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About us
Our Founder
Lucy is a Senior Paediatric Nursing Sister with specialist expertise in palliative care and respite for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. She is passionate about creating inclusive, nature-based experiences for individuals with complex disabilities and special educational needs. Alongside her professional role, Lucy cares for a family member with complex needs and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and puppy. She has supported children and adults with complex needs across healthcare and community settings, and has been involved in inclusive wild camping experiences for children with disabilities. Lucy holds certification from The Therapeutic Forest in supporting children with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) in outdoor environments.
About us
The Forest Glade offers nature-based experiences for children and adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). We provide a safe, inclusive space for individuals to connect with nature, build confidence, and enjoy meaningful, sensory-rich activities.
Our sessions include firelighting, hammocks, nature crafts, foraging, whittling, campfire cooking, yoga, and massage. We offer full and half-day options, as well as shorter 2-hour sessions focused on tailored play experiences.
The site is fully accessible, with a camping-style outdoor changing area featuring a bench and hoist. Our dedicated volunteers are always on hand to support participants and families.
At The Forest Glade, we believe everyone deserves the chance to explore, relax, and thrive in nature.
Our Story
The Forest Glade was inspired by Sam, a joyful 19-year-old with complex disabilities who loves being outdoors. When Sam left school in 2024, we searched for accessible, meaningful outdoor experiences for people with complex needs—but found nothing in Essex or beyond that truly offered what he needed.
That’s when our four trustees came together to create something new: a place where people of all ages and abilities can experience nature, feel valued, and simply belong. We believe everyone deserves the chance to connect with the outdoors, and that nature is a powerful space for joy, wellbeing, and inclusion.
Our Trustees
Our trustees—Lucy, Tim, Fay, and Noel—bring a wealth of experience supporting individuals with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and special educational needs (SEN). Coming from diverse backgrounds in healthcare and education, they share a deep passion for the outdoors and a commitment to making nature accessible and meaningful for everyone.