HARE CIC Forest School Open Day

A day full of smiles, sunshine and natural fun

We were blown away by the response when we opened our doors to the public for the first time on Saturday 25th February 2023. Over 70 people attended the two hour event! Wonderful to see many familiar faces, and lots of new ones too.

The reception from our visitors was warm and welcoming. The space positively vibrated with the joy and promise of Spring. The air was crisp, balanced by the heat provided by the sunshine, fire and drinks.

It was wonderful to see lots of little ones enjoying the natural crafts we provided. Activities included making pine-cone bird feeders, mark making using different leaves, and willow wreath making. The children explored the space at Beaver Lodge, running around the green doing cartwheels.

21 families filled in our Forest School survey. If you weren't able to make the open day, or didn't fill in our paper survey, or you simply would like to tell us more, you can complete our online survey. We are keen to hear what local parents would like to see us offer.

We feel so very grateful to everyone who came, and for everyone's help and support over the past three months in getting HARE CIC up and running.

“Just want to say a huge thank you filled with love and gratitude to you all… and our families who have all been part of this journey. I am humbled to know such amazing people who are so willing to put their time, energy, skills and resources into getting HARE off the ground! I can’t wait to see what the future brings for us all!! mwah!! 🙏🏻❤️💐🌱💚🐇” ~ Susie

“I’m so thankful for all the work you’ve all put in to get us to this point. And so thankful to be working with you. I think we’re an awesome team. And this is just the start! 😀💕” ~ Charlie

Bookings are coming in steadily for our Parent & Toddler, and Home Ed Forest School Sessions, which start tomorrow, Monday 27th February. There are still a few spaces available - do book as soon as possible to give yourself time to fill in your registration form. You can also book for the following weeks up to the Easter break.

Next steps for HARE CIC are to offer more sessions in 2023, some may be longer sessions, or drop off sessions. We are working on offering bursary places, sourcing funding and saving up to buy some land to set up a permanent forest school/wellbeing/community site. If you know of anyone, we are still on the lookout for woodland to rent, from which we can run our sessions year round.

There are many ways to support HARE CIC. If you are interested in working with us or volunteering do get in touch. Thank you to those of you who offered support yesterday at our open day.

We welcome donations via our website. HARE CIC is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company and all profits are put back into the organisation so that it may provide long term services to benefit the wellbeing of the Forest of Dean community.

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