WildPlay success could grow into three year Herefordshire partnership

Successful nature based play sessions in Bromyard could pave the way for a three year partnership bringing similar activities to our communities across Herefordshire.  

We have invested funds in the WildPlay sessions – organised by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust - with further funding secured by WildPlay through match funding from a third party donation.  

The outdoor sessions provided affordable activities for local children during the school holidays while creating a relaxed environment in which we could speak to families about their experiences of living in Bromyard.  

We are now exploring a three year partnership with the Trust, subject to successful funding. If secured, the partnership would enable similar sessions to take place in communities throughout Herefordshire.  

The Bromyard activities brought together our customers, homeowners and private renters, helping children socialise through outdoor play while parents and carers formed new connections.  

Families spoke positively about Bromyard’s strong community identity but also highlighted pressures associated with rural living, including transport limitations, social isolation and the rising cost of household essentials, food and school holiday activities.  

The sessions also showed how outdoor play can provide a gentle and effective route into community engagement.  Their informal nature helped remove barriers to conversation and allowed families to speak openly about local services, schools, financial pressures and the strengths of their community.  

Christine Bailey, our Community Engagement Officer said: “The WildPlay sessions were about much more than giving children something enjoyable to do during the school holidays.  

“Because the environment was so relaxed and informal, we were able to spend meaningful time with families, listen to their experiences and better understand what life in Bromyard is like for them.  

“We heard that families value the town’s strong sense of community, but we also heard about the impact of transport difficulties, isolation and the cost of keeping children occupied throughout the holidays.  Affordable activities close to home can make an enormous difference.  

“It was particularly encouraging to see families from different housing tenures joining in and a notable number of dads attending.  The sessions created an atmosphere in which children could play while adults talked, made connections and shared their views.”  

Most participating children were aged eight or under, although sessions were open to children up to the age of 13.  Future delivery could therefore explore activities designed specifically to appeal to older children and young people.  

The programme represented good value, costing approximately £6.50 per participant for a two hour session.  The learning gathered will help both ourselves and WildPlay consider future activities, including possible indoor sessions during the winter.  

Local organisations played an important part in promoting the events.  The Foodbank and money advice services distributed information to families, while the Hope Centre, Kempson Recreation Ground and St Peter’s Primary School also supported publicity.  

Christine continued: “The support of local partners was invaluable and demonstrated how much can be achieved when organisations work together.  

“We are now excited to explore a longer term partnership with WildPlay.  Subject to funding, this could allow us to bring the same combination of inclusive play, family support and community engagement to Platform neighbourhoods across Herefordshire.  

“It is a simple model, but a very effective one – create a welcoming activity for families, give children the freedom to play and use that opportunity to listen, build trust and strengthen communities.”  

The proposed partnership would build on the positive response in Bromyard and help provide accessible activities for families who may face financial, transport or social barriers to taking part in mainstream provision.  

Julia Morton, Youth and Wellbeing Officer at Herefordshire Wildlife Trust said: “We were delighted to work with Platform Housing Group to bring WildPlay to families in Bromyard.  

“For more than 25 years, WildPlay has helped children enjoy child led, nature based play that is free and accessible.  The Bromyard sessions demonstrated what can happen when children are given the time and freedom to explore outdoors; confidence grows, families connect and positive relationships develop across the community.  

“We would love to build on the success of these sessions and reach more Platform communities throughout Herefordshire.  Subject to funding, a longer term partnership would enable us to provide regular, local opportunities for children and families to enjoy nature, strengthen their wellbeing and develop a lasting connection with the natural world.”  

We will also explore opportunities to strengthen the programme through improved promotion, links with local partners and activities tailored to different age groups.  

For further information about Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, please contact Frances Weeks, Head of Action for Nature at f.weeks@herefordshirewt.co.uk.   

Photo caption : Platform has funded successful nature based play sessions in Bromyard