Open Trail Forest School for All

Open Trail’s ‘Nature For All’ project, funded by our Strengthening Worcestershire Fund, ensures families from low-income backgrounds can take equal part in Cub House sessions.

Access to the project is obtained by invitation through trusted local referring partners using a non-stigmatising discreet voucher system. This means that paying and non-paying families attend equally alongside one-another.

Sessions focus on child-led exploration, outdoor play, environmental education, teamwork, and creativity. Children are encouraged to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and independence, while also building friendships and improving wellbeing. Parents stay-and-play too!

One family thought their child could benefit from forest school but the cost meant they couldn’t access it. At their first Cub House session, the child stayed close to their parent and was unsure about joining in. Over time, they began exploring the woodland, playing alongside other children and proudly showing their parent what they had made. The parent said the sessions gave them “somewhere we both feel welcome.”

Other parents have said:

“It means we can say yes to something lovely each week, without worrying about the money.”

“The one place in the week where we both relax.”

“The funded place has made such a difference. My child is happier and braver outdoors,

and I’ve met other parents too. It feels like a little community.”

For these families, the grant means regular time outdoors, new friendships, more confidence for the child and a gentle support network for the parents.

More information on Open Trail is available from: https://opentrail.co.uk/

For more information on our Strengthening Worcestershire Fund go to: https://www.worcscf.org.uk/our-grants/take-a-look-at-our-current-funding-programmes/

(Photos courtesy of Open Trail’s website)