Our Community

School Partners

HOP works in partnership with local state-funded primary schools in Exeter.

Though varying in scale, most schools have outdoor areas which for some children may be one of the few accessible places they get to play regularly outside. Sadly, due to lack of resources and qualified staff, the potential of school grounds for developing children’s connections with nature remains largely untapped.

HOP works to change this. By making use of nature just outside the classroom door, HOP is an enrichment programme which seeks to build enduring connections with accessible ‘everyday’ nature.

While HOP works with schools, it is also independent of each school and does not seek to directly fulfil any of the school’s statutory obligations.

HOP is currently working with Ladysmith Junior School in Heavitree and Bowhill Primary School in St Thomas, both in Exeter.

HOP Volunteers

Local community volunteers support sessions at each school, sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and interests with younger generations.

At Bowhill Primary School we have been joined by Lou from Lou’s Wild Garden. Lou is a local wildlife gardener, keen to inspire others to support wildlife around the city. We have all been learning lots from Lou’s immense knowledge of wildflowers and insects.

At Ladysmith Junior School, Dana a local writer, artist, gardener and former teacher has volunteered her time with HOP – absorbing the joy of being outdoors and adding her talents for fun and creativity.

It’s so life-affirming to volunteer with HOP! I love seeing how naturally the children connect with nature and how they respond with enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity to the different activities. Spending quieter time too, listening and sharing a little about plants and wildlife while the children share their own knowledge is incredibly rewarding.

Children are engaged and asked to interact with their world with ingenuity and care.
It’s a gift to witness group facilitators who allow children to explore their world with passion and play and without too many rules crowding out the joy of childhood.

Long live HOP!

School PTFAs

HOP links with the Parent Teacher Friends Associations at our partner schools; Ladysmith Junior School and Bowhill Primary School, and have been supported by them with funding for sessions and resources.

Community Partners

HOP builds links with local businesses, inviting them to become Community Partners and provide sponsorship for children to take part in HOP. Through seasonal updates, Community Partners learn about HOP’s activities.

If you are a business in Exeter and would like to sponsor HOP please email us: happinessoutdoorsproject@gmail.com