New forest school for children
Youngsters can go down to the woods thanks to a new forest school being launched.
Durham Cathedral has announced the launch of the new venture to benefit parents and toddlers in the region.
The cathedral will be starting the sessions this week, January 18, inviting youngsters to explore the 7.4 hectare Durham woodlands and riverbanks that surround the magnificent cathedral.
The sessions, which are the first of their kind at the Durham landmark, are designed to allow toddlers to form an early appreciation of the natural world.
And, to be able to do this in the unrivalled setting of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sessions will take place every Friday morning from 9.30am to 11.30am during term time until the Spring half term.
Each session offers its own learning outcomes based around a variety of central themes, including, Signs of Spring, Woodland Music and Environmental Art.
Pam Houseman, outdoor education officer at Durham Cathedral, said they are looking forward to the sessions.
She said: “I am delighted that Durham Cathedral is extending its nature offering by allowing youngsters the opportunity to develop their confidence and selfesteem by participating in forest school sessions.
“Nothing beats seeing children develop their social, emotional, motor and sensory skills whilst getting hands on with the natural environment.”
The sessions will be run by a qualified practitioner and they will follow a learner-led approach, which promises to compliment the wider context of outdoor education.
Amongst other things, children will learn how to handle risks and use their initiative to solve problems.
For the first half term of the year, taster sessions are being offered, priced at £5 per child and accompanying parents are free.
Individual sessions can be booked, as well as block sessions which cover the duration of the term.
These sessions are already proving popular and the cathedral says booking is essential as places are limited and selling fast.
Anyone interested in booking can contact Durham Cathedral’s Visitor Desk on 0191 338 7178, which is open 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 12.30pm to 4.30pm Sunday.
Or parents can book online at www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/whats-on/ forest-school
“Getting hands on with the natural environment” PAM HOUSEMAN