Mudlarks are delighted to have received funding from the Pixel Trust to purchase a yurt for our Forest School. This 20 ft yurt will be able to accommodate the largest of groups as it seats up to 30 people. It is a much needed addition to our forest school and means we can offer a warm dry place to shelter in cold and wet weather. The yurt will also act as a very reassuring visible focal point for our children and young people to return to after enjoying exploring the woodland, and a hub for all to meet up in at break times.
Mudlarks’ Forest School was founded in 2018 to offer profoundly disabled special educational needs school (SEN) pupils the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of a safe secluded woodland. At Mudlarks our students live with profound multiple disabilities including Autism, Downs Syndrome, Global Delay Syndrome, Fragile X and Cerebral Palsy. Many live with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health issues.
Our 4 acre site is a secure diverse native woodland – a perfect location for a forest school. It has running water, a composting toilet, and an open glade where we have a firepit. The disabled children are able to explore and observe nature and wildlife habitats, create sensory trails, build shelters, make fires and learn how to cook on an open campfire. Pupils take part in practical woodland management and conservation, including the safe use of tools. The Forest School offers students a much needed outlet away from the confines of a classroom which often causes sensory overload, and promotes a healthier lifestyle and increases learning capacity.