Greetings arriving from Lackford Lakes' Outreach Division
In a serene setting nestled amidst the picturesque Suffolk countryside, a mother on maternity leave named Lucy Bailey has found herself immersed in a unique and enriching experience. Lucy, who has spent 16 years in retail, is currently participating in an internship at Lackford, a renowned wildlife trust.
Lucy's days are filled with a myriad of outdoor activities, from attending staff meetings at Foxborrow Farm to leading the weekend wildlife group at Lackford's spring discovery day. Her garden, teeming with various creatures, is a testament to her passion for the natural world.
Despite not encountering any local visitors from Kings Lynn, Derbyshire, or Chelmsford during her time at Lackford, Lucy has had the pleasure of interacting with visitors at the hides. Many of these visitors have travelled far and wide to catch a glimpse of the elusive kingfishers that dwell in the area.
The children who visit Lackford have left a lasting impression on Lucy. Their enthusiasm and knowledge about the wildlife have been a source of inspiration, and she has led a beaver group in a pond dipping session with the help of a volunteer named Roger. The event, despite unfavourable weather, was a resounding success, with the children having a great time.
Lucy's dedication to fostering a connection between children and nature is evident. She believes it is crucial to get children outside to develop a respect for the world around them and the creatures that inhabit it. To further her mission, Lucy has completed level two forest school training.
During a four-day stint in the woods, Lucy honed her skills in making fires, whittling wood, plant identification, and outdoor cooking. This immersive experience has equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to guide the youngest group at Lackford, the wild babies, in their outdoor explorations.
Lucy's journey at Lackford has been marked by a warm welcome and a sense of privilege. She has nothing but praise for the staff and volunteers, whom she describes as knowledgeable and exceptional in their roles. As Lucy continues her journey at Lackford, it is clear that she is making a significant impact on the lives of the children she encounters, fostering a love for nature that will last a lifetime.
Lucy's new lifestyle, during her maternity leave, involves a unique blend of home-and-garden activities, such as tending to her own flourishing garden, and education-and-self-development opportunities at Lackford, where she recently completed level two forest school training. This newfound expertise in gardening, wildfire management, woodcraft, and outdoor cooking aligns with her personal-growth goal of fostering a connection between children and nature, including leading the wild babies group in forest school-style activities. Meanwhile, her career-development path veers away from retail, as she finds a sense of purpose and fulfillment in her internship at Lackford, aiming to inspire the next generation to appreciate and care for the natural world.
