New Forest School at Bailey Hill project in Mold offers unique opportunities for learning

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

This article is old - Published: Friday, Jan 20th, 2023

A new Forest School is set to launch at the Bailey Hill project in Mold, providing primary schools in the area with the opportunity to engage in outdoor education in a natural environment.

The project, which is a partnership between the Bailey Hill Project and Woodland Classroom, will run from January to March 2023 and is being made possible thanks to funding secured from Cadwyn Clwyd.

Forest schools, which take place in wooded or natural environments, aim to support the development and lifelong relationships between the learner and the natural world.

Through the introduction of a Forest School on Bailey Hill, the project hopes to reach a wider audience of primary schools across Flintshire and promote holistic development for all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners.

Jo Lane, Business Regeneration Project Officer, said “I am so excited that we are now able to offer Forest School sessions for primary schools in the local area.”

“It is important to me that Bailey Hill has a variety of activities for residents and visitors to encourage repeat visits. Woodland Classroom is an excellent fit for the park and the project, and I look forward to welcoming more schools to the site.”

James Kendall, Head Bushcraft Instructor and Forest School Leader at Woodland Classroom, said “It’s such a unique site to be able to host outdoor education at because there’s a wealth of tangible history all around the children to inspire them and get their imaginations going.”

“Not only that, but Bailey Hill is also rich in nature which will be the springboard for so much learning with the school groups. We can’t wait to get started and welcome all the schools to this special site.”

As part of the project, other opportunities will also be available, such as free training for teachers in leading outdoor education sessions.

The training will be available for teachers, teaching assistants, and volunteers who want to gain confidence and practical skills in delivering outdoor education sessions for themselves.

If the pilot program is successful, the project hopes to develop it further, with the possibility of providing sessions for older children and families.