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 Trustees of the Axis Foundation were delighted to support their application to create a Forest School, reclaiming unused wasteland behind their community building.

We have donated £9,700 to help Burnside purchase fixed seating for their storytelling outdoor area, interactive wooded structures, large resources to enhance exploration, and create an outdoor learning area. The funding will also enable Burnside to purchase vital resources to support community/family-based activities: SEND learning aids to ensure inclusion, support childhood wonder and engagement with nature.

Thanking the Foundation, Kerry Edwards Burnside Centre Manager said: “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 Axis Foundation. 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. Sincere thanks to the Axis Foundation.”

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