Forest Holidays partnered with Norfolk Wildlife Trust this summer to support our work protecting and enhancing local wildlife, countryside and the environment, whilst inspiring and connecting people with Norfolk's wildlife and wild spaces.
We came together in August to deliver a day full of nature-themed activities for the whole family. Led by NWT Education Officer, Isabelle Mudge, and supported by Thorpe Forest's Forest Ranger, Lizzie, Forest Holidays hosted the free event for guests and members of the local community. There was a fantastic turnout and a little drizzle didn't dampen spirits, as both the morning and afternoon sessions were fully booked with 24 adults and 19 children attending.
This hands on back to nature experience involved exploring the forest and meadows for hidden creatures. It began with a morning of mini beasting, using nets to explore the abundance of insects and allowing everyone to learn about nature and gain new skills in a wonderful outdoor setting.
One child that took part in the day's activities said, "The wild meadow has got to be my favourite place here at Thorpe Forest, it's alive with minibeasts!" whilst others added, "My favourite was the mini beasting even though there were lots of spiders!" and "I loved hunting for grasshoppers in the wild meadow, they are tricky to catch and even trickier to hold!"
Afterwards, there was a creative afternoon of woodland art, with children saying, "I liked the woodland art because I got to make a giant rabbit out of all the things I found around me", and "10/10, the best day of our holiday."
Guests and visitors were able to investigate some of the forest's more elusive wildlife and even get up close and personal to the woodland when meeting and greeting a tree.
Lizzie, Forest Ranger at Forest Holidays, concluded by saying: "A big thank you to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and their Education Officer Isabelle for joining us and running an entertaining and educational day which was enjoyed by explorers of all ages."
Forest Holidays has said that they are "incredibly proud to partner with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust" because "their vision fits perfectly with our values of connecting people with nature and protecting the forest today and tomorrow".
Find out more about Thorpe Forest
here.
Find out more about our Corporate Support programme
here.