Helping children connect with nature at County Durham’s Hardwick Park

CHILDREN from Sedgefield are connecting with nature and developing new skills thanks to a new forest school at Hardwick Park.
From crafting mud faces to learning how to light a fire safely, the sessions, which are being led by Durham County Council’s parks and countryside team, have been designed to engage children’s curiosity and help them develop an appreciation for the natural world.

The initiative has been funded by the East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership (AAP) through the neighbourhood budgets of Couns Chris Lines and David Brown, who contributed a total of £3,210.
Pupils from Sedgefield Hardwick Primary and Sedgefield Community College have been embarking on a hands-on journey, building dens, learning to use tools such as peelers and palm drills, making natural crafts, exploring the historic parkland, and learning about the local wildlife.

Jane Bellis, East Durham Rural Corridor AAP coordinator, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to visit the forest school in action, and to see the obvious enthusiasm of the staff and pupils.

“That is the most rewarding part of my role, when I see the impact that the funding has on the community.
“This is an excellent opportunity for the children within our area and demonstrates an alternative way to learn and also to learn to respect nature and the environment.

“It’s having a positive impact within our community.”