New wellbeing sessions at Knowsley Safari for primary schools 

In honour of World Mental Health Day (10 October), Knowsley Safari has expanded its Wild and Well programme to hundreds more primary schools, allowing even more schoolchildren an opportunity to reconnect with nature, thrive outdoors and nurture their wellbeing.   

Previously the woodland learning sessions have only been available to schools in the Knowsley borough, but now any primary school able to travel to the safari can take part in the wildlife-inspired mental health and wellbeing sessions.    

The Wild and Well interactive activities are all designed around the great outdoors to create a strong connection between children and nature through hands-on experiences and team building. Activities include creating bird feeders, splashing in puddles, building dens and scavenger hunts.    

The sessions also coincide with the government’s recently launched Education Nature Park initiative which is a campaign highlighting the benefits of connecting young people to nature – something Knowsley Safari is committed to furthering.  

Knowsley Safari’s Wild and Well sessions are available until March 2024 and are ideal for Reception to Year 3, although the learning sessions can be adapted to suit children’s needs and age.    

Nikki Burton Mallott, head of learning and discovery at Knowsley Safari, said: “There are many different studies linking the benefits of nature and wildlife to children with wellbeing and mental health.   

“By expanding the reach of our Wild and Well sessions to children outside the Knowsley borough, we hope to be able to support hundreds more children with their mental wellbeing.”  

Schools within the Knowsley borough can access the sessions free of charge as part of Knowsley Safari’s commitment to making education accessible within the local community. Schools outside of the borough will be charged £8.50 per pupil. For further information about Wild and Well and Knowsley Safari’s Education offering, please visit knowsleysafari.co.uk/education/wild-and-well.  

 Schools wanting to book places for their classes, should email: learning@knowsley.com.  Spaces are limited and early booking is advised. Schools will need to provide transport to and from Knowsley Safari and provide packed lunches for the children who attend.