A national scheme which gives children the chance to enjoy a residential in the countryside, and connect with nature has been extended to Cumbria for the first time.
The OWL Collaboration – Outdoor Week of Learning – has been created by UK educational charity The Ernest Cook Trust. It offers qualifying schools the opportunity to send pupils on an immersive residential week in nature as well as funding and support to develop their own outdoor learning at school.
In Cumbria, the trust has partnered with The Country Trust to fund and deliver an innovative, hands-on pilot programme at The Ernest Cook Trust’s working farm at Low Beckside, Mungrisdale. Pupils will spend their days immersed in outdoor activities.
Vicki McDermott, learning operations lead (Cumbria/Lancashire) at The Ernest Cook Trust, said: “It was always an aspiration to bring The OWL Collaboration to Cumbria and it’s particularly special that we can host the programme on our own farm at Low Beckside.”
Hannah Jones-McVey, of The Country Trust, added: “Funding from The Ernest Cook Trust has enabled us to spend time in school, with parents and with teachers which has been so important in creating an experience which meets the needs of each school. It has been a joy to spend time with remarkable children who have thrived on the farm, learnt so much and demonstrated how much they have to offer the world that they are growing into.”
Each OWL offers participants the chance to learn more about the natural world and their place within it and is aimed at targeted schools, to enable children and young people with the highest level of needs to benefit.
Sarah White, head of learning programmes development at The Ernest Cook Trust, added: “OWL is far more than just time away from the classroom. We have been measuring the impact on children, which shows that they become more connected to nature and experience improvements in their wellbeing.
“The schools also tell us they see positive changes in children’s attitude to learning. We are proud of how The OWL Collaboration has reached underserved children and those from diverse backgrounds, and the opportunities that have arisen for them as a result.
“In partnering with The Country Trust, we are confident we can repeat in Cumbria the success that The OWL Collaboration has seen in other locations.”
