In 2021, a three-day pilot residential stay took place at Southease Youth Hostel (YHA) in the South Downs near to Lewes.
The purpose of the residential was to connect urban children with nature, giving outdoor experiences devised to encourage active lifestyles, promote self-discovery, inspire growth and stimulate respect for nature.
Working with the London Based Charity The Garden Classroom (TGC), the trip benefited 60 Year 6 pupils (age 11 to 12) from a school in Hackney, London. This school is a London state primary which is on the Defra 25–year plan ‘Nature Friendly Schools’ priority list (based on highest proportion of disadvantaged children in England).
Following the success of this pilot the residential is now an annual programme and we continue to fundraise for future trips.
Latest Residentials
In June 2024, The Garden Classroom returned to the South Downs bringing two residential groups to stay in the newly refurbished camping barn at Seven Sisters Country Park. There are plans to repeat this every year.
Watch their short film to get a flavour of their time in the National Park:
Some quotes from children who attended:
“This is the best experience I’ve ever had”
“This is the best day ever”
“I feel brave because of this adventure”
“How can I have a job in a beautiful place like this in the future? I want to work here
like you!”Image credit: The Garden Classroom (TGC)
Quotes from teachers who attended:
“Thank you so much for another unforgettable experience for our children. We
adored the opportunity to be by the sea and feel that our children learnt so much
from this. We genuinely saw many of them grow over their time spent with you.”“Rockpooling was so magical for the children. They have never experienced
something like this before.”“I loved watching the joy on their faces when they flew the kite for the first time on the
hill with the beautiful view of the sea in the background.”Image credit: TGC