Thanks to The Ernest Cook Trust, young carers in Stroud enjoyed an evening full of nature-based crafts – all themed to the Chinese New Year. The children were supported by Kate Elliott from the Trust to make leaf lanterns, ‘Year of the Snake’ twig snakes, and new year nature pledges that we attached to a tree.    

“The activities were so well planned and organised which enabled the children to quickly get stuck in, they were all so proud of their creations!” says Sheryl Donelly, Senior Keyworker.  

During the session we discussed different ways you can connect with and spend time in nature. The group enjoyed telling us how they get out and about - and after mentioning nature photography one of the young carers began showing us her pictures of plants and wildlife that she had been taking on her walks in the woods near her home.  

The Ernest Cook Trust is a UK land owning educational charity, helping children and young people make stronger connections to nature. 

Kate from the Trust described how “Working with GYC has been a real privilege. Supporting the fantastic work of GYC through sharing skills in nature themed crafts and encouraging nature connection to improve health and wellbeing.” 

Gloucestershire Young Carers is really proud to work with them, enabling young carers to have positive experiences in the outdoors and have creative fun through nature crafts.  We look forward to the exciting opportunities for continued collaboration between our two organisations.