We have been so grateful for our garden and the surrounding countryside during these past few months and it has been a reminder, if one ever needed one, of the essential part that nature plays in our mental health and well-being. So when we were told about this inspiring project in Inkpen to create a Woodland Playground from a wasteland area, Alexander and I decided to raise funds by walking a marathon - 2 miles a day over 13 days. Starting on June 13th we walked every day either before or after school, sometimes with friends, in storms and a heatwave and always with our faithful dog Molly. Thank you to all our wonderful supporters! 

The Project: 

Inkpen is a rural community with little public transport. We do have a primary school and many children in the village. It is hoped that by turning some waste land next to the Playing Fields into a woodland playground we will encourage children to be active and to socialise, thereby helping with issues of mental health, obesity, loneliness and general well-being. The woodland playground is also intended to educate the children about their environment through play.

COVID19 has highlighted how important it is for children to play with other children and be active ideally outside. It is hoped that this playground will be completed by the end of November and hopefully the COVID19 restrictions will reduce enough to allow children to socialise and play together.

The Woodland Trust are giving the trees in November and plants are being donated by villagers.  The hope is that we can raise the £15,000 we need for the natural wood play equipment such as hollow logs, timber triangle, log hops etc.  

The more we raise the more we can afford to put in to give the play area structure and features for the children to enjoy. 

Studies worldwide demonstrate a correlation between participation in outdoor activities and significant improvements in mental, psychological and emotional wellbeing in children.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Clare & Alexander