The Go Wild at Hudnall project supported young people aged 5-24 who are at risk of, or living with poor emotional wellbeing or mental ill health through nature-based activities and practical conservation work. It aim was to also conserve and improve threatened habitats at Hudnall Park.
The SfYP People and Wildlife Officers delivered 410 Go Wild at Hudnall sessions to 1,023 young people and 370 adults from 1 April 2021 to 31 December 2023.
The impact on young people
How has Go Wild at Hudnall contributed to improving children and young people's emotional wellbeing, self-confidence, social skills and connection to nature? We asked the young people who took part to complete a questionnaire and this is what they said...
said their emotional wellbeing had improved as a result of taking part
said they knew more about wildlife and nature
said they enjoyed being active outdoors in nature
"Absolutely fantastic"
"Many of our students thrive most outdoors. In the classroom, they can struggle to concentrate, sit still and follow instructions. To take them outside, where they are in charge of what they do and teach them to set their own rules and boundaries has been absolutely fantastic."
Teacher, local secondary school
"A big confidence booster"
“The first group we sent [to Go Wild at Hudnall Park], included a young person with Autism. She was so shy she wouldn’t look at you, but she came back afterwards and said, ‘I can’t believe that Go Wild at Hudnall made me such a confident person’. It is such a big confidence booster for children who need that... they really benefit from it.”
Teacher, local school
"A connection with nature"
"All this lovely effort that has gone into making the site ready for young people for years to come... planting the orchard, managing the woodlands for wildlife, clearing the pond and so on. The project is designed really well and has huge potential. Go Wild at Hudnall isn’t a one-off thing; once a person has established a connection with nature, they can find it anywhere..."
Go Wild People & Wildlife Officer, Go Wild at Hudnall
To find out more about the experiences of young people who have taken part in Go Wild and how the project has made a difference in their lives, read our case studies or visit our Go Wild at Hudnall feedback page.
Read our latest news stories about Go Wild below:
'Go Wild at Hudnall' doubles its support for young people in 2023
Go Wild at Hudnall family event creates lasting memories and friendships
Creatures of the Night - discovering the creatures that come out after dark!
