Plans to Improve Access to the Field

In March 2022, a survey was undertaken of organisations that use the Field, mainly schools and nurseries but also some wellbeing charities.  It became apparent that the Trustees needed to rebalance competing demands for the field so as to encourage environmental education (the second of the two aims of the Trust, the first being to promote conservation and biodiversity).

During the pandemic, the Field was extensively used by mental health charities (Richmond Mencap and Dose of Nature) whereas usage by schools and nurseries diminished for obvious reasons.  The field is pretty much fully booked during term time as Dose of Nature have been using the Studio and the Field 3 days a week. 

However, it has now been arranged that Dose of Nature will still occupy the studio for 3 days (allowing toilet access where necessary) but there will be parallel bookings of the Field for half this time).

It has also been arranged that bookings can be made for projects that straddle a week or weeks – it is desirable to give as much notice to Dose of Nature as is practicable.  Unfortunately it has not been possible to accommodate some requests of this nature this summer term.

It is hoped that this will work to meet some of the strong demand for the field from schools and nurseries but the Trustees will keep the arrangements under review.  Thanks to all those who responded to the survey and apologies for the time it has taken to improve the scope for access to the Field.