Making, planting, connecting - to protect nature and nurture young people’s creativity

Bringing wellbeing, making, nature connection and tackling climate change to life in the curriculum.

Old Skills New Ways was started to address the dramatic loss of making in schools and as a way to get children out of the classroom and connected with nature. It’s a project for children of all abilities and backgrounds to experience the joy of seasonal making in the woods with local craftspersons.
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Since 2018 it’s grown into a partnership with woodland owners and local schools to develop young people's practical skills, nurture nature connection, foster wellbeing and tackle climate change through communal tree planting.

What is Flourish & Grow?

At Old Skills New Ways, we know that spending quality time in nature has a profoundly positive effect on our development and wellbeing. Over the last 3 years, we have created a range of inclusive nature-centred programmes which promote creativity and resilience and help improve social, emotional and physical well-being for both children and adults.

Our woodland workshops invite participants to:

Enjoy immersive experiences in the natural world
Learn new woodcraft skills
Take part in community-led tree planting programmes
Tackle climate change through action
Develop practical and creative thinking skills
Foster mindfulness and wellbeing

Who is it for?

We work with schools and communities in South Devon, with a particular focus on providing opportunities for those from the less rural areas of Plymouth, Torbay and Exeter. Our mission is to develop a deeper connection to nature for people from all communities.

However, we know that for many, the British countryside can be a daunting place, typically inhabited by white, able bodied, affluent children and families. Research shows that marginalised communities are disproportionately affected by a lack of opportunities for connection with nature, thereby compounding their disadvantages.

‘Flourish and Grow’ works to minimise the barriers to rural spaces and ensure that everyone feels welcome. We offer an effective nature based intervention programme for those children and young people in our communities experiencing the greatest challenges and lack of opportunity, namely:

Children from ethnic minority communities
Children and young people with Special Educational Needs and or disability (SEN/D)
Children and young people with Disability
Children and young people in Care.
Young Carers