To create a natured-based haven for children and families who have suffered from trauma, abuse and neglect
by Dr Caroline Jessel in Maidstone, England, United Kingdom
We would like to install four ‘Wildlife Webcams’ so our children and families can witness the excitement of wildlife using their new nature homes!
This would be such a special activity for our families to marvel at an amazing variety of species, including owls, voles and bats in our woodland. Children would be able to witness first hand all of these animal’s intriguing behaviours: from courtship, nesting, and hatching to a peep into the first few weeks of a chick's life!
Who we are
Dandelion Time is a small farm-based charity working with the most vulnerable children affected by trauma, abuse or neglect.
What we do
Based on a peaceful farm, families take part in calming nature-based activities such as pottery, baking, sowing seeds, collecting chicken eggs and caring for the donkeys and other animals to strengthen family bonds and create happy memories.
Why we need your help
The pandemic has had an adverse effect on the vulnerable children that we support with increased incidences of abuse, isolation, and neglect. We urgently need to create a new space on our site which will allow us to increase our capacity to help more children and families who are in desperate need.
What we are fundraising for
Our Woodland Sanctuary will be a peaceful area helping our families to heal from trauma. Children and families, as well as local community groups, will help us plant and create this new sensory space.
We will be creating bespoke wildlife boxes, to create safe sheltered spaces for voles, mice, hedgehogs, bat and owls which will be made from sustainably sourced materials including woodland coppice.
We also be planting a selection of native trees and plants such as Wild Cherry Tree, Mountain Ash, Primroses, Wood Anemones and Wild Garlic to create a new distinct habitat on our farm.
Vulnerable children will be able to help create, explore and heal in this this new space, where they can forget about their worries, have a real sense of freedom and just ‘be’.
Testimonials
“When I first turned up I saw the guinea pigs and thought…yes….this is my place, this is my home. Stroking the donkeys made me feel calm. The best 10 weeks of my life was here at Dandelion Time”
“I wish I could stay forever”
"When he was staying in his room, in his bed, in the dark, with scars on his arms, asking me to leave whenever I entered… I felt as though he was lost to me. It is not an exaggeration to say that I have my son back." – Parent
This project offers rewards in return for your donation.