The Go Wild at Hudnall summer sessions ran every week of the school holidays from 31 July to 30 August 2024. Young people could choose from three different types of session depending on their interests.
Nature Journalling
Nature journalling encouraged the young people to slow down, pay attention and mindfully experience their natural surroundings. They expressed themselves by writing or drawing their thoughts or feelings on paper, exploring their emotions and unscrambling their thoughts. Prompt strips were available to get them started and help them share their thoughts and ideas with the group.
Forest School sessions
With guidance from SfYP People and Wildlife Officers, the young people first took part in a site walk to explore the beautiful grounds and woodland at Hudnall Park. As part of a scavenger hunt, they then found and identified amphibians and bugs and observed the deer herd. They then worked as a team to light the campfire and cooked hot dogs, popcorn and roasted marshmallows while discussing issues important to them in a supported environment. A separate Forest School Friday session for families with children aged 12 and under with special educational needs was also held.
Creatures of the Night
These evening sessions were a chance to discover and learn about creatures that come out after dark at Hudnall Park. They started with a walk through the woods, detecting bats along the way, then sitting quietly watching for badgers, and finally gathering around the moth trap to identify and observe the moths before releasing them safely back into the wild.
The feedback about all the sessions was extremely positive, with young people saying: “I don’t want to leave” and “I would like to live here!”
Parents said:
- “My son loves nature even more than before! Thank you for these opportunities.”
- “It’s been a wonderful experience and I’m so pleased I had the chance to come.”
- “Excellent session with a range of consistently engaging activities guaranteed to spark curiosity.”
If you know or work with a young person who would benefit from these unique experiences, please get in touch with the Go Wild at Hudnall Team for information on future activities.
Go Wild at Hudnall is delivered by Services for Young People in partnership with Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
