Our ‘Branching Out’ community outreach programme supports local people, groups and organisations to access and enjoy Hazel Hill Wood nature reserve.
Utilising the wonderful natural spaces on offer and drawing on our network of skilled facilitators and outdoor educators, half-day sessions, day visits and residential trips are available, on either a free, subsidised or paid basis dependant on available funds.
The programme is all about making connections, building relationships within our community and sharing time together in a beautiful ancient woodland. The focus is on improving health and wellbeing through spending purposeful time in nature.
Currently we work with several local youth groups, NHS staff, bereavement volunteers, carers, and adults living with dementia and disabilities.
We are always looking to widen our reach. If you would like more information about the ‘Branching Out’ programme and to explore how we could work together, please email bookings@hazelhill.org.uk.
For an idea of what activities we can offer please see examples below:
Learning about wildlife
- Early Moth Mornings
- Birdsong for beginners
- Bug Hunting
- Pond Dipping
- Bat & Glow worm walks at dusk
Introductions to Woodland Management
- Managing native/non-native species
- Path clearance
- Scything
- Coppicing
- Hedge laying
- Hurdle making/continuous woven fencing
Bushcraft & Simple Woodwork
- Whittling
- Fire building and lighting fires without matches
- Campfire hot chocolate
- Toasting bread or marshmallows
- Shelter building with natural materials
- Nest box building
Play (for all ages!)
- Scavenger hunts
- Den building
- Woodland games, including drama games
Relaxation
- Mindfulness exercises
- Forest bathing
- Guided walks with tree/plant/funghi ID
Art / Creative
- Writing
- Drawing
- Poetry
- Willow weaving
- Natural wreath making