6 November
Volunteers get back to nature at Aurora Rowan School
An intrepid team of volunteers from Aurora took time out over half term to spend the day at Aurora Rowan School in Reading clearing some of the site’s ancient woodland and planting spring bulbs.
They were joined by David Wilkinson, Project and Development Officer at the Wilderness Foundation UK, one of Aurora’s two official charities (the other being Dogs for Autism).
The day began with a brief introduction to the charity by David, who talked about its history and the environmental work it does today in the UK.
He said there were a number of parallels between the charity’s work and Aurora’s in that both are educators, both understand the value of nature towards wellbeing and our shared endeavour to improve the wild spaces we own to encourage more natural environments.
With gardening equipment, hi-vis vests and gloves kindly donated by Arrow County Supplies, Aurora’s single-supplier of plant-based, eco-friendly cleaning products, the volunteers began the day tidying up ancient woodland attached to the school.
After a hearty lunch of pie, mash and vegetables provided by school cook Becky, the team were again outside, this time to plant snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells around the school’s perimeter.
During their visit, Headteacher Lesley Walkden encouraged the volunteers to ‘bathe in the woodland’ and enjoy the restorative benefits that come with getting close to nature.
"We firmly believe that the wonderful grounds at Rowan can help boost the wellbeing of our staff and pupils." Lesley Walkden, Aurora Rowan Headteacher.
She said: "We even encourage them to take part in ‘forest bathing’ which is a wonderful way to get close to the nature that surrounds us. It was great to have the opportunity to share this outside resource with the volunteers who joined us during half term, and I’m grateful for all their hard work on the day.”
Speaking after his visit, David Wilkinson, thanked staff at Aurora Rowan and the wider Aurora Group for the opportunity to visit the school and see the ancient woodland.
"We are deeply grateful for the continued support of The Aurora Group and look forward to building on this partnership in the future.” David Wilkinson, The Wilderness Foundation UK
He said: “The school’s inspiring work to rewild this space, connect children with nature, and promote the wellbeing benefits of the outdoors perfectly reflects the three pillars of our charity: conservation, environmental education, and harnessing the power of nature to transform the lives of young people and adults experiencing mental health challenges."
