Just on the outskirts of Syston, Leicestershire, you will find Beth and Kerry ready to welcome you to Hazelwood Forest School and Sustainable Learning Centre.
Beth has been a fully qualified gardener for over 20 years, having worked professionally in botanic gardens and stately homes she was the 2018 winner of the RHS Green Plan-It Challenge. Beth is an RHS mentor and qualified teacher, who’s passion for creating spaces to enable people to come together in the outdoors has led her to work with local charities, schools and community groups around Leicestershire. Beth has helped many community groups from disadvantaged areas to sustain their outdoor areas with volunteers continuing to develop these spaces long after the completion of the initial project.
Kerry is our resident educator, she brings almost 15 years of experience within the education system including Early Years and SEN. Kerry is fully qualified in Early Years and paediatric first aid, she began her education career when home schooling her son. Kerry discovered a passion for alternative education and working with children and young adults who have special educational needs. She has previously worked within one of the most disadvantaged areas of Leicestershire, where she helped to improve the cultural capital for children within that community.
The team at Hazelwood also promote Forest Schools through our work with community groups and primary schools by running workshops and programmes which teach gardening and forest school skills to all age groups. This is now expanding to providing sustainable life skills to older children, teens and young adults, encouraging independence and promoting healthier lifestyles.