Throughout the scheme we have placed a great emphasis on learning opportunities. A particular focus is on reconnecting young people with the landscape and creating more opportunities for “wild time” in nature.

We are working with schools across the Darent Valley to deliver orienteering courses and teach map reading skills to students. We are establishing a permanent orienteering course and set up a Darent Valley orienteering league to give a wider group of people confidence in exploring the countryside. We continue to bring in students from neighbouring London boroughs to experience adventure and excitement that outdoor learning can offer and create lasting connections to this special landscape.

We are improving access to green spaces and are giving young people more opportunities to attend Forest School. The creation of a new Forest Garden will give people in the valley the chance to understand the impacts of permaculture practices on the landscape.

If you are located in or around the Valley and want to be involved, get in touch with our team to find out more.

People on walk looking at trees
Four children and one adult sat on blanket in woodland
© Copyright NWKCP
Girl with net near water
© Copyright NWKCP
Child and adult looking at bug in plastic pot
© Copyright NWKCP
child in front of large tree drawing it
People looking next to a river
Two people with chainsaw cutting a tree
People stood in field with drone
People in a classroom sat around a table
People looking and talking in field
Two boys sketching in books outdoors
Three people using two wheelbarrows to add mulch to fruit trees
Group of people looking up at tree
© Copyright J Drew
Child climbing on wooden playground
© Copyright J Drew
Six people in a field drawing the view on paper
Person talking to group of people in the countryside

Co-financed by the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund