First ever Derbyshire Forest Games

The first ever Derbyshire Forest Games was hosted at Lea Green on Tuesday 1 July, for young people aged seven to ten, many of which may not usually get the chance to be active outdoors.

The event saw over 180 students take part from a range of schools including Buxton Junior School, Darley Dale School, Tupton Primary School, Spire Junior School, Stonebroom Primary School, Herbert Strutt Primary School, Castleward Spencer Academy, Shardlow Primary School, Dale Primary School and Stanton Primary Academy.

The day consisted of seven activities to choose from; nature art, problem solving, orienteering, low ropes, archery, frisbee golf and bouldering. Giving an opportunity for the young people to try new activities, develop their physical literacy and give them a positive experience of being active in nature.

“It was good to see children giving ideas in the problem-solving activity who wouldn’t usually contribute in classroom settings” – Shardlow Primary School Head Teacher

“Good, loved it, nice to be out classroom, not boring”- Young Person

“They’ve had the best day ever and overcome some personal obstacles” – Spire Junior School Teacher

One child with ADHD struggles to engage with other children and doesn’t like to lose at activities. He coped well, taking part in activities where he lost but was okay, and managed to be with the other children. – Shardlow Primary School

Overall the day was successful, hopefully it gave more confidence to the young people, helped them connect with others and inspired them to try new things and get more active in nature.

We captured the day below: