It's Okay to Play is a partnership between the Forestry Commission and Winchester City Council that will aim to increase children's enjoyment, activity and involvement in natural environments.The three year project began in June 2008 and has been granted £200,000 in funding through the BIG Lottery Fun Children's Play Programme to help support it.
The It's Okay to Play portfolio is made up of two projects: It's Okay to Play in the Woods and It's Okay to Play Together. Both projects will occur within four Forestry Commission managed woodlands in the Winchester district: West Wood, Micheldever, West Walk and Creech Wood.
Some of the project's aims will include:
- Providing bespoke and exciting natural play facilities at each location.
- Offering natural play experiences with the resultant benefits of health and well being and personal development.
- Running a series of events and “taster” days in woodland settings to introduce children, young people and their parents and carers to the opportunities available locally to participate in natural play.
- Raising the profile of woodlands in general as safe, fun and educational places to play.
How you can get involved…
As well as encouraging free play and the use of our new and exciting natural play facilities we will also be offering a diverse programme of activities designed to engage young people in the natural environment and to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.
Details of all of our events will be advertised and updated on the recreation and well being activities page as well as in the local media so please visit this site regularly to see what events are coming up!
For more information on the It's Okay to Play Project contact
Emily Weller on 01962 774883 or via email itsokaytoplay@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
