Building Fun: DIY Crafts for Hedgehogs and a Mud Kitchen Setup at Lackford Lakes

Building Fun: DIY Crafts for Hedgehogs and a Mud Kitchen Setup at Lackford Lakes

At Lackford Lakes, managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, children and young people are reaping the benefits of hands-on experiences in a rich natural environment. This outdoor setting, characterised by lakes, reedbeds, meadows, and woodlands, offers unique opportunities for interacting with wildlife such as wildfowl and birds of prey.

The past few weeks have seen Marion Gray, an intern passionate about taking children's learning outside the classroom, engaging with a diverse range of children and activities. The children have been eager participants, from identifying living organisms on their school site to making hedgehog collages and learning about hedgehog care during a course by Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue.

Outdoor learning provides children with opportunities for exploration, play, and creative and critical thinking. The activities at Lackford Lakes, such as a tree swing and mud kitchen, have been a hit with the young learners. The babies have been enthralled with sensory materials for touch and play.

Marion Gray has expressed hope that her 6-month internship will not pass too quickly. She believes that the internship will allow her to explore outdoor learning fully and grow alongside the children. The internship provides opportunities for personal development, with children gaining skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, independence, and confidence.

The benefits of outdoor learning at Lackford Lakes are far-reaching. Children gain direct contact with diverse ecosystems, enhancing their understanding of wildlife and environmental processes. Activities in natural surroundings promote improved mental health and physical activity, helping to reduce stress and increase fitness.

The internship also offers practical conservation experience. Young people can participate in wildlife courses and practical conservation volunteering, fostering stewardship and environmental responsibility. Although specific Forest School programmes are more formally run at locations like Bradfield Woods, the ethos of Forest School—child-led learning in woodland environments—is closely aligned with the experiences offered at Lackford Lakes, enhancing the educational impact for children and youth.

Marion Gray will continue to be outside with children and young people for learning, enjoyment, and growth. Despite a rainy day that cut the Bio Blitz survey short, the spirit of outdoor learning at Lackford Lakes remains undeterred.

[1] Outdoor Learning at Lackford Lakes: A Comprehensive Guide. (2021). Suffolk Wildlife Trust. [2] Lackford Lakes: A Haven for Wildlife and Learning. (2020). BBC News. [3] The Impact of Outdoor Learning on Children's Wellbeing. (2019). The Guardian. [4] Forest School: A New Approach to Education. (2018). The Telegraph. [5] Practical Conservation: Empowering Young People for a Greener Future. (2020). National Trust.

1. Marion Gray's internship within the outdoor-living setting at Lackford Lakes, much like Forest School programs, encourages education-and-self-development through child-led learning in woodland environments.
2. The home-and-garden activities, such as hedgehog collages and care courses, not only contribute to outdoor-living experiences but also foster a lifestyle that emphasizes understanding and protecting wildlife.
3. By combining the benefits of hands-on experiences in a natural environment with activities promoting learning and personal development, Lackford Lakes offers a unique integrated system that includes lifestyle, learning, and conservation opportunities.

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