Bristol-based Urban Pursuit has supported around 80 young people each week to build confidence, friendships and life skills through a partnership with Beard.
A pilot project carried out last year saw Urban Pursuit use our woodland at Wrington Warren, Bristol, to host a range of activities designed to nurture practical life skills through outdoor learning and promote a connection with nature.
Urban Pursuit is an alternative education provider working with young people who are disengaged from education, supporting them to successfully return to mainstream schooling.
The carefully curated new programme built children’s confidence in a group setting through games and activities, encouraging interpersonal skills and helping them to show warmth to one another. Simple moments – like saying goodbye with a hug or celebrating each other’s successes – became part of the group culture.
One young person wrote on their very first day: “I love this place.”
Full days outdoors immersed participants in nature, with themed activities helping them to build skills safely and joyfully. All the activities promoted teamwork, problem-solving, confidence through ‘firsts’, and emotional regulation.
Aaron Beale, Growth Lead at Urban Pursuit, said: “Early intervention like this can be truly valuable, supporting curiosity, confidence and emotional wellbeing before challenges become more entrenched. For some children, this woodland programme is currently the only place they feel confident leaving the house and fully engaging with others.
Aaron Beale, Growth Lead at Urban Pursuit
After the success of the pilot phase, the programme will continue in 2026, exploring themes of movement and creativity through activities such as kite-making, bikes, and outdoor play. Beard has also supported the development of the site by providing a storage container for equipment and is exploring plans to build a roundhouse to further enhance bushcraft and outdoor learning activities.
The 194-acre Wrington Warren site was purchased by the company in 2022, to help reduce our environmental impact through carbon sequestration, as trees store twice as much carbon as they emit.
Neil Sherreard, Deputy Chairman
“Partnering with Urban Pursuit has been a prime example of this, and we’re pleased to see young people enjoying being immersed in nature. In a relatively small amount of time, it’s remarkable to see how the programme has improved their lives and their hopes for the future," Neil added.
To find out more about Urban Pursuit, visit urbanpursuit.co.uk.
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