The Really Wild Ones is an exciting new forest school promoting outdoor play, learning and exploration for children in East Manchester.

Clayton resident, Katie Grimshaw, came up with the idea for the project in the spring of 2022 and has been working with Step Up MCR to bring her dream to life for the summer holidays starting.  

After leaving her job to care for her children with additional educational needs, Katie recognised the lack of fun activities for children and young people in her neighbourhood and wanted to make a positive step change. She has since been working hard to get her forest school accreditation and build up local connections to grow her project.

‌Katie wants to see more local young people accessing the amazing greenspaces and woodlands on their doorstep. She believes in the outdoors as a place of adventure, where children can be wild, be themselves and make new friends outside of a school environment.

“I'm passionate about child-led learning and getting the kids outdoors. It boosts their mental wellbeing, teaches them new skills and builds self-confidence”, Katie says. “The Really Wild Ones is all about promoting friendships and teamwork, but above all we are all, we want to children to have fun and learn about the natural environment around us”.

Katie particularly wants her project to benefit those on low incomes and children with additional needs who struggle with curriculum based learning.

The Really Wild Ones is running summer holiday clubs at Debdale Park and Clayton Vale. Here’s what to expect:

Forest crafts and tool making

Messy play

Woodland walks

Den building

Bug hunting

Identifying plants and wildlife

Caring for local wildlife by planting flowers, repairing bird and bat boxes and building bug hotels

Follow The Really Wild Ones’ journey and find out more about the activities on offer.