Spending time outdoors is good for the mind, body and soul. But generally people are spending less time outdoors, or facing obstacles that restrict their ability to access the outdoors.

That is a problem we’re helping to solve. We support grass-roots direct action projects that tackle issues such as diversity & inclusion in the outdoors, participation, education, conservation and protection of our natural environment and health & well-being.

With a specific focus on the benefits shown to come from outdoor acivities our aims constist of the following:

Help young people, especially but not exclusively through leisure time activities, so as to develop their capabilities that they grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society.

To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life.

To advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment.

For the public benefit to promote the education (including social and physical training) of people in such ways as the charity trustees think fit.

To advance sport or games which promote health by physical or mental skill or exertion and which are undertaken on an amateur basis.

Access and participation to outdoor wild spaces can often be deemed inaccessible to children with Special Educational Needs, but by increasing opportunities it can really break down barriers and perceptions of what’s possible and the huge benefits it can bring.

Helen is Little Puddle People, and Rachel founded Rock Tots. Together they wanted to trial outdoor sessions for pre-school SEN children. To show their potential, support families and promote diversity and inclusion in climbing and the outdoors from an early age.

“Being outdoors and connecting with nature and the world around us has an incredible effect on our well being, mood and immune system both for adult and child the benefits are limitless.”

They were after financial support to ensure they were accessible to all, to eliminate any financial barriers. An award from the Alpkit Foundation meant they could run free, inclusive sessions.

“Children with SEN often struggle with sensory inputs which inhibit their ability to learn and engage as they process what they actually need. Outside those sounds are usually more soothing and calming... often why children with speech and language delays and impairments are more likely to talk outdoors.”

Seeing a child grow and develop is an incredible adventure and wonderful learning curve, but for parents of young children with SEN that curve can be a particularly steep one. Unfortunately support is not always easy and readily available.

It was wonderful to follow a session and see the reactions and joy. The positive and long term impact that giving time outdoors can have, no matter who you are, what age, what ability. It shone through these little ones.

“Exploring outdoors is open ended, there’s no set way to play and engage, they find their own path, their own route, thinking critically and creatively, problem solving as they go. All of which are vital life long skills, all of which are pretty unique to outdoors learning.”