Our project in Dee Park’s woodland, Lousehill Copse, won the Institute of Learning’s Community Development Award 2019. ‘Mission Lousehill’ is a community re-wilding project that engages the Dee Park community with an ancient woodland on their doorstep. By combining spy themed creative arts, Forest School and conservation activities, the project has successfully engaged the unusual suspects through various missions at their local nature reserve, achieving positive outcomes for both people and nature.
We’re sure this will put us in good stead for even more ambitious projects in Reading that support our community’s health and wellbeing through connecting people with our parks and woodlands.
The Outdoor Learning Awards are presented to Outdoor Learning professionals and organisations in recognition of their outstanding work and to encourage excellence. The sector applauds those working on innovative projects which encourage and enable more people to get out, be active, learn about and connect with the outdoors. These awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional work of a diverse group of professionals including instructors, teachers, leaders, managers, educators and researchers.
The ‘Mission Lousehill’ project involved Nature Nurture working in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers, Reading Borough Council and Catalyst Housing to improve the woodland for people and wildlife along with a whole host of activities including Forest School, community events and a monthly Wild Family Club.
Feedback from our events has been really positive:
My family and I absolutely love Lousehill Copse days. The organisers are enthusiastic and really good with the kids.
Lisa Baugh, Parent
I came with my 4 year old twins and we all had a great time. We’ve looked for bugs, made a bug sucker, bee houses and dug a hole for a bumblebee house. It’s been lovely to be outside and learning about how we can help bees- many ideas for our own garden!
Fiona Humphries, Parent
We are now seeking funding to continue our community projects in Lousehill Copse. Please get in touch if you can help.
