Growing Outdoor Learners for a Sustainable Future

Aim

Expand our outdoor provision with improved learning materials, woodland resources and nature spaces to support climate learning.

Aviva Community Fund supports projects that help communities respond to climate challenges and build stronger futures. At Thurton and Ashby St Mary Preschool, we are doing exactly that through our unique outdoor learning environment and Forest School approach.

We are a small, charity-led rural preschool providing affordable and fully funded childcare places for children aged 2–4. Based at our village hall, we have created an inspiring outdoor learning garden where children spend most of their day exploring nature, building confidence, developing resilience, and learning how to care for the world around them.

Our children dig, plant, build, climb, observe wildlife, grow vegetables, collect rainwater, and learn by real experiences outdoors. Through these activities they naturally develop physical skills, communication, teamwork, problem-solving abilities and emotional wellbeing — all while building a lifelong connection with nature.

Supporting Climate Action Through Early Education

Climate change and environmental challenges will shape our children’s futures. We believe even very young children can begin to understand how to care for the natural world through hands-on experiences.

Our enhanced Forest School programme will include activities such as:

· Tree and wildflower planting

· Wildlife habitat creation

· Nature conservation projects

· Sustainable growing and composting

· Learning about weather, seasons and biodiversity

· Outdoor crafts using natural and recycled materials

· Rainwater harvesting and water conservation activities

These experiences help children understand that small actions can make a positive difference to the environment and their community.

Expanding Our Forest School Provision

Following the success of our previous climate action project to expand our growing area with rainwater harvesting, we now want to expand and strengthen our Forest School provision so even more children can benefit from high-quality outdoor education and environmental learning.

We are seeking match funding to:

· Provide additional staff training in outdoor learning, Forest School practice, environmental education, biodiversity and sustainable land management

· Create new nature-based learning activities focused on climate awareness, biodiversity and sustainability

· Expand our outdoor learning materials and woodland resources with items such as bug hunting and classification equipment; weather monitoring and observation equipment; a portable solar handwashing system; compost bins, friction and non-fiction books and rainwater harvesting systems.

· Increase opportunities for children to learn practical environmental stewardship skills

Why Outdoor Learning and Environmental Training Matters

Investing in staff training in outdoor learning, environmental education and nature-based practice will allow more members of our team to confidently deliver safe, engaging and meaningful outdoor experiences throughout the year.

This training will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality activities focused on biodiversity, sustainability, growing, conservation and caring for the natural environment, while also helping us continue to improve and maintain our outdoor learning spaces for future generations.

Outdoor learning approaches are proven to help children:

· Build confidence, independence and resilience

· Improve emotional wellbeing and mental health

· Develop communication, teamwork and social skills

· Increase physical activity, coordination and motor development

· Deepen understanding of nature, wildlife, biodiversity and environmental responsibility

· Learn to assess risk safely, solve problems and think creatively

· Feel calmer, happier and more engaged in learning

· Develop curiosity, respect and care for the world around them from an early age

Training will also help staff develop practical skills in creating sustainable green spaces, supporting wildlife habitats, managing natural resources responsibly and engaging families and volunteers in environmental action within our community.

Most importantly, these experiences help children form a meaningful connection with nature during their earliest years — encouraging future generations to value, protect and care for the environment.

By investing in staff development, this funding will create long-term benefits for hundreds of children and families within our rural community for years to come.

Keeping Childcare Affordable for Local Families

As a charity-led preschool, we work hard to keep our childcare accessible and affordable for all families. Most of our improvements are achieved through the dedication of staff, volunteers and community support.

Funding from Aviva would allow us to continue offering enriching outdoor experiences without increasing costs for local families already facing financial pressures.

Every pound raised will go directly towards training, tools, resources and outdoor learning materials that will benefit our children and community immediately and sustainably into the future.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 23rd August 2026 at 1:02pm