Providing enriching outdoor learning experiences for children & young people: developing social skills and confidence, encouraging environmental awareness, and
building resilience.
Estimated Cost
£35,000
What we want to do
Corry Capers Outdoor Learning provides quality after school and holiday childcare in the community-owned woodlands in Broadford. Children connect to nature through play while they learn valuable skills and develop environmental appreciation. With qualified supervision, youngsters have fun with activities such as building dens, making fires, hunting for bugs, pond dipping, planting, animal husbandry and creating natural art. The programme also includes some family/intergenerational activities, with an emphasis on rural skills and Whole Family Wellbeing.
The programme was developed in collaboration with the community to meet an urgent local need. It has now been running for over 6 years and we have a wealth of testimonies demonstrating how much it is valued. We have no long-term project funding and work hard every year to raise the necessary resources. The programme costs c.£35k deliver each year. BSCC is able to contribute c.£10k per year from own funds and parental contributions, but we need to raise c.£25k annually to continue.
We typically deliver 2 after school sessions per week in term time and week-long holiday clubs during summer holidays and autumn/spring half term, plus additional family sessions and events. We often work with local partners and organisations (e.g. Community Tree Nursery, Otter Club and Broadford Youth Club) to provide enriching experiences and reach all sectors of the community. We want to ensure that low income is not a barrier to engaging with our activities, so although there is a small charge to attend we do offer free places to those in financial need. Corry Capers activities are designed to be as accessible as possible, and we currently have regular participants with special needs including autism and physical disability.
Plans and policies: Consultation for the Broadford & Strath Local Place Plan highlighted the importance of facilities for children and young people. The Corry Capers outdoor learning programme (AKA ‘forest school’) was frequently singled out for praise (“amazing facility”). The LPP also highlights the need to retain families in our area, and a desire to protect and restore the natural environment. The programme also helps deliver a number of priorities in Skye & Raasay Future including Strengthening Communities (inclusive participation) and Education & Lifelong Learning (expanded learning pathways, youth voice). By providing after school childcare provision it supports working families and thus contributes to economic productivity.
Community need: Childcare and activities for young people were identified as priority activities through the community consultation exercises that BSCC undertook when acquiring Broadford Community Woodland. Feedback from parents/carers, school and young people demonstrates ongoing need. We have a number of participants from single parent and larger families who tell us they find our service particularly valuable. We are also regularly approached by other organisations wishing to replicate our model. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all, including Disabled children and those from low-income backgrounds. This helps our rural community to thrive and to retain families in our area. This is vital at a time when the Highlands & Islands faces a depopulation crisis and an ageing population.
Health & wellbeing need: The physical, mental, social and emotional health benefits of playing and learning outdoors are now well documented and supported by the UK Government. Evidence shows more time spent outdoors reduces stress, lowers prevalence of obesity and increases levels of resilience amongst many other therapeutic advantages - see for example this press arcticle: http://bit.ly/434fk4C (‘How a radical experiment to bring a forest into a preschool transformed children’s health’ - Guardian, 29.10.25.) But for today’s young people there is a growing disconnect to the physical world as the digital world dominates. The legacy of this programme will be a cohort of young people who grow up more socially connected, confident and resilient and can pass these capacities onto the next generation.
Testimonies: The feedback has been consistently positive from children, parents/carers and schools; examples: “A fantastic place for [our children] to socialise and learn.” “The leaders are all great and clearly put a lot of effort into the sessions. A wonderful addition to the community!” Corry Capers is registered with the Care Inspectorate (CS2021000116) and the latest inspection report can be viewed at www.careinspectorate.com. The report praises the service across all areas: care, play and learning; setting; leadership and staff team. The warm, caring and nurturing support was highlighted, alongside the range of exciting, creative and challenging activities. Testimonies quoted in the unannounced inspection report include: “He has thrived since he started going.” “It gives my children a safe place to explore and learn through play. They enjoy the social aspect and have learnt new skills.” “Brilliant individuals and a great and diverse team. I appreciate the educational and practical skills brought to the mix.”
Outcomes
Children feel increased connection with, and appreciation of, the natural world, particularly woodland environments.
Children have increased social skills and confidence, leading to improved resilience.
Parents and carers feel increased confidence about letting children play in woodland environments and have a greater appreciation of the benefits of connection with forestry / woodlands.
Provision of after-school activities helps parents to extend their working day, thus supporting economic activity and the retention of families in an area with ageing population
Key milestones
Pre-2017: Community Consultation 2017: Feasibility/pilot funded by Aspiring Communities
2018-20: Delivery of first 2 years fully funded by Aspiring Communities
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