Watchtree Nature Reserve has been awarded a £60,000 grant to help get young people outdoors.
The cash, from UK educational charity The Ernest Cook Trust, will be spread across three years and help fund an outdoor learning officer to run education and wellbeing provision, Watchtree Wild Learning.
The project is open to around 1,350 children and young people a year. Using the nature reserve’s 205 acres, the project engages children in fun, exploratory and inspiring outdoor activities that can reduce isolation, rebuild confidence and self-esteem and connect communities.
Targeting activities at young people from underserved communities, Watchtree Wild Learning seeks to remove barriers to outdoor engagement ensuring every child can enjoy being outdoors and is given a chance to develop a lifelong love for nature.
Ryan Dobson, manager of Watchtree Nature Reserve, said: “We are thrilled to receive support from Ernest Cook for the continuation and growth of our education and wellbeing services.
“Demand for high quality outdoor based learning and wellbeing experiences is increasing, this funding enables us to focus the provision on specific community needs and marginalised groups without imposing financial barriers on potential service users.
“Within the timeframe of the funding, we intend to continue developing commercial services which will ensure our future sustainability.”
Watchtree Nature Reserve was among 10 charities and non-profit organisations to receive a grant from The Ernest Cook Trust. Cumbria Wildlife Trust was also awarded a grant for an outdoor learning officer.
