A Newton Abbot forest school has been able to purchase new equipment so it can expand its offering thanks to National Grid funding.

Dainton Copse Forest School have been able to buy equipment for mud kitchens, fun painting activities and to make shelters so it can run more sessions after receiving a grant from the National Grid Electricity Distribution Community Matters Fund.

Dainton Copse volunteers preparing forest school activity zones
National Grid funding has helped Dainton Copse buy new mud kitchen equipment (Contributed)

Organisers of the forest school, which runs twice-weekly toddler stay and play sessions, said new attendees are turning up every week. ‘This grant really did make a dream come true and without it there is no way we would be where we are today,’ said Dainton Copse Forest School founder and director Sara Allen. ‘We opened a year ago, having started with nothing but the woodland itself,’ she added.

The forest school also offers monthly sessions in conjunction with the NHS Perinatal Mental Health Department to support new mums with their mental wellbeing and a weekly volunteer group for the over 50s.

‘The benefits this space brings to all who visit are clear to see. People leave feeling happier, energised and positive,’ Sara noted.

Among those attending the forest school are children with autism, situational mutism and other additional needs as well as youngsters who struggle with anxieties stemming from lockdown.

‘It’s wonderful to see how our funding for Dainton Copse Forest School has delivered nature activities which have improved wellbeing and confidence among children,’ said National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Community Engagement Manager Ellie Patey.