Statistics revealing that many children in Purbeck rarely visit the beach or countryside, has shocked local outdoor organisations into giving every young person the opportunity to regularly experience their natural environment.
The new programme Purbeck Goes Wild, led by the charity National Trust and community organisation Planet Purbeck has brought together outdoor, community, and conservation groups with all of Purbeck’s 10 schools including all the primary schools in Swanage and The Swanage School.
The National Trust is coordinating the scheme to introduce more children to nature including mini beasts
Students from Swanage’s St Mary’s Catholic Primary School on the lookout for wildlife
Free school trips
The idea is to offer more free school trips, free family events and provide better work experience and job opportunities in the nature and outdoor sector.
It’s not uncommon for many children across the UK to grow up not going on trips to the beach or countryside, however in Purbeck, the natural environment is the area’s largest asset.
Teachers at a local primary school discovered that in one class of five years olds, only about half the children had been to the beach. In a Year Two class, only six pupils out of 25 had visited Durlston Country Park prior to a school trip.
While some children may choose not to spend time outdoors, the Purbeck Goes Wild scheme aims to give every child the chance to explore the local area and to make the most of what we have.
With many schools lacking funding and resources, and recognising that not all parents have the time or money to spend on outings, the partnership is looking to make it easy for every child and young person up to the age of 25 to experience the area’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife.
Swanage’s St Mark’s CE Primary School pupils on a trip to the National Trust owned Middlebere Farm near Arne
A chance to see cows up close from the comfortable security of the farm trailor
“Shocking statistics”
Alex Brocklesby of the National Trust, who’s coordinating the project, said:
“The idea came off the back of some shocking statistics about the number of Purbeck children who rarely or never get to connect with nature, even though we are living in one of the most biodiverse areas in the UK.
“This is partly due to schools not having the funding or resources. We want to address this, offering rich nature and outdoor experiences across Purbeck schools.”
A family event about moths run by Durlston Country Park during a Planet Purbeck Festival
Founder of Planet Purbeck Rob Waitt
“People don’t care for things they haven’t experienced”
The partnership is keen to reach out to families, not just children, so that the whole community comes together to care for Purbeck’s countryside and coastline.
Rob Waitt, of Planet Purbeck, said:
“Our programme is about ‘connecting Purbeck kids with Purbeck nature’. People don’t care for things they haven’t experienced, so we want to help all local youngsters and their families to discover and enjoy the natural beauty on their doorsteps.
“There is also the opportunity for local people to join us as volunteers to help make our vision a reality.”
The Swanage School’s outdoor space for nature
Scott Johnson at The Swanage School enjoying the outdoors and pizza!
Creating nature-centred schools
The programme includes creating nature-centred schools, offering free family-friendly countryside conservation tasks, and providing trips to a variety of outdoor places, from beaches to working farms.
Scott Johnson, a local forest school leader, runs inspirational nature and gardening clubs at schools and pre-schools including Swanage’s St Mark’s CE Primary School and The Swanage School. He said:
“I feel privileged to guide children on their learning journey into the natural world. It is incredible to see their awe and wonder, and to share magical moments with them.
“Many of these young people begin to connect with nature, then become role models and ambassadors for other children and families.”
Gathering around the campfire at one of Cumulus Outdoors’ tented villages
Cumulus Outdoors managing director Sam Thompson (right) with marketing director Steve Thompson at their Swanage headquarters
“Inspire more youngsters”
The partnership is made up on 19 organisations including Durlston Country Park, RSPB Arne, Birds of Poole Harbour, Land and Wave, Brenscombe Outdoor Centre, Fore/Adventure and Cumulus Outdoors
Those involved are keen to promote career pathways into conservation and outdoor activities, so that young people can gain work experience and know what options are available to them.
Managing director at Cumulus Outdoors, Sam Thompson said:
“I grew up in Purbeck with the cliffs, beaches and rolling hills as my playground. At Cumulus, our aim is to share our local landscapes with others, especially younger generations.
“Hopefully this will inspire more youngsters to consider careers in the outdoors or nature, which will benefit the whole community and local economy.”
Free family events at Knoll Beach in Studland
Autumn nature events 2024
- Thursday 31st October: Cumulus Outdoors – Adventure session including aeroball and high ropes 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm at Cumulus Outdoor Centre, Swanage BH19 2PX. Free, booking required
- Friday 1st November: Land and Wave – Introduction to bushcraft 9.30 am to 12 noon at Purbeck Park, Norden BH20 5DW. £2.50 per person for Purbeck residents, booking required info@landandwave.co.uk
- Sunday 3rd November: National Trust – Den building 10 am to 12 noon at Discovery Centre, Knoll Beach, Studland. Free, just turn up, no booking required
- Sunday 17th November: National Trust – Gorse clearing activity 10 am to 2 pm at Discovery Centre, Knoll Beach, Studland. Free, just turn up, no booking required
- Saturday 8th December: Planet Purbeck – Get up with the birds and watch the sunrise 7.30 am to 8.30 am at Corfe Castle visitor centre car park BH20 5DR. Free, just turn up, no booking required
Further information
- More about Purbeck Goes Wild and the opportunities to get involved are on the Planet Purbeck website
