Get out there and feel the dirt!
Froglife’s Green Pathways scheme helps vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to take part in positive activities linked to wildlife and conservation in their local community. Peterborough Green Pathways project has been running for nine years, reaching thousands of children and young people across Peterborough and the Fenlands.
Green Pathways sessions are delivered to a diversity of young people, with the main aim of the project to deliver a practical conservation project in the young person’s local area. The project will improve wildlife and conservation knowledge as well as increasing, confidence, social skills and aspirations.
This ecotherapy style project is based on scientific research that suggests being outdoors and connecting with nature, has a hugely positive effect on an individual. It helps improve physical and mental health, as well as having a positive impact on learning, behaviour and social skills for people of all ages and abilities.
A photo taken by a Green Pathways participant.
What is on offer?
We take referrals from a range of organisations, including schools, pupil referral units, charities, and sometimes the young people themselves. We develop the projects and sessions to best suit the needs of each group and local green space. The main projects we run are the long-term projects. In school holidays, we may be able to offer one-off or outreach sessions.
Long-term projects
These projects consist of a ten-week project, consisting of two/two and a half-hour weekly sessions delivering a practical conservation project. Activities during these sessions might include:
- Pond restoration or creation
- Constructing wildlife homes such as hibernacula (amphibian refuges)
- Planting a wildlife or bog garden
- Species surveying and identification
- Creating a wildlife mural for a community garden
One-off sessions
Consisting of holiday sessions for young people interested in practical outdoor activities, going on visits to different locations and joining in conservation tasks. Activities could include:
- Pond dipping
- Wildlife surveys
- Making animal homes
- Clay modelling
Above: Previous Green Pathways participants taking part in a nature walk, gardening and habitat creation
Outreach
For whole community youth clubs or youth groups in deprived areas, Froglife can visit and deliver interactive sessions with a wildlife theme.
- Wildlife identification and life-cycle
- Conservation of amphibians and reptiles
- Practical sessions using local green spaces, including pond dipping and site maintenance
Who can get involved?
We can deliver these sessions with young people aged 10-18 years. On occasion, we can work with younger age groups. Young people are eligible for the scheme if they are considered vulnerable or disadvantaged in some capacity.
The young people participating may:
- Live in a deprived area
- Be out of mainstream education
- Lack of confidence
- Have learning difficulties
- Have a disability
- Have behaviour issues
- Be involved in substance abuse
- Have mental health problems
- Be a young carer
This list is not exhaustive; please get in contact to discuss your young person’s eligibility for the project.
Quotes from previous participants and staff:
‘We have all found the sessions very beneficial. As a teacher, I have seen students in a different setting, and it is lovely to watch them learn new skills and play in the outdoor environment.’
‘The children really grew in confidence and were able to risk assess situations they hadn’t come across before. It was great to see them work as a team and help each other achieve.’
‘The project has been fantastic. The sessions were adapted to suit the needs of the children and were accessible for all. The children have improved their knowledge of the environment and enjoyment of the outdoors.’
How much does it cost?
It is free! We may also be able to contribute to overcoming barriers such as transport and outdoor clothing.
Project Updates…
We are currently booking in groups for long-term projects on a first-come, first-served basis, email the Learning Officer to book in a group.
How do I sign up?
For more information about the project, or to refer a group, please contact Briony Nesbitt the Learning Officer for the Peterborough Green Pathways project: briony.nesbitt@froglife.org
Get Involved!
We are currently looking for volunteers to help assist with the delivery of the project sessions. Volunteers may occasionally help with admin and preparation, as well as sometimes supporting at public engagement events.
If you love being outdoors, enjoy inspiring young people and want to make a practical difference to gardens and habitats, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.
To express interest or find out more about volunteering for Peterborough & Fenlands Green Pathways contact the Learning Officer: briony.nesbitt@froglife.org
Green Pathways Peterborough is generously funded by grants from the following organisations:
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Chapman Charitable Trust |
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