After the successes of the Green Pathways projects in Glasgow and Peterborough, we are delighted that we have been able to develop and introduce the Green Pathways Project to Sussex. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Green Pathways aimed to involve young people aged 5 – 25 in outdoor conservation activities that improved local outdoor spaces, making them increasingly wildlife-friendly.
Focusing on those who are considered vulnerable and disadvantaged, Green Pathways strived to ensure that throughout these sessions, young people not only became increasingly knowledgeable about UK wildlife and conservation issues, but most importantly gain confidence, channel their creativity and expand their social skills.
We hoped that by being involved in these sessions, we inspired many young people to continue on their very own Green Pathways as they move forward in life with a more eco-conscious and self-assured way of thinking!
Who was eligible?
We delivered our sessions to young people up to the age of 25 who were eligible for the scheme if they were considered vulnerable or disadvantaged.
To enrol a young person onto the project, eligibility included:
- Poverty and deprivation
- Be a young carer
- SEND, SEN or NEET
- Mental health difficulties
- Physical or learning difficulties
- Confidence and social issues
- Exclusion from mainstream education
- Identified as needing Additional Support for Learning
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What was on offer?
Young people took part in practical outdoor activities in local green spaces, involving themselves in a wildlife journey through regular sessions with our Learning Officer, and helping to shape the activities they took part in.
Long-term Projects
In 2021 we piloted blocks of 10 week sessions (one session per week) with groups in Eastbourne and Lewes, comprised of young people not in mainstream education, and trialled a shorter 6 week programme through West Sussex Mind near Worthing. We tailored our offers and trialled different formats.
Activities included:
- pond building
- creating bug hotels and hibernacula
- art and craft activities
- nature exploration challenges
- connection to nature and wellbeing activities
One-off sessions
We delivered single sessions for holiday clubs, after-school sessions and other organisations that felt like their young people may benefit from a conservation-based activity session.
Schools
For schools in deprived areas in East and West Sussex, and for children experiencing difficulty as a result of Covid-19, we visited and delivered interactive sessions within school grounds. These were one-off or repeat sessions, and were tailored to the needs of the school and young people.
Quotes from staff, parents and young people who attended Sussex Green Pathways sessions:
“It’s a great medium to learn more about the students I work with.”
“My Daughter and I attended Sussex Green Pathways hosted by Chloe Dalglish. We have both found it hugely beneficial to our wellbeing, being outside in nature learning about it, and we are delighted to of made some new wonderful friends from it also.”
“Chloe is extremely knowledgeable, professional, understanding and friendly. She has worked with my special needs daughter wonderfully. It can sometimes be a challenge to get my daughter to groups and she requires a lot of amendments and care. Chloe demonstrated this perfectly and showed a comprehensive understanding of her needs.”
“It has been a brilliant experience, I have really enjoyed it.”….”I found it interesting and fun.”…..”The sessions are fun and Chloe is lovely and it’s really nice to get outside and do something active.”
Thanks to our Funder
For information on Froglife’s other education projects, click here.