A project born out of the Covid crisis, aimed at helping school children through pandemic “trauma” by getting them outside, has been launched.

Devised by educational charity, The Ernest Cook Trust, The OWL Collaboration (Outdoor Week of Learning) gives pupils the chance to spend an immersive week in nature at an outdoor learning centre.

Each OWL week is bespoke to the school children taking part, but activities can include everything from feeding and mucking out farm animals, to walks in the countryside, music or art workshops.

So far, seven outdoor learning centres including Lambourne End Centre in Lambourne End, have teamed up with the trust- they plan to offer places to more than 30 schools and 700 pupils in the first year.

The outdoor learning centres selected for scheme all have a particular focus on working with small groups of children who would benefit from therapeutic support.

Dr Victoria Edwards OBE, Chief Executive of The Ernest Cook Trust, said:

"We devised The OWL Collaboration as a response to the trauma experienced by young people during COVID-19, including mental health issues, domestic abuse, and adverse effects to their social development, school achievement and future job prospects.

"Our ambition is to help in the recovery process, providing an opportunity for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to experience the recognised benefits of an Outdoor Week of Learning, enabling them to appreciate the natural environment while reconnecting with nature."