Wellies in the Woods has supported over 1,000 families and with your help we can deliver sessions in communities most at need across the UK, encouraging families to embrace the natural environment on their doorsteps and foster a deeper appreciation of the benefits of accessing nature together as families.

£10 would help purchase books and play equipment to use at Wellies in the Woods sessions

£30 could purchase wellies or other outdoor protective clothing to help children engage at Wellies in the Woods sessions

£130 would sponsor a family to participate in Wellies in the Woods over eight sessions

£700 could help us to upskill 20 childcare professionals across the country to deliver Wellies in the Woods

£2000 would allow 15 families to participate in a Wellies in the Woods eight-week course

Why is Wellies in the Woods needed now?

The State of Play, Back to Basics report has declared that “Play is in danger of becoming a `lost art’ for British families, with 21% of parents admitting they no longer remember how to play and struggle to engage their children in creative and imaginative activities that will help their development”.

The Kindred2 School Readiness Survey 2023, found that an increasing number of families have been unable to access the right early years support in the wake of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. 30% of five year olds are falling behind their expected reading levels and 20% are behind on their communication and language skills.

The RSPB ‘Every Child Outdoors’ report from RSPB cites that benefits of playing outside include ‘positive impacts on education, physical health, emotional wellbeing and personal and social skills, including the development of responsible citizens.’

A study of Wildlife Trusts children’s outdoor learning events, 2019 shows that opportunities to learn outdoors were successful in promoting children’s sense of nature connectedness, promoting a stronger desire to engage with nature in future.

All children deserve opportunities to play in safe outdoor spaces and all families should have the right to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors no matter where they live.

Your support will ensure that:

Families connect with nature, inspiring long-lasting respect for the natural environment

Children engage in social play, increasing confidence amongst other children from a young age

Parents are given opportunities to engage in play with their children, and are better equipped to take their children to play in outdoor spaces

Young children’s literacy and numeracy skills are developed prior to starting school, preparing them for formal education

Early years’ staff are trained to run Wellies in the Woods sessions after Groundwork’s initial involvement

Help us inspire the next generation with a love for nature, and provide families across the UK with outdoor play and learning opportunities through Wellies in the Woods.