Creating a Forest School in built-up estate

Burnside Centre supports the community and people of Langley Estate in Middleton, Manchester, a high-ranking area of deprivation in a built-up area with few green spaces.

The Axis Foundation and the Riverside Foundation were delighted to support their application to create a Forest School here, transforming disused green space behind the community hub into a safe, inclusive, and sustainable outdoor learning environment for children, young people, and families.

Burnside Centre’s aspiration to introduce the Forest School was made possible through £19,000 investment from the Riverside Foundation, £9,700 donation from the Axis Foundation and additional support from the Asda Foundation and the Manchester School of Architecture – bringing the total project value to around £41,000.

The funding will enable the installation of features designed to encourage exploration and ensure accessibility, including:

• A storytelling area with fixed seating and a firepit
• Interactive wooden structures and outdoor learning zones
• SEND-friendly resources
• A nature-inspired mural, new planting, and secure fencing
• Safety upgrades including new CCTV and anti-climb perimeter fencing

“The Trustees of the Axis Foundation were delighted to join forces with the Riverside Foundation to support Burnside Centre’s vision: to introduce a Forest School at their community hub. Both Axis Europe and The Riverside Group are already partners, working together to maintain properties and homes, and it seemed to us highly appropriate that our foundations join forces in supporting this valuable local enterprise to provide a lasting legacy of learning that will benefit the local community” – Michael Hayes, Trustee, the Axis Foundation

Hazel Waddington, Chair of Riverside Foundation, said: “We’re proud to support a project that will have such a lasting impact on the Langley community. The Forest School will provide a much-needed green space that offers hands-on experiences that inspire creativity and learning. It will foster confidence and connection with nature for generations to come.”

Kerry Edwards, Burnside Centre Manager, added:  “We’re a grass roots charity – committed to quality and people-focused engagement! Our community Forest School vision could not flourish and become reality without the fantastic support of the Riverside Foundation,the Axis Foundation and the other incredible supporters. To be able to bring this green space to life for local children and families is a dream come true. It has been truly transformational to have your support – empowering our community-based learning journey.”

More about Burnside Centre

Forest Schools offer hands-on learning in natural environments. They aim to foster confidence, self-esteem, and independence through engaging with nature. Burnside has invested in frontline staff training and formal Forest School accreditations. And their new Forest School at the Langley Estate will provide opportunities for local people and the wider community to benefit from volunteering, gaining new skills; and actively engaging with nature and all its wonders.

Open 50-weeks of the year, Burnside Centre offers workshops, learning, growth, support and development opportunities in a deprived area.They deliver their services under three themes: crisis, proactive and progressive:

• Crisis supports low income and vulnerable families and includes Food Bank vouchers, emergency food parcels & personal care supplies
• Proactive support vulnerable people and unemployed people  and through Early Years provision, health and well-being sessions, learning courses and family support
• Progressive offers large scale ambitious projects to uplift the wider community

More here