A morning with the Goodwood Education Trust
Last week I put my wellies on and took myself off to the Goodwood Education Trust which is nestled in a beautiful setting in woodland adjacent to Goodwood Home Farm. What an amazing morning I spent with Catherine Cannon, the Trust Manager, in a truly inspirational place.
The trust is an independent environmental education charity whose purpose is to inspire a love and understanding of the natural environment and sustainable agriculture. They work to connect children and young people with nature, particularly those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable. There is a distressingly long list of children who fall into that category - those with special education needs, social, emotional and mental health needs, young carers, those eligible for free school meals or who have experienced trauma and those who are excluded from mainstream schooling. To see how these children thrive in this magical, safe space, and how the wonderful team of dedicated staff interact with them is really quite emotional to witness.
The trust works broadly across West Sussex and East Hampshire (including Portsmouth and Gosport). In order to reach those with the highest level of need they have established local partnerships and also have funding available to help with farm visits and coach travel
They offer three programmes:
· Farm Visits for Schools, including free visits for disadvantaged schools. Last term we welcomed over 800 children on a farm trip, and more than 500 were on a free (funded) trip. Of those, almost half were eligible for means-tested Free School Meals.
· Woodland learning, including weekly Forest School for vulnerable students, including those struggling with mainstream schooling, in Alternative Provision or Special Schools. We currently run 6 sessions a week for schools as part of their curriculum, keeping children engaged and safe.
· Children in the Community, woodland activities, including partnerships with local charities and Forest Adventures through school holidays, particularly for those on low incomes. Last term these included teenagers struggling with mental health, children with Down Syndrome, children with a life-limiting or terminal condition, and children who are Looked After.
There is a stunning Education Centre on the Farm which is purpose-built, accessible and sustainable, set in 20 acres of semi-ancient woodland, which is exclusively theirs for educational use. They have a nature trail and beautiful outdoor learning spaces,
The Trust was established in 1976 by the 10th Duke of Richmond, so the countdown is on for the celebrations of their 50th anniversary next year.
Do follow their activities on Facebook and Instagram (@goodwoodeducationtrust). Any help to promote awareness for this amazing charity would be greatly appreciated.
Catherine Cannon can also be reached on LinkedIn.
Check the website at
https://www.goodwood.com/estate/goodwood-education-trust/
PS Forgot to mention the icing on the cake - visiting the dairy and some newly born calves. Adorable.
Vicki - Chichester Living Editor
Images courtesy of The Goodwood Education Trust
