Woodland wellbeing boosts young people’s life chances

February 7, 2024

Over the last 12 months, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust has supported 46 young people who face challenging circumstances as part of our Woodland Wellbeing programme. Taking part were four groups of young people from across Yorkshire, who face a range of difficulties such as social isolation and poor mental health.

Woodland Wellbeing is a long-term programme using Forest School principles to develop self-confidence and skills through hands-on outdoor experiences. Young people take part in sessions designed to develop interpersonal skills and boost confidence, learning new skills like whittling and cooking on fires. It is hoped these new experiences and skills will help them navigate the difficulties they face.

Surveys completed by the young participants about their experience showed significant improvements in the way they felt overall in terms of their confidence, the way they related to others and their own sense of wellbeing.

One of our participants said: “I don’t normally like trying something new because I’m scared I’ll get laughed at if I get it wrong. I feel like I could live in the woods now and keep warm and make my tea!”

Back in the classroom

The impact of the sessions has also been felt in the classroom: “Since the students have been on the programme, their interpersonal
relationships in the classroom have developed to the point where they are supporting each other academically. Their attainments are significantly higher than in previous years. Their behaviours are much more settled than ever before.”

Fiona Busfield, YDMT’s Green Futures Manager, said: “The group were introduced to new ideas, concepts and perceptions of themselves. Each of them was able to achieve goals they set, connect with others and develop safe and nurturing relationships. I hope the experience stays with them and that they continue to draw on their successes.”

Woodland Wellbeing is part of YDMT’s youth programme Green Futures which helps to tackle the inequalities that make it hard for young people to access and enjoy the countryside, and brings them together to take action for nature.