Flourish in the Forest was a programme that offered local families exclusive access to Maxilla Forest School during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Families were able to use the garden, summerhouse and outdoor equipment, while art materials and creative activity sheets were provided for those who wished to take part in creative activities.

Delivered throughout 2020 and 2021, the programme offered a combination of one-off sessions and regular weekly bookings. Priority was given to families receiving free school meals and living in overcrowded housing with no access to private outdoor space. Referrals were also accepted through local schools.

Maxilla Forest School is a private gated garden originally established as an outdoor learning resource for Golborne and Maxilla Nursery School. Since 2015, it has operated as a forest school for local primary schools. During the pandemic, ACAVA was granted use of the space by Golborne and Maxilla Nursery School to support local families through Flourish in the Forest.

Words from our participants

“We don’t have a garden, so during that first lockdown, being able to access that space, once a week, really was a really important outlet for us. […] So it just felt like a safe space to just enjoy being outside…”

Supported by

Flourish in the Forest was supported by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the Kensington + Chelsea Foundation and The Kusuma Trust.