Our Story
Badger Forest School was established in August 2013 by Claire Lefevre, based at Cardinham woods we introduced forest school and outdoor learning to a number of local schools and families. Choose Nature was then created by Claire in January 2021 with the aim of reaching out to vulnerable children and families, increasing the well-being of individuals, communities and the environment, by inspiring life-long learning and care.
In the beginning there was Claire…
Having left career as a primary school teacher in mainstream education after 13 years, Claire went on to form Badger Forest School. Claire passionately believes in; connecting people with nature and each other to build a better future. Understanding the need for a holistic and nurturing environment to build self esteem, confidence and well being was always and still is the driving force. Claire reacted quickly to the growing need for giving people positive experiences in nature and established trusted relationships with other organisations, including being in a learning partnership with Forestry England.
We strive to provide children with experiences that encourage confidence, self esteem, independence and ready to take part in lifelong learning. This is done through small achievable tasks and developed over regular sessions. We strongly promote appreciation, awareness and knowledge of the natural environment throughout the seasons, using all their senses, learning to respect and care for the environment.
We are passionate about hands on learning, giving time to explore, experiment, take risks, work as a team, taking part in team challenges as well as individual. We allow time for children to take part in child-initiated play and learning to encourage decision making and promote positive wellbeing.
We play games to teach children to understand boundaries and set standards of behaviour, to work cooperatively in groups and to respect each other. We encourage positive relationships between all participants, modelling positive reinforcement, praise and feedback.
Badger Forest School is now an award-winning and respected local business working with many local families, schools, charities and businesses.
Forming Choose Nature CIC
Claire is inspired by the desire to overcome some of the inclusivity and accessibility issues surrounding educational and therapeutic support provisions. A proud mum of a beautiful child who has a range of additional needs, she discovered first hand the problems faced by local families.
Passionate and dedicated to providing her and others with safe, sustainable and inclusive access to outdoor learning and therapeutic support. Claire is perfectly placed to continue building Choose Nature and its links to the community.
Our Vision
To allow everyone the opportunity to connect with nature and their community.
Our Values
Respect ourselves, each other and the environment.
Promoting compassion and empathy with ourselves, each other and the environment.
Care, protect and encourage responsibility of our natural world.
Where Next
Our aim hasn’t changed. Our passion hasn’t damped. In fact with the challenges of the last few years the need for our services has only increased and we will do our absolute best to ensure we are able to help as many individuals and families as we can. We will continue to build ties with the community, including with our volunteer days and free courses.