Youth Mentoring in Nature is an early intervention scheme for pupils in Years 7 and 8 who are struggling with their engagement in mainstream learning and the classroom environment.

The programme provides a natural learning space that young people are immediately keen to explore. The leaders’ approach is gentle and playful, cultivating the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of each child so s/he becomes self-motivated to learn.

Engagement with new skills is focused around bushcraft and green wood-working. With one to one guidance and support, the young person’s capacity for focus and perseverance expands, as does the sense of self-esteem and personal responsibility. Sessions take place at Foundry Wood, Leamington Spa.

All young people who participated in a pilot programme in 2020 experienced significant reductions in stress levels as compared with time spent in school.

This programme is offered to secondary schools in Leamington and Warwick. Programmes can be tailored to meet specific requirements.

If schools would like to explore more generally the benefits and possibilities of integrating outdoor learning into your school (on or off-site), as a means of curriculum enrichment, or with a mind to making the most of your existing open outdoor spaces, we can offer a free consultation.

Feedback from the Young People:

“I just loved being in the woods. It definitely helped with my anxiety. I always feel my anxiety at school. I didn’t feel anxious when we were in the woods.”
“I feel like I’m a more confident person in general as a result. I would do more of these activities outside school as well. I never really knew it was available or possible.”
“It’s been life changing, I look at the world differently. I used to be on my phone all the time, now I only go on a few times a day. I realise it’s not as important and I’ve had so much fun without it.”

Feedback from the Schools:

“The Foundry Wood project has been a fantastic addition to our intervention programme at North Leamington School. We thank everyone who has made it possible.”

“The team have been very committed to their communication with the school and the students, which has ensured the smooth running and success of the project.”

For more information please contact Matt Cox at matt@arccic.co.uk