Postocde Lottery means that children across Leicester will be able to continue enjoying the great outdoors with the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

Following the success of the Wild Forest School project last year, the backing means that the Trust will be able to run a number of sessions for primary school children.

The Wild Forest School initiative was set up by the Trust in 2015 and is designed to support schools and families in Leicester, giving children the opportunity to explore the great outdoors while discovering nature through a range of activities.

The funding will also be used to build an all-weather garden in one of Leicester city’s primary schools as well as produce a teacher’s pack designed to support and encourage teachers to take their lessons outdoors. 

For pre-school children, the Trust will continue running three Wild Tots groups around Leicester, plus a new group in partnership with Leicester City Council at Thurnby Lodge Children, Young People and Family Centre. Activities at these sessions include hunting for minibeasts, making things out of natural materials, identifying trees and other wildlife, taking part in treasure hunts, listening to stories and enjoying wildlife-themed games.