Purbeck youngsters go wild during new initiative

Over the past year, the National Trust and Planet Purbeck have been bringing together a wide range of outdoor, community and conservation organisations with Purbeck’s 10 schools. 

Together, they devised a programme called Purbeck Goes Wild.   

The vision is for every child and young person up to the age of 25 to experience the area’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife.  

Alex Brocklesby of the National Trust, who’s coordinating the project, said: “The idea came off the back of some shocking statistics about the number of Purbeck children who rarely or never get to connect with nature, even though we are living in one of the most biodiverse areas in the UK.  

St Marys School (Image: Cathy Lewis)

“This is partly due to schools not having the funding or resources. We want to address this, offering rich nature and outdoor experiences across Purbeck schools.”   

The partnership is keen to reach out to families, not just children, so the whole community comes together to care for Purbeck’s countryside and coastline.   

Rob Waitt, of Planet Purbeck, added: “Our programme is about ‘connecting Purbeck kids with Purbeck nature’.  

“People don’t care for things they haven’t experienced, so we want to help all local youngsters and their families to discover and enjoy the natural beauty on their doorsteps.  

“There is also the opportunity for local people to join us as volunteers to help make our vision a reality.” 

The programme includes creating nature-centred schools, offering free family-friendly countryside conservation tasks, and providing trips to a variety of outdoor places, from beaches to working farms.  

A series of Purbeck-based challenges have also been added to the Wylder app which gives fun ways for families to explore the outdoors.  

A visit to Middlebere farm (Image: Cathy Lewis)

Scott Johnson, a forest school leader, runs inspirational nature and gardening clubs at schools and pre-schools.  

He said: “I feel privileged to guide children on their learning journey into the natural world. It is incredible to see their awe and wonder, and to share magical moments with them.  

“Many of these young people begin to connect with nature, then become role models and ambassadors for other children and families.”  

Sam Thompson, managing director at Cumulus Outdoors, said: “I grew up in Purbeck with the cliffs, beaches and rolling hills as my playground.  

“At Cumulus, our aim is to share our local landscapes with others, especially younger generations. Hopefully this will inspire more youngsters to consider careers in the outdoors or nature, which will benefit the whole community and local economy.”