NATURE CONNECTION

Nature Connection

WE HAVE TEAMED UP WITH ROSS TORODE, PIONEER OF THE EXCITING NEW VENTURE ‘NATURE CONNECTION’ TO DELIVER IMMERSIVE NATURE EXPERIENCES WHICH INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE, AGED 7-11, TO FORM RESPECTFUL CONNECTIONS WITH OUR NATURAL WORLD, THEMSELVES AND ONE ANOTHER.
“No one will protect what they don’t first care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced” - David Attenborough

Nature Connection creates an environment where children feel supported to follow their curiosity towards discovering unknown interests, developing skills, taking healthy risks and finding their own comfort and creativity in nature.

 

The sessions are held on two National Trust sites Nature Connection is very grateful to be given the use of. The whole group works together to gather wood and tinder for lighting a central fire, around which stories with strong morals are told and children are given a chance to share, talk, craft or help prepare and cook food. The opportunities given are adapted to the interests of the group. Learning bushcraft based skills: whittling – spoons, sticks etc, knot tying, making low rope courses, shelter building, various fire lighting methods. Alongside that, cliff path walks to forage for food or to make natural paints, printing, weaving, dreamcatchers, felting, ointments – are just some examples. All of which help to demonstrate the power of nature and the symbiotic seasonal life cycles.

 

Sessions also include time playing nature-based games inspired by the characteristics and calls of our local wildlife as well as calmer time at their own personally chosen ‘sit spot’ – a place to simply listen and observe the nature they are immersed in.

 

It is Nature Connection’s intention that through these regular experiences children will begin to form caring friendships, learn the names of the wild flowers, trees, birds and insects that live around the site and develop the respect to nurture nature and understand the benefits this can bring to their own mental health and wellbeing.

 FOR WHO:


For children between the ages 7-11.

(Maximum number per class 14)

COST:


Sessions available for summer half term is from Wednesday 2nd June to Friday 4th June, with a minimum of two consecutive days.
£52 per individual day.
£44 per day if booking a full three days

For the July/August summer holidays, sessions available from Monday to Thursday, with a minimum of two consecutive days.
£52 per individual day.
£44 per day if booking a full four days

 

Click here to view our Terms and Conditions.
(By booking a place you agree to these).

WHERE:

Drop off and pick up at ‘The Children’s Forest Project’, land owned by Ross at Rue du Coemil, Torteval, where initial run around games will be played before a short walk along the cliff path to a nearby valley owned by The Guernsey National Trust.

 

Map link: Drop off and Collection Point.


Link:
National Trust Site – La Prévôté and Clifton Valley

WHAT GEAR:

 

Download a checklist

 

You Bring:
Clothes suited to the weather forecast and that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Suitable footwear for walks and stream/beach play. Walking boots are recommended, or alternatively a combination of trainers and wellies. No sandals, flip-flops or uncovered footwear. A snack, lunch and water.

 

We Provide: All necessary tools and learning resources.

BAD WEATHER:

 

Activities will be adjusted accordingly, get wet, postpone or refund.

Sessions will be postponed if winds exceed Force 6

WHO WE ARE:

Ross Torode

ROSS TORODE

Ross left the island to study Primary Education in Brighton in 2013 and after getting his degree spent 4 years working in the Ashdown Forest with CultivatingCuriosity.co.uk delivering bushcraft and nature connection sessions.

 

He then went on to become a qualified Forest School leader which he taught in mainstream primary schools. Back in Guernsey Ross is a teaching assistant and supports the learning of behaviourally challenged children through the use of creative and outdoor learning techniques. He also works at Le Rondin, leading offsite Nature Education sessions.

BECKY ASHWORTH

 

Becky has been working as a teacher in schools for nearly 7 years and includes outdoor learning whenever possible. She values the benefits that time in nature provides for childhood development including social skills and physical development as well as a respect for nature and the wonder surrounding the natural environment.

 

Becky enjoys supporting children to independently explore and discover by following their own interests when outside – helping them to push the boundaries of their imagination, skills and abilities.

 

In her personal life, Becky loves the sea and spent time travelling and living on a boat. She also plays sports including rugby and enjoys camping and hiking.

BOOK ONLINE:

Please contact us to book.