Building handmade hedgehog figurines and constructing a mud cooking area found at Lackford Lakes
Marion Gray, an enthusiastic participant in an outdoor learning internship at Lackford Lakes, has been making a significant impact in connecting children and young people with nature.
In her role, Marion has been organising and leading a variety of educational activities, ranging from wildlife exploration to environmental education sessions. These experiences are designed to foster a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, promote conservation awareness, and offer hands-on learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.
One of Marion's recent initiatives was a Hedgehog care course, run by the Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue. During this course, Marion had the chance to handle a hedgehog and learned techniques to help it unroll. The event also included hedgehog-themed crafts, such as making hedgehog collages, and discussions about materials that would make a suitable den.
The children participating in the course were captivated by sensory materials for touch and play, further enhancing their engagement with the natural world.
Marion's work extends beyond the classroom, with her organising outdoor activities such as tree swings and mud kitchens. She has also been actively involved in facilitating events like the Weekend Wildlife Club, where children eagerly sought hedgehog facts.
Recently, Marion visited a Primary School to conduct a Bio Blitz survey of the field. The children showed great enthusiasm for the activity, braving the wind to participate. However, the Bio Blitz was unfortunately cut short due to rain.
Despite the occasional setbacks, Marion remains optimistic about her internship, expressing hope that it will not pass too quickly and expecting to learn, enjoy, and grow throughout the experience. She looks forward to continuing her work outside with children and young people at Lackford Lakes.
Currently, Lackford Lakes is bustling with a variety of activities, reflecting Marion's dedication to promoting outdoor learning and fostering a love for nature in the next generation.
Marion Gray's dedication to outdoor learning and nature is reflected in her implementation of innovative programs like the forest school, where children learn and thrive in an environment tailored to home-and-garden, education-and-self-development, and lifelong learning. Her lifestyle deeply integrates outdoor-living, as evident in her organization of events such as tree swings, mud kitchens, and the Weekend Wildlife Club, fostering a connection with the natural world. By promoting hands-on, experiential learning opportunities and connecting children with nature, Marion's work at Lackford Lakes significantly contributes to a shift in lifestyle towards a more environmentally-conscious and enriching one.
