Wilder Futures in Luton this Summer

It was wonderful to see so many children and families enjoying our Fun Day this August - story-telling, face-painting, crafts, games on Stopsley Common, with a sensory walk in nearby Hay Wood writes Communities Manager Matt Sutcliffe
Bradgers Hill Wilder Futures Event August 2022

This is another example of how this project is helping people who may not usually visit wild spaces, to explore the interesting and varied habitats often found right next to residential areas in Luton.

We have another family event on 22 October, Wild in the Woods, which will offer tasters of various forest school activities, at Hay Wood, Stopsley Common.

August also saw the first Youth Ranger session, a monthly practical task for young people aged 13-21. During these sessions, young people have the opportunity to improve the natural environment, learn new skills and meet new friends. The first session was run at Bradgers Hill and included tree watering and ragwort pulling. Other sessions will run elsewhere in Luton and are a great chance for young people to explore their town and make a positive difference.

The investment that the National Heritage Lottery Fund has made into Wilder Futures allows the project to reach many different parts of the community. Little Bugs is a nature based session for the under-5s which started on 11 August and runs fortnightly at Wardown Park. Those attending can expect to enjoy a story, some bug hunting, nature art and various other activities based around the changing seasons.

This builds on the success of the gardening club being run at Bushmead Community Hub, Luton on Tuesday mornings, where lots of young children, and some older volunteers, have been learning to grow vegetables and to garden for wildlife.

And for the adults we have on-going monthly tasks to help manage and improve the Bradgers Hill site, running the first Monday of every month. Other tasks are available on other days of the week and other sites in Luton and beyond, for more details please see Conservation Work Parties - Bedfordshire.

For all of these events and activities please visit our Bradgers Hill webpage to find out more.

Bradgers Hill

© Paul Hammond

Bradgers Hill Wilder Future project

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