Groundwork has announced that even more children and families across the UK will now be able to enjoy greater access to nature following the expansion of their Wellies in the Woods programme.
Wellies in the Woods provides outdoor play and learning opportunities through storybook-inspired sessions in local parks, woods and outdoor spaces, in communities in need of extra provision.
Thanks to additional funding and investment from Miller Homes and the Bupa Foundation, delivery has grown, increasing access to the outdoors and providing health and wellbeing benefits for more pre-school children and their families.
Research shows that being outdoors brings a great deal of joy to children as 85% say it makes them ‘very happy’. Despite this, the opportunities for this are sadly dwindling with shockingly, only 27% of children regularly playing outside near their homes.
Wellies in the Woods provides a solution to this and inspires families to connect with nature on their doorsteps by demonstrating low-to no-cost activities that families can do at home together, enabling disadvantaged young children and families to safely explore, develop and learn.
Through being involved, children build their confidence, improve early development and form a lasting connection and appreciation with nature, alongside improving literacy skills and encouraging reading.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “We all know how important early childhood experiences are in setting expectations and creating habits that last a lifetime – both good and bad. Ensuring more parents and guardians of young children have the confidence and support they need to explore the outdoors is not just important for children’s health and development but also helps families to bond.
“The government has prioritised early years provision as one if its core missions and is also working to ensure more people are able to access and connect with nature close to home. Initiatives like Wellies in the Woods offer the professional support and encouragement needed to ensure the benefits of both are available to families who most need them.
“Thank you to our partners in helping us kickstart this new phase of the programme and we welcome further conversations with future supporters for this important Groundwork initiative.”
Wellies in the Woods first began in Hertfordshire in 2016. Speaking of the programmes continued development, Hannah Smith, Team Manager, Groundwork East, said: “Outdoor play is vital for children’s development, but we know it can feel daunting to take those first steps. Wellies in the Woods is about building confidence, sharing ideas, and showing how outdoor learning can be simple, safe, and fun—all year round.”
For more information on local Wellies in the Woods sessions or how you to support the future development of the programme, please visit the Wellies in the Woods website here.
Groundwork is working alongside the Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust to support delivery in Scotland.
