The Wolseley Centre near Rugeley has been Staffordshire Wildlife Trusts HQ since 2003, with the revamped new look centre opened in 2019 by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire. The centre really is a hidden gem, with the lovely Kingfisher café and shop. There is a network of accessible footpaths throughout the 26 acres of grounds, with picnic areas, ducks to feed, gardens and three lakes and walks alongside the River Trent, with dragonflies and Kingfishers amongst the wildlife you are likely to see.
Well over 2,000 disadvantaged local children and young people will be getting close to this nature, thanks to a grant from Staffordshire Freemasons to the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and on Saturday 11th November 2023, The Head of Staffordshire Freemasons, John Lockley, his wife Jane and son Paul a member of the executive of Staffordshire Royal Arch Masons together with Selwyn Burton the Communications Officer for Staffordshire Freemasons who went to see for themselves examples of the activities the children will be taking part in, they received a warm welcome from staff, children and parents/carers.
The £57,000 grant will support Wildplay sessions for children from under-represented urban communities in Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent, including those in care, refugees and those with special educational needs.
The Wildplay sessions will include creative play and crafting, exploring nature reserves and taking part in a wide range of activities from pond dipping to natural crafts to wildlife identification. The children will benefit from spending time outside and forming lifelong connections with nature.
This money will help children and their families and potentially change their lives. They will receive personalised support, such as free transportation to nature reserves.
The Trust believes everyone should be able to access and enjoy nature, no matter where they live. Hundreds of children and young people will benefit over the course of the project, which begins in January 2024.
The grant from Staffordshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families, and friends from England and Wales.
Aimee Burrows, Wildchild and Engagement Lead for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said:
"We're very grateful to Staffordshire Freemasons for their generous grant. This funding will allow us to bring the benefits and joy of nature to so many children that may otherwise not get to spend time exploring our county's wild spaces. Spending time outside can boost mental health - one study found that 95 per cent of those that took part in outdoor play saw improvements in just six weeks!"
John Lockley, Head of Staffordshire Freemasons, said:
"I'm very pleased we've been able to help Staffordshire Wildlife Trust with this vital project. It's a sad fact that many children grow up without regular access to nature and wild spaces. Outdoor activities, like those included in these Wildplay sessions, have many benefits. They will help children and young people to feel happier and healthier. It's hugely important for these families that this essential project is supported."
