The Wildside is a Forest School based in North Tyneside, with a focus on making nature-based experiences more accessible and part of everyday life even within an urban setting.
As well as preschool and alternative education programmes, including 1:1 bespoke SEND sessions for children unable to attend school, The Wildside has developed several different groups and programmes aimed at harnessing the therapeutic benefits of nature. They run intergenerational forest school and gardening projects, adult and children nature-based bereavement programmes, "unplugged" weekend resets for parents and children and they are also developing therapeutic programs for those living with dementia.
The Wildside offers people of all ages and walks of life an opportunity to pause, listen and connect with themselves, each other and nature. The groups help participants to improve their mental/physical wellbeing and to reduce isolation, grow in confidence and build resilience. By modelling this in an urban setting, The Wildside are demonstrating that nature therapy can be made accessible across different community settings.
We were impressed by how The Wildside has developed from a Forest School basis to reach further into the community.
Go to: The Wildside
