Impact

How we measure our impact

We have robust systems in place to collect our impact data and it’s already shining a light on the huge difference Laurel’s Wood is making to people’s lives. We are in the process of compiling our first impact report and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Be part of the Laurel’s Wood story…

Laurel’s Wood has already benefitted from the support of individuals and business who want to contribute to our social impact. Whether you are able to offer a financial contribution, time, or resources, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate so that together we can make even more difference to our community.

We can help you to evidence the impact of your contribution so that you can see the direct benefits of your support and where required, include this in your organisation’s social value reporting. Below is an example of a recent impact report prepared for a local business who funded a visit to Laurel’s Wood for 52 school children.

Achievements in 2024

✽

Achievements in 2024

✽

Achievements in 2024 ✽ Achievements in 2024 ✽

Red squirrel in Laurel's Wood, Formby

Protect Nature and Wildlife

  • Undertook baseline ecological surveys upon signing the lease for Laurel’s Wood

  • Identified a diverse range of tree species and wildlife, including a healthy red squirrel population

  • Commenced conservation efforts to protect and enhance biodiversity

  • Collaborating with conservation organisations like Lancashire Wildlife Trust and the National Trust to ensure the long-term sustainability of the woodland

Girl doing archery in Laurel's Wood under supervision

Support Community Nature Engagement

  • Provided a peaceful, natural environment for communities to come together to relax, recharge and improve their wellbeing.

  • Provided a venue for outdoor learning, particularly benefiting those who are under-supported in a traditional school setting.

  • During 2024, more than 1,500 children and 340 adults visited Laurel’s Wood with their school, or affiliated organisation, or with a charity supporting them and their families.

  • Everton in the Community, Parenting 2000, The Inclusive Hub, Community by Nature and schools across Sefton, Merseyside and Lancashire are regular visitors to Laurel’s Wood.

Provide A Venue for Businesses

  • During 2024 we hosted six social enterprises at Laurel’s Wood who share our values and help us achieve our mission.

  • Several of them operate from Laurel’s Wood regularly, including Andy Lewis Bushcraft and Balance Bike Buddies.

  • During 2024, over 2,200 adults and 1,950 children have visited Laurel’s Wood via sessions hosted by other businesses.

A table decorated for a private hire event at Laurel's Wood

Provide A Venue for Events

  • Our aim is to develop our site as a unique events space.

  • During 2024 Laurel’s Wood hosted a number of children’s Bushcraft birthday parties and a pilot larger scale private event during the summer.

Donate Today

✽

Support Laurel's Wood

✽

Donate Today ✽ Support Laurel's Wood ✽

A boy collecting sticks in Laurel's Wood

Help us achieve our vision

  • £10-50 will fund children’s kit suitable for cold and wet weather conditions (fleeces, waterproof outer layer, hat, scarf, gloves, waterproof boots)

  • £370 will fund 30 children to visit Laurel’s Wood for a day

  • £2200 will fund a shipping container for storage of equipment

  • £3000 will fund a second compostable toilet, allowing us to increase capacity at Laurel’s Wood

Quotes from Teachers, Carers and Charity Staff

  • “One child who is looked after — I was quite emotional watching him during the day as he turned into this brave, confident leader. On a normal school day, he cannot listen and forgets our rules but when on our trip to Laurel’s Wood he was a different person. He transformed into a true role model helping his friends and teachers enjoy the activities. He became a leader, an explorer.”

  • “All children I saw a change the ones who aren't confident in school dared to try new things and pushed out of their comfort zone. In addition, when coming back to the class the next day the children were all calm and amazed from the day and carried on the change of behaviour to within the classroom.”

  • “For our children, I felt like these activities were activities that they would have never had the chance to experience before and the confidence and joy they got from this will stay with them for a long time.”

  • “It was a great chill time for the children to explore the forest and play with the amazing space but also push their boundaries giving independence and allowing them to be creative explorers.”

  • “The children were so calm all day. They listened to instructions from the team, they kept themselves safe, they worked together, they explored, they showed independence, they were engaged, they gave everything a go, they learnt new skills and they had fun while doing it all.”

  • “City children change when brought into new, exciting venues like this one. They thrive! They need this more often. In fact, I would say it should be termly!”

  • “They loved it they all wanted to go back the next day, we have changed our outdoor classroom since going and a child has even said "It’s like we are back in the woods, it’s all magical.”

  • “The whole day all staff couldn't believe how amazing and were blown away by the woods and the team. Will definitely be back again! Thank you so much for giving this opportunity to our children who will never experience anything like this, and inspiring us within our own outdoor area.”

  • “I cannot say how brilliant our day was and the change in the children's behaviour in the outdoor environment everyone pushed their comfort zones, became leaders and fully embraced the day.”