As a part of BTC’s commitment to Foundation Learning, Lucy Hall, Course Leader, and Mark Atyeo, Project Lead, were able to secure and facilitate a tree planting project as a part of a specialist outdoor wellbeing curriculum.
Working both in groups and independently, students were guided to dig holes, gently plant the trees, and used both protective tubing and bamboo to ensure their long-term viability.
The project is in support of The Queen’s Green Canopy project, which is a nationwide initiative created to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
Due to the passing of Her Majesty, the project was extended into 2023 to allow people the opportunity to plant trees in memoriam, and create a living legacy in Her Majesty’s name.
In their first session, BTC students planted approximately 140 trees and plan to plant a further 400 in the near future.
Noah Baigent, student, said,
We’ve loved planting the trees – our trees will benefit the wildlife and the environment!
Designed to support students with SEND and/or SEMH needs, the outdoor wellbeing curriculum is based on Forest School ethos, whilst harnessing the advantages of being based on campus.
Lucy Hall said,
The benefits have been profoundly noted – each aspect of our BTC Advantage is highlighted and embedded within the outdoor wellbeing curriculum. Students have gained confidence in a space that feels safe and nurturing due to our natural surroundings, and students who were previously unable to fully access campus-based lessons now can. The confidence and mindfulness gained in our outdoor space has been transferable. Many thanks to Mark Atyeo, Sam Braund, Justin Talbot and the Estates Team for their part in making this a possibility.
In other sessions of their outdoor wellbeing curriculum, students have been taught how to monitor wildlife and create habitats, utilise natural resources from our environment, and – primarily – they have developed connections with one another, the natural world and BTC’s talented teaching staff.
If you are interested in finding out more about our Foundation Learning courses, visit www.btc.ac.uk, contact Information & Advice on 01278 441234 or come along to one of our events.
