New Leaf
Led by The Rewild Project, this project is creating a traditional crafts community at Kensley Shed, based within the Forest of Dean, helping and engaging with disadvantaged groups. This includes those who are unemployed, vulnerable, are undertaking offender rehabilitation programmes, have additional needs and those who may be lonely and isolated. The project also supports children who have been removed from the conventional education system.
The New Leaf Social Forestry Project aims to make Kensley Shed a 'safe space' for social interaction and to learn new skills with no judgement or pressure.
The various participants will develop an understanding of issues relating to conservation, sustainability and heritage as they complete practical skills working in the Forest.
What does the project deliver?
Led by The Rewild Project, New Leaf Social Forestry aims to engage with Gloucestershire’s hardest-to-reach, most vulnerable unemployed and financially-excluded adults and young people, who face multiple barriers to employment or training.
The Rewild Project deliver training and provide work experience placements in traditional woodland management and conservation skills in areas of woodland allocated by the Forestry England in the Forest of Dean. The model of delivery for the New Leaf programme, is designed to utilise the therapeutic impact of working in the green environment to revive traditional craft skills and to form a learning community network.
The Rewild Project team also introduce specific interventions designed to promote the development of inter-personal and work-place problem-solving, as well as team-building activities. This provides a framework for stability and rehabilitation for participants with complex needs, underpinning pre-employment objectives and preparing participants for referral to Voluntary Community Work Placements (VCWP).
What can I get involved in?
The Rewild Project delivers New Leaf by working with referring agencies such as Jobcentre Plus, Forwards, Learndirect, Prospects and Community prescription Teams in the Forest and throughout Gloucestershire. Referrals can be made directly to the team via email: newleafatkensleysheds@gmail.com
Click here to find out more about The Rewild Project.