The Garden Classroom
Specialist equipment helps SEN kids re-connect with nature
The Garden Classroom (TGC) is a multi-award winning charity dedicated to reconnecting people with nature.
The Axis Foundation donated £2,008 to enable the Islington-based charity to purchase equipment for Hobbs Hill, their site for day trips and multi-night camping. Hobbs Hill (in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is designed to offer urban children a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in nature.
We enabled the charity to purchase SEN resources for an autistic safe space on the campsite and a 6-person hammock, both of which will help reduce sensory overload and provide a calm, relaxing environment. And we also provided funds for top-up tools (essential for hands-on activities like bushcraft and den building) and a tarpaulin to safely cover the fire circle and provide shade for eating and cooking.
“Your donation is going to make a huge difference to our facilities on camp, especially for those children with Special Educational Needs. Your support will help us provide inclusive and accessible access to enriching, life-changing experiences for nature-deprived children, with impact extending well beyond their enjoyment of the camp itself.
“Our aim is always to create a deep connection with nature that can resonate throughout the lives of those taking part: and we couldn’t do this without your help – thank you!” – Millie Darling, Director of Countryside Programmes
The Axis Foundation’s donation will benefit over 200 children and their teachers who visit the campsite each year.
In a later report, Millie added: “Our Countryside team here at The Garden Classroom have just finished delivering a hugely successful year of camping residentials during which they spent down all of the generous grant received from The Axis Foundation in 2024.
I hope that our report provides an inspiring picture of the way that our camps have supported disadvantaged urban children over the past two years, especially those with SEND and sensory challenges. We could not have done this without your generosity – thank you.”
There’s more about The Garden Classroom here
