Communities Fund has provided £101 of match funding
Children's Forest Leamington
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
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Aim
This project supports children to develop genuine care for the natural world whilst raising awareness about climate change and wellbeing.
Who we are
ARC – Achieving Results in Communities – improves the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and the environment through nature-connection activities. We work with children and adults to restore our environment as well as our relationship to nature.
The Children’s Forest project supports children to develop genuine care for the natural world whilst raising awareness about climate change and the benefits of woodlands and nature for mental and physical wellbeing. This is especially important at a time when many children spend limited time in physical activity outdoors and face anxiety around climate.
"I feel happy when I am looking after the trees we planted.”
3 years ago, a 10-year-old planted a tree in the Children's Forest with his class. He now visits it every season with is family, and helps to nurture it and watch it grow. He is learning how to restore nature for his own happiness and for wildlife.
But without further funding, this project may not continue.
We’re raising £12,000 to keep the Children’s Forest thriving for local children like the 10 year old boy above and his family. These funds will facilitate the continuation of the community attachment to this new woodland.
What is the Children's Forest project about?
Between 2021 and 2023 ARC facilitated over 300 children and families to plant nearly 3,000 trees in a “Children’s Forest” in Radford Semele, outside Leamington Spa. This was supported by Warwickshire County Council’s Climate Fund.
Since then we have engaged year 5 and 6 pupils from three local schools to continue to learn about, tend and care for the Children's Forest. To date around 650 children and families have been involved.
Working with Forest School practice we take children through a Nature Connection journey involving storytelling, games, songs, fire lighting, poetry and art, to inspire a meaningful and long-term relationship with the land. They make five more seasonal visits to the woodland through years 5 and 6 to tend the Children’s Forest, building a deeper connection to nature, enhancing knowledge about the role of woodlands for climate mitigation, and directly experiencing the benefits of time outdoors for their mental and physical health.
ARC regularly facilitates weekend sessions and celebrations for families and the wider community at the Children's Forest to facilitate connection, education and action in support of a healthy world for current and future generations.
Why is our work important?
Children are spending less and less time in nature. UK data shows a decline in outdoor play driven by technological distractions, indoor lifestyles, limited access to green spaces, and sensory-deprived environments in schools. Lack of exposure to nature during childhood is strongly associated with poor mental and physical health across their life course. We want to inspire children to get outdoors and connect with the nature around them.
A 2025 survey by Greenpeace found that 78% of primary-aged children report worry about climate change. UNICEF and UK public surveys also indicate children are concerned about climate risks and that many feel government efforts are insufficient. We want to help children feel there are actions they can take to mitigate climate change.
Community projects are often funded only to plant trees for their climate benefit. However, the benefit is only realised if those trees continue to live and grow to a good size. Our project has ensured that the Children’s Forest has survived two periods of significant drought through mulching and watering by hand by pupils and volunteers. Trees nourish the soil, sequester carbon, clean the air and water and provide habitat for many species- the restoration of forests is vital for the health of our planet.
We build regenerative culture and intergenerational communities through tending our Children's Forest.
Where will your funding go?
ARC need your help to ensure we can continue this valuable work.
1) To continue working with three local schools: Clapham Terrace Primary due its lack of green outdoor space at the school; Lillington Primary due to having one of the 10% most deprived wards in the UK in its catchment; and Radford Semele Primary, due to its proximity to the woodland site.
2) To deliver our family sessions though the summer months, April to October 2027.
3) To engage two new groups: adoptive families through Adoption UK Warwickshire; and children with SEN (Special Educational Needs) through local organisation Soul Rise.
All we need to make these projects happen is the funding, and that is why we are here today.
"Wow what a magical day! My son was so happy and animated and full of the things he had done at the Children's Forest"
“The project has given my family a real sense of connection to the local community - something I feel is really important for my children”
What you can do now
We rely solely on donations and grants to be able to do our work, and in order to carry on we would love your help.
1) Donate!
Pledge what feels good for you! Every donation you make is matched up to £250 so £1 becomes £2, £50 becomes £100, and £250 becomes £500. Early supporters can choose from all of the Rewards. Only one pledge will be matched so if you want more than one Reward then please GET THE HIGHEST VALUE ONE FIRST! You can also add a donation to any Reward!
2. Spread the word!
The success of this fund relies on many pledges but equally sharing the link is just as important. So, please do share our project with friends, family and your wider community. Take a second to click the share button right now and send to at least one other person. The further the fund reaches, the more likely this Children's Forest can continue to support children and families.
3. Get involved!
Find out more about ARC's work via our website www.arccic.co.uk. If you would like to get involve in the Children's Forest or any other of our projects, get in touch through the ‘Contact’ section using the subject or sign up to our newsletter.
We would like to thank you for getting this far! It is a fantastic opportunity for a small organisation like ARC to receive your pledge / share as well as the generous match funding that is available right now.
Imagine a generation of children who don’t just learn about the impacts of climate change — but grow up knowing they have already taken positive action and can look after nature with deeper understanding.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 12th August 2026 at 1:17pm