Last year saw a strong focus on Nature Connection spread across schools and ECE centres in Marlborough. The growing knowledge of how important time in nature is and the relationship that we have with it meant that many were prioritising establishing their own programmes to get out there more regularly.
In recognition of this and to celebrate 20 years of Enviroschools in Marlborough, the Environmental Education team explored some options to give back to the community. The result being a Nature Exploration Space.
After identifying a location and having an initial meeting it was time to come up with ideas of how it could look. Who better to ask than the tamariki themselves. With a kete of resources, Enviroschools facilitator Ramona visited Kindergartens and ECE centres in Blenheim.
Photo 1: gathering tamariki ideas; Photo 2: resources set up for the tamariki to create with; Photo 3: tamariki designing and creating the nature play space.
The consultation process with the tamariki first involved a discussion of what they liked to do in nature, what was nature, what could a nature exploration space include and what could it be made of.
Following on from this discussion Ramona presented some photos of possible ideas. Tamariki were able to talk to these and share their thoughts on them. And finally a group was chosen to design and construct a miniature play space using natural materials.
Photo 1: seesaw and stepping stones; Photo 2: tent with stepping logs; Photo 3: stick hut.
What an incredible list of ideas the tamariki came up with. Along with some very well thought out and constructed designs. Ramona, then collated all of these and they have now been passed over to Marlborough District Council. They will draft some final designs and continue the consultation process.
We can’t wait to share this new nature exploration space with you – watch this space for the next stage in the process.
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