Since the pandemic, and particularly in combination with the cost of living crisis, many children and young people have been deprived of opportunities for play and the great outdoors. The lack of dedicated play opportunities has led to a huge rise in the number of children seeking mental health support (77% NHS Digital 2022); whilst eight in ten (82%) children agreed that they would like to do more to protect the environment (Nature England 2021) but don't know where to start.

Woodcraft Folk seeks to reduce barriers to engagement in play and environmental education, responding to the environmental concern demonstrated by children. Through our programme of co-operative play and environmental education presented in Play Out days and residential experiences, we will support children's well-being by enabling them to: ● Develop friendships, reducing loneliness ● Be more active ● Engage in social action issues, creating a sense of belonging ● Play and enjoy the great outdoors