Delamere Forest School at risk of closure due to cost-of-living

Helena Broadbent, the owner of Forest Explorers at Delamere Forest, has launched a desperate appeal to get youngsters back outside.

It comes after the Wednesday Forest School went from having a 70-strong waiting list to just seven or eight children attending each session.

“If we are not able to increase the numbers in our sessions we may have no choice but to stop running the group altogether which is not what we want to happen,” said Helena.

“Our sessions are not only important for the children, they can also be a lifeline for so many parents.

“We really would be truly be devastated to have to stop running the sessions.”

Helena's son attended the school (Image: Forest Explorers)

Forest Explorers’ Forest School is a weekly parent and toddler group aimed at two to four-year-olds.

It has been running every Wednesday during term time for over 25 years and was known as Forest Tots before Helena took charge 14 years ago.

The 38-year-old believes the declining attendance has been caused by both the cost-of-living and a growth in competition.

“We can only put the recent drop in numbers down to the rising cost of living resulting in parents having to work full time.

“But also, as the popularity of forest school has grown there are now far more choices in the surrounding areas.

“This can only be seen as a good thing as it allows more and more children to be able to access forest schools and build our future generation of forest rangers!”

The school has been running for 25 years (Image: Forest Explorers)

Helena took her appeal to social media with her Facebook post having been shared more than 270 times.

“We have never had a post shared this many times!” she said.

“The support is incredible, we really do have amazing support network, people love what we do and value our sessions and no one would want to see the group come to an end.

“I think people are just feeling the strain at the moment and having to make cut backs wherever possible.

“The group however holds so many memories for so many people, some of our parents have attended for years with all their children! One child moves on and their next child starts!”

Helena added: “My message to parents who haven't visited us before is come and give it a go!

“Delamere Forest is such a beautiful place, the day doesn't have to end when our session does, head out into the forest for a walk, bike ride or a picnic.

“Many of our mums and dads stick around afterwards for lunch or a coffee and a cake in the cafe. Our sessions can most definitely build new friendships with like-minded people!”

Sessions cost £5.70 per week (Image: Forest Explorers)

The hour-long Forest School sessions start at 9.30am, 11am and 1pm every Wednesday and cost £5.70 per week.

To book or find out more email delamere@forest-explorers.co.uk or visit the Forest Explorers website.