Forest School Laudato Si Centre

To transform a previously unmanaged woodland (3,258m²) with little biodiversity value into a thriving, attractive and welcoming space with a Forest School and bespoke areas for community activities, to help people enjoy and engage with nature.

Woodland management and restoration will be carried out to remove selected diseased and damaged trees, retain selected 'dead' trees to provide habitat for wildlife, remove invasive species, and plant new native trees and an understory of native shrubs and woodland.

The Forest School will be made up of an entrance area of log seating and canopy for health and safety briefings and session introduction, a camping circle for learning, singing and storytelling, multi-activity areas for activities such as natural crafting, willow weaving and woodland skills, a mindfulness area in a naturally secluded and sheltered area of the wood for people to de-stress and attend small group sessions, and a shelter and den building area.

The school will deliver five sessions a week, encompassing bushcraft (shelter building, campfire cooking, woodcarving, water purification), biodiversity studies, tree & plant identification, foraging, mycology studies, micro-orienteering, mental health & mindfulness, health and wellbeing, and make and take bird and bat box sessions.