Sapling phase: January 2025-May 2026 *COMPLETE*
During this sapling phase of the project, we have established and nourished the deep roots of our approach. We have spent this time forming connections within the community and inviting others to share in our green space, thereby extending the reach of our work. We have marked seasonal transitions through events centred around creative play in nature, using a festival methodology to inform meaningful observations of the authentic needs of families and young children in Hull. We have used this place-based knowledge of our community to adapt the environment accordingly and to design situated and relevant interventions.
Bud to canopy: May 2026- September 2026
As our project reaches maturity, we are beginning to see new growth in the form of research opportunities beyond the co-design approach. This next phase of the project sees us trialling our new nature journalling intervention with children across Hull. In collaboration with school groups and a range of community groups, we are working to introduce nature journalling to primary-aged children and those who work with them. This intervention aims to increase connection to nature and mental wellbeing.
Harvest: September 2026 – December 2026
Over the Autumn period, we will gather the findings from our research and use these to refine our intervention and inform the continued cultivation of our work with groups across the community.
- We will host a workshop, bringing together teachers and childcare professionals from across Hull to develop the nature journalling intervention.
- We will share the preliminary findings of our research at conferences and events.
- We will host an Autumn community event in the Botanic Gardens, using playful and creative activities to connect children and families with nature.
- We will continue to cultivate community and promote nature connectedness by providing playful and creative opportunities for children.
Resting and conservation: December – February 2027
During the depths of Winter, we will take a period of reflection. We will embrace the quiet of this season and slow down to take stock of our progress and plan for the coming Spring.
- We will provide opportunities for our community leaders to contribute their insights and findings from their work in our green space. We will use these contributions to revisit our aims for the coming year.
- We will allow the ground to rest and recuperate from the footfall of the previous year’s activities.
Long-Term Vision
PGP aspires to establish Thwaite Botanic Gardens as a central hub for nature-based educational experiences in Hull. By fostering strong partnerships and empowering local educators and organisations, the initiative seeks to make a lasting contribution towards nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious young citizens. We aim to do this through playful interventions that focus on creativity and the power of awe and wonder in the natural environment.