Charity & Community Groups

Removing Barriers to Nature

At Laurel’s Wood CIC, our guiding mission it to break down barriers preventing communities from accessing the natural environment and reaping the wellness benefits of spending time outdoors. Research consistently demonstrates that spending time in nature reduces stress, enhances mood, improves cognitive function and boosts overall health. Read more about the Benefits of Nature.

We recognise the disparities in opportunities for engagement with nature and strive to overcome them. Our goal is to provide a welcoming space at Laurel’s Wood for those who might not typically have access a woodland environment. If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact us using our enquiry form.

School children sawing wood in Laurel's Wood

Bespoke Sessions

Recognising the unique needs for every group, we collaborate closely with you to tailor visits that meet your specific requirements and support your community’s visit to Laurel’s Wood.

Nestled in the heart of Laurel’s Wood lies our private woodland activity area. Here, we offer curated outdoor learning experiences led by experienced outdoor education specialists, adept at teaching those with diverse needs and challenges. Activities can include Bushcraft and survival skills, forest school sessions, toolwork, open fire cooking, orienteering, treasure hunts, archery, species identification, woodwork, woodland management, environmental awareness and volunteering opportunities.

We also provide guided walks, nature talks and can arrange additional activities through our partners, including equine therapy, balance bike and mini mountain bike courses, sound baths, forest bathing, yoga and mindfulness sessions. Alternatively, enjoy uninterrupted time with your community in our natural setting.

Group of school children in Laurel's Wood smiling and having fun

Flexible Programmes

Whether you require a one-off session or longer-term programme, we are to assist. Please get in touch and we will collaborate closely with you to bring your community to Laurel’s Wood. We understand that financial barriers may sometimes prevent access to outdoor spaces. For this reason, we are open to funding partnerships for causes that align with our objectives.

Case Studies

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Case Studies

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Case Studies ✽ Case Studies ✽

Children on a school trip to Laurel's Wood making a campfire

Everton in the Community

We proudly collaborate with various charities to enhance community engagement at Laurel’s Wood. Everton in the Community, a leader in social intervention across Merseyside, has brought several groups to Laurel’s Wood for activities such as bushcraft, tool-use and woodland management.

Their involvement contributed to clearing and enhancing parts of the woodland for future visits. Groups have participated in both instructed sessions and activities led by their own leaders. One notable contribution includes the creation of a fire circle, now home to our Young Explorers Club and visited by thousands of pre-school children.

Girl on a rope swing in Laurel's Wood

Community by Nature

One of our initial pilot projects involved collaborating with Community by Nature, a charity supporting families in socio-economic deprivation in Merseyside.

With funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we delivered a successful forest school programme at Laurel’s Wood for their group, laying the foundation for our Outdoor Learning Services for Schools which has since benefitted over 1,300 children.

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.”