Wild Minds, a community organisation that uses connection to nature to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of local people, have been accepted as a new Outdoor Learning Provider for Forestry England at Hicks Lodge. 

Based in the woodlands around Ashby, Wild Minds started in January 2020 hoping to connect families with nature and one another.  However, 2020 was not the ideal start and they had to adjust what they could do.  

In late 2020, with the introduction of 'rule of six' by the government, Wild Minds were able to open sessions back up to adults, starting with weekly meditations and t'ai-qi. 

New sessions hope to encourage confidence, curiousity and connection to nature (Photo: Wild Minds)

Since 2022, Becki has worked full-time on Wild Mind and that November they became a Community Interest Company (CIC).   

Since then, they have gone from strength to strength, welcoming more people to their sessions in the woods by Moira Furnace, including forest bathing, meditation, spoon carving, family adventures and more. 

They will offer sessions for a variety of children's age groups and classes (Photo: Wild Minds)

Starting this September, Wild Minds will be offering Educational Visits and new Alternative Provisions for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) barriers to them accessing full-time learning. 

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These new sessions will take place in the ever-growing woodland at Hicks Lodge, working with children and young people to find peace, inspiration and magic in the natural world.  

The new Outdoor Learning will let kids get their hands dirty, learn practical skills and discover new opportunities that the natural world can provide. 

Wild Minds have been helping improve the mental health of local people since their launch in 2020 (Photo: Wild Minds)

The sessions are designed to support the National Curriculum, as well as develop the skills and experience young people need to develop for Foundation Stage and Key Stage One, Two and Three children. 

Wild Minds have also started working with local schools in Derby City, as well as becoming a Feel Good in the Forest Provider and delivering 'Green Social Prescribing sessions' for individuals struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. They have also developed a strong community connection with residential care homes in the area, opening up access to nature for people from a huge variety of backgrounds and demographics. 

To find out more about who Wild Minds are, what they do and how you can get involved, visit their website.