To build a Forest School Eco Hut with renewable energy and water harvesting to build confidence and enhance early years learning
by Sheridan Hendzel in Gloucester, England, United Kingdom
We will be able to afford a more stable roof structure with roof lights or sky lights and we can use any additional funds to source sensory play equipment to add to the area such as percussion cylinders and other sound-based stimulating as well as calming elements. This would benefit all and especially some of the neurodivergent pupils.
We at FOSM began focussing on the introduction of a forest school offering in 2023. With some funding we have installed a pond area for pond dipping and education on biodiversity and the surrounding habitat. We have since incorporated a new shed and log store, an aggregate-based fire pit area with new benches, several new planters and 75m of new fencing and gates. We have installed additional features such as a bathouse, hedgehog house, bird feeders, bug hotels.
Over the summer we will be treating and painting areas and adding some more educational play equipment.
Our final planned phase and to conclude the EPIC VISION, we need your help to raise vital funds. We want to build a large Eco Hut (Think of an open-windowed camping lodge) with a living roof or solar panelling and wind turbine connected to an energy monitor station allowing the pupils to monitor renewable energy production and usage and the benefits of this. We want to add water irrigation and water harvesting to educate on saving water and efficient water use.
The Eco Hut will not only provide shelter and insulation allowing year-round education and play at Forest School but will provide a calming sanctuary for pupils and visitors with sensory needs and therefore, an inclusive environment in which to overcome challenges and reduce isolation among young children.