Why is Wild Blossom needed?
Research in current years is showing us the important role that nature connection has on our physical, mental and spiritual well-being as well as our ability to feel ultimately alive. Yet time spent in the natural world, especially for children, is decreasing at an alarming rate for multiple reasons, including modern technology, a loss of natural spaces, and fear of the outside.
Not only this, but the education system is failing many of our children and young people. They are not blossoming but are instead being pruned into a shape or form that is not true to them. Another way is needed.
Here at Wild Blossom, we are passionate about nature, education and wellbeing. This is why we want to offer you and your children a safe, calm and nurturing space to learn, to flower, and to reconnect to the joy of nature in our beautiful, ancient woodland.
Who are we?
Rachel
Hi, I'm Rachel. I'm an experienced Forest School and Play Leader, Early Years Practitioner and former primary teacher. My practice is guided by a love of nature and being outdoors. I have worked outdoors with children for most of my career to date, in the Outdoor and Environmental Education sector, as a Primary Teacher and in Early Years settings.
Rachel has enhanced DBS check, is outdoor and paediatric first aid trained, has Outdoor Food Hygiene L2 and is Wild blossom's safeguarding lead.
Liz
Hello, I'm Liz, and I love being outdoors! I feel so lucky to be able to do a job which enables me to spend my days, whatever the weather, in the woods. On a personal level, I feel the huge benefits of spending time outdoors, and love sharing that with people at Wild Blossom.
I am a Wellbeing in Nature Practitioner and also teach mindfulness in schools. I am a huge believer in the many benefits that nature can have on people and feel passionately that young people have the opportunity to connect (or reconnect) with nature. https://www.healthyyoungmindswales.co.uk/
I love working with children and young people, and really enjoy connecting with their families at the sessions.
Gill
Hello everyone, i'm Gill and in a previous life i was a nurse, midwife, health visitor and Senior Nurse/Manager in the NHS. Now in retirement, i love spending time outdoors, and nowhere better than in the in the wonderful woodland and surrounding areas of Wild Blossom.
Young children are delightful and fascinating, all at the same time. To see them grow and develop, especially in nature, is pure pleasure. As a volunteer, i love the interaction between children, young people, and their carers.
Oh, and there is always a cuppa and a biscuit to welcome everyone!
Alys
Alys has been volunteering at Wild Blossom Forest School for the past year and loves offering artistic activities in nature and the mindfulness and presence this brings. She has a background in illustration and a L2 certificate in Supporting Wellbeing in Nature Practice. She is passionate about merging her love of art with her love of nature and well-being. In her free time, she loves to draw natural landscapes, dance and forage for natural art materials. She also has experience leading mandala art workshops with children at wellbeing festivals. She is keen to make art in nature accessible, enjoyable and mindful for all.
“If children grow up not knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it, and if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it, and if they don’t protect it, who will?”
Sir David Attenborough