Who is Green Shoots for?
Green Shoots programmes work with young people from S1-S3 providing extra support in a safe, nurturing and therapeutic environment during the school week.
We aim to create a supportive and inclusive space for young people to connect with the natural world, themselves and others in a small group setting.
Through a range of practical outdoor activities and young person led sessions, young people can develop skills that give them the confidence and resilience to deal with a range of life’s challenges.
‘I have seen a genuine positive improvement in confidence and communication and, more importantly, a happier young person due to their experiences.’ Referrer
What do we do?
Green Shoots incorporates wilderness living skills, play and nature connection techniques to support young people to deepen their connection to the natural world and gain a greater sense of self, nature and an ability to connect with others. Young people work together on practical conservation tasks to build trust, learn new skills and help improve local greenspaces and take time out to explore and play to build up confidence and relax in a safe and supportive environment.
Who runs the sessions?
Programmes are led by the Green Shoots Project Co-ordinator, Kate Wilkinson, and are supported by adult volunteers. Skilled and experienced leadership promotes teamwork and positive ways of working with others.
External Achievements
Green Shoots supports the achievement of The Approach level of The Saltire award and the Scottish Junior Forester Award. At the end of a Green Shoots programme many young people are supported to transition on to further Green Team programmes. Our Advanced program and Green Leaders programs run level 3 and 4 respectively of the Forest and Outdoor Learning awards (FOLA).
When do the programmes run?
Programmes run one day a week for 8-10 weeks during term time.
Green Shoots programmes normally take place on a Tuesday and a Thursday and are generally delivered in the following ways:
- Tuesday – Our Forest School programmes work with young people from a single school or agency.
- Thursday – Our Multi-Agency Programme works with young people from different schools/referring agencies with 2 application intakes each year: one in Jan/Feb and one in Aug/Sept.
How to get involved
Forest School Programme: email Kate if your school/agency would be interested in running a Forest School programme.
Multi-Agency Programme: To apply, please complete the online form.
NEWS FROM GREEN SHOOTS
From Green Shoots to Green Leaders
Green Leaders evolved from young people aged 14-15 who wanted to do more with The Green Team. Here's the story so far...
The latest from our Green Shoots
As the school term comes to an end, the Green Shoots Advanced Group have been spending the last 3 weeks exploring the North Esk River
Danny’s Green Shoots Story
'Everything has gotten better basically.’ Danny first attended Green Shoots in February 2024. Here's his story so far...
