In November we granted over £8,300 to the Beauchamp Lodge Settlement. Also known as the Floating Classroom, Beauchamp Lodge runs a popular programme of science, environment and history lessons in their ‘Electric Barge’ along Regent’s Canal from North Kensington to North Westminster. Responding to increasing demand for learning opportunities in the fresh air during the covid-19 pandemic, and working within changing restrictions, Beauchamp Lodge proposed to use our funds to step off the Electric Barge and pilot a Forest School programme on dry land.
A Forest School is an outdoor learning space where students grow their resilience and connection to the natural world. Lessons follow the visible changes to local plants and animals during the turning of the season, and students in the Forst School are encouraged to test their limits through so-called ‘risky play’. Over 5 sessions, Beauchamp Lodge’s Forest School pilot will take 15 North Westminster students from the canal-side Meanwhile Gardens in the shadow of Trellick Tower, on to adventures to forested areas across London.
Beauchamp Lodge hopes that, through the course, the pilot group will embrace new challenges, develop transferable skills, and be inspired with a lasting love of nature. We are excited to see how this programme develops.