Our Story – Stomping Grounds Forest School

Sophie reads an article about Forest School

May, 2015

It is the first she’s ever heard of it but it sounds amazing.

Training

August, 2015

Sophie does an inspiring week of Level 3 Forest School training in Sheffield and meets other practitioners.

Stomping Grounds is born!

October, 2015

The first ever under 5s, Saturday Club and Home Education sessions takes place at Thornley Woods in the Derwent Valley. It rains dramatically and everyone has a great time.

Building A Team

October, 2015

Sophie meets Susan Byrne – an experienced Forest School practitioner who starts helping out at various groups. Susan and Sophie’s skills and experience complement each other perfectly and the quality of the sessions improve as a result.

Building Partners

November, 2015

Stomping Grounds partners up with Chopwell Community Association and receives a grant to deliver Forest School Youth sessions in Chopwell Community Woodland.

Local School Engaged

January, 2016

Stomping Grounds gets its first school contract, working with Mountfield Primary School in Kenton, Newcastle.

Jess Joins the Team

February, 2016

Stomping Grounds starts working with Jessica Lloyd from Chopwell Youth Club. Jess’ broad experience in education in both school and non-school environments strengthens the Stomping Grounds’ provision.

Registration as a Community Interest Company

February, 2017

Stomping Grounds Forest School North East CIC is formed with Sophie, Susan and Jess as Directors.

Grant Funding Received

February, 2017

Grant funding is received from Tesco, Seedbed, Durham Area Budget Partnership, Land of Oak and Iron, Newcastle City Council, Prudhoe Town Council and the Catherine Cookson Trust

‘Don’t Try This At Home’ Video Released

July, 2018

Our Chopwell group make and release a short film to share the skills they’ve learnt with others.

Don’t Try This at Home Video

Washingwell Primary Sign-Up

September, 2018

New contract at Washingwell Primary School, Gateshead delivering PPA cover to KS1

Leadgate

January, 2019

Start delivering a year long youth project in Leadgate, County Durham.

Crowdfunder

April, 2019

Successful crowdfunder campaign raises the additional £5,000 needed to assist with the private purchase of Dukes Hagg Wood in Prudhoe, Northumberland for the exclusive use of Stomping Grounds

Crowdfunder Video

Dukes Hagg Launch

July, 2019

Launch Day for our new home at Dukes Hagg Wood engages local residents, businesses and our supporters to celebrate this exciting stage in our development

The Stomping Grounds Story