A local outdoor activity centre run by a Dilton Marsh man has won a national ‘Play Champion’ award.
Steve Sutherland set up the Hidden Woods activity Centre in 2012 and has seen the centre receive other national awards.
The latest, has been awarded by The Save Childhood Movement, a national organisation devoted to fighting for the natural developmental rights of children.
Hidden Woods has received the award in recognition of the exceptional opportunities for children to play that it offers from its purpose-built woodland camp.
Founder and Forest School leader Steve said, “We’re truly delighted that the work we do at Hidden Woods has been acknowledged in this way. It’s a real achievement for the whole team, who are dedicated to providing magical experiences in nature, to children and adults alike. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our loyal customers, who visit us all year round to immerse themselves in our natural playground.”
Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognised by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child (Article 31). The purpose of this article is to highlight the right of all children to engage in play, as it is an integral part of childhood, impacting on children’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.
Steve added, “We’d like to thank everyone that has supported us since we started welcoming groups to the woods in 2012. We hope to continue to develop our offering and to create more inspirational experiences for local families, schools and groups in the future.”
Previously the Dilton Marsh man has seen his activity centre win ‘Best Local Activity for Children Aged 5-12’ at the ‘What’s On 4 Junior Awards 2014’.
Based in 80 acres of ancient woodland near Farleigh Hungerford, Hidden Woods provides outdoor events and activities for children and adults alike, from school holiday clubs and birthday parties through to overnight family camps and corporate team days. For further information visit www.hiddenwoods.co.uk
