The £57,000 grant will support Wildplay sessions for children from under-represented urban communities in the Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent, including those in care, refugees and those with special educational needs. 

The Wildplay sessions will include creative play and crafting, exploring nature reserves and taking part in a wide range of activities from pond dipping to natural crafts to wildlife identification. The children will benefit from spending time outside, and forming lifelong connections with nature.

This money will help children and their families, and potentially change their lives. They will receive personalised support, such as free transportation to nature reserves.
The Trust believes everyone should be able to access and enjoy nature, no matter where they live. Hundreds of children and young people will benefit over the course of the project, which begins in January 2024.

The grant from Staffordshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families, and friends from England and Wales.

Louise Taylor, Wildchild Officer, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said:
“We’re very grateful to Staffordshire Freemasons for their generous grant. This funding will allow us to bring the benefits and joy of nature to so many children that may otherwise not get to spend time exploring our county’s wild spaces. Spending time outside can boost mental health - one study found that 95 per cent of those that took part in outdoor play saw improvements in just six weeks!”

John Lockley, head of the Staffordshire Freemasons, said:
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Staffordshire Wildlife Trust with this vital project. It's a sad fact that many children grow up without regular access to nature and wild spaces. Outdoor activities, like those included in these Wildplay sessions, have many benefits. They will help children and young people to feel happier and healthier. It’s hugely important for these families that this essential project is supported.”