Our holiday forest school programme has been even more popular than ever this summer - places sold out in record time! We ran sessions in all weathers from hot and sunny to windy and torrential downpours. The children loved getting outside and playing games together again, whittling, making bows and arrows, clay pots and animals, building and playing in dens, having fun on swings, flying down ziplines and climbing trees. 

We're busy planning the next ones in October half term so look out for the email or on our website page soon.  

Over the summer we have been running Cook and Play sessions for families in Keighley Big Local area, funded by the government's Healthy Activities and Food Programme.

Families enjoyed cooking with Rachael Nield of Healthy Growth Initiative and play activities, such as crafts and fire lighting with our Hazel Thompson.  Everyone had a tasty lunch together and took home a food box filled with all the ingredients to make a healthy family meal with recipe card and instructions. Additional boxes were also distributed to local families who were not able to attend, resulting in nearly 600 sustaining meals distributed over the summer holidays.

Our All for Play programme in Keighley Big Local area continues with forest school sessions for local children. This summer we had a wild time in the woods, playing lots of games, climbing trees, building dens and making snacks on the fire such as baked apples and bananas, bread and marshmallows.

"My boys have really enjoyed the woodland sessions at St Mary’s. In these uncertain times, my eldest boy has suffered terribly with anxiety and was really unsure about attending. However, Hazel worked her magic to make him feel safe and happy. He has made some friends too, which is lovely." Parent of participant.

Our All for Play programme resumes on Saturday 12th Sept

While working from home, our team were able to put together a series of booklets highlighting some special nature sites to visit in Bradford, Shipley and Keighley.  The Breathing Spaces booklets were funded by BUPA UK Foundation to encourage individuals to visit local green spaces to connect with nature and improve mental health.   

We will be launching the booklets during the autumn with a series of guided walks, but if you can't wait, you can download them from our website

Our Better Start Bradford family sessions have been a huge success over the summer. Families with young children have relished the chance to get out in the fresh air together and take part in lots of fun activities, such as making art with natural colours like blackberries and mini beast hunting.

For some participants this was one of the first opportunities since lockdown to spend time outdoors, making new friends, learning new skills and reducing stress levels. Due to the current restrictions, we are taking referrals for these sessions, but hope to open them up for drop-ins again as soon as its allowed.  In the meantime, the link below will take you to lots of ideas that families with young children can try at home