Breaking Down Barriers to Nature: How Access2Nature is Opening the Outdoors to All

Let’s be honest—childhood should be full of adventure, laughter, and discovery. But for some children, life comes with extra challenges that can make those simple joys feel out of reach. For families facing financial hardship, poor mental health, or raising children with special educational needs and disabilities, these opportunities are not always possible. At Kingswood Trust, they believe that everyone deserves the chance to connect with the natural world — and that’s exactly what the Access2Nature project is all about.

Thanks to generous funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to Access2Nature initiative is removing the obstacles that prevent families from enjoying the outdoors. By accessing the free transport, nature-inspired activities, and nutritious meals, our families / children have unforgettable experiences for they are the ones who need it the most.

Thanks to a recent trip to Kingswood, our group of school children got the chance to just be a child —to explore, laugh, play, and connect. They experienced things many of us might take for granted:

• Feeding sheep and petting animals
• Building dens in the woods
• Pond dipping
• Sitting around a campfire
• Making gooey s’mores with sticky fingers and big smiles

Simple moments, maybe—but incredibly powerful ones. These activities gave them a chance to build confidence, practice teamwork, and engage their creativity. Feeding and stroking the animals brought calm and comfort. Den building sparked critical thinking and collaboration. Even roasting marshmallows became a moment of shared joy, strengthening family bonds and giving them something positive to hold onto.

These are the kinds of memories that stick. That matter. That can shift a child’s mindset from “I can’t” to “maybe I can.” And when we asked what one child thought of their day, their face lit up as they said:
“I loved Kingswood and spending time with my mummy. My favourite part was den building and stroking the rabbits.”

It’s a reminder that all children, no matter their background, deserve these experiences. They shouldn’t miss out just because of financial strain or difficult circumstances at home. When we make space for equity—when we make sure every child gets a fair shot—we unlock potential that might otherwise go unseen.

Let’s keep creating those chances. Let’s keep breaking down barriers. Because every child deserves to shine.

🌿 Nature Matters. People Matter. Community Matters. 🌿
Together, we’re creating a world where everyone has Access2Nature.

Louise Evans
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School