Celebrating over 12 years of education and engagement activities at Macclesfield Forest

Over 30 staff and volunteers of the National Park's Engagement Team, both past and present, came together to celebrate over 12 years of education and engagement activities at our Macclesfield Forest Education Centre, ahead of its closure at the end of July.

Since 2012, 35 different leaders have welcomed 15,746 children on school visits, from Early Years groups (ages 2-5), right through all the primary school years, to classes of GCSE and A-Level students. A further 2,479 people (1,413 children and 1,066 parents / carers) have attended family events over the years, from free drop-in activity sessions during school holidays to a wide range of booked events, including our very popular 'Nature Tots' outdoor playgroup.

Frances Arnott, who has taken the lead on the education programme at Macclesfield Forest since 2015, shared that for many of the visiting children, their school visits are often the first time that they have been able to hear birdsong without traffic, or splash in a stream, or play with their friends in a safe 'green' space.

She explained that "as a team, our vision is to create immersive experiences connecting people to the awe, wonder and benefits of the National Park, making positive memories and inspiring them to care for the place. The feedback we receive demonstrates that this is exactly what we have been able to achieve at this centre. Although we are all deeply saddened that our Macclesfield Forest Education Centre is now closing due to budget cuts - we leave knowing that we have made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children, and their families and communities."

Helen, a local teacher whose class were the centre's final school visit this July, commented, "Our school have been visiting Macclesfield Forest for over 10 years now (in various year groups). The leaders ensure that children of all abilities are engaged and they all have a wonderful day and learn so much (as do all of the adults!). I have been a primary school teacher for 30 years and there aren't many trips I would return to year after year, but I wouldn't want to go anywhere else for our annual class trip. I know that quite a few parents who have never been to Macclesfield Forest before became regular visitors with their families after coming on a school trip with us and enjoying the day so much... the place is priceless to us and the hundreds of children that we've brought from our school over the years."

Frances added, "when a child bounces up to you at the end of the day to tell you that the visit has been the best day of their life, when a teacher gratefully thanks you for organising an exemplary learning experience for their pupils, when a parent shares how their child's confidence has grown through attending your activity sessions - these are gifts that I will treasure for a lifetime.

"Although we are closing the door on this chapter of our team's work, I know that our collective passion for sharing the wonders of nature and utilising the opportunities that the Peak District offers to explore, discover and learn, will continue for many years to come."