Two young people supported by Nottingham County Council recently joined our Outdoor Education team Jack and Alex with The Zone Youth Project for a day of exploration and adventure at Clumber Park.
The trip, made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund through the Awards for All programme, gave the young people the opportunity to step away from their usual environment and spend time outdoors building confidence, developing new skills, and connecting with nature.
The day began with a walk around the lake, where the young people learned about the history of Clumber Park and its surrounding estate. Along the way, the team explored the local wildlife and environment, learning simple but fascinating skills such as how to estimate the age of trees, identify different species, and understand more about the habitats around them.
At the start of the day, both young people were quite shy and reserved, unsure of what to expect from the experience. After the walk, the group stopped to enjoy lunch outside, making the most of the warm weather and the peaceful surroundings.
In the afternoon, the young people took part in pond dipping, giving them the chance to discover what creatures live beneath the surface. Using nets and trays, they found a range of pond life including water lice, worms, and many other small bugs.
One particularly exciting moment came when one of the boys even discovered the head of a pike in the water!
As the day went on, their confidence began to grow. By the end of the visit, the change was amazing to see. The young people were full of energy, chatting enthusiastically and even asking to stop for photos with the wildlife they encountered along the way – particularly the swans on the lake, which quickly became a highlight of the trip.
Outdoor experiences like this are a key part of the work delivered by The Zone Youth Project. The organisation supports young people who may be facing barriers to education, employment, or personal development, including those at risk of school exclusion, young people who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), and those who need additional support to rebuild confidence and engagement.
Through programmes that combine outdoor learning, positive mentoring, and practical activities, The Zone Youth Project aims to help young people rediscover their strengths, build resilience, and develop a sense of belonging within their community.
Trips like the visit to Clumber Park show how powerful simple experiences in nature can be. For young people who may be navigating complex challenges, a day outdoors can provide the space, encouragement, and inspiration needed to take the next step forward.