Willows Nook offers outdoor Equine Assisted Learning and Wellness sessions to people of all ages, working with ponies, goats enveloped by nature in the beautiful Calder Valley. The sessions will benefit children / young people who are excluded or struggle to be in school also children who are home schooled. Sessions may benefit Children young people or adults who have learning difficulties, autism, behavioural and emotional difficulties or poor mental health. The sessions can also support those not in education training or employment. Willows Nook offers alternative education sessions in the natural outdoor environment and is a place where people can Discover, experience and connect with nature, develop their self-confidence and explore communication skills through interaction on the ground with ponies and other animals. Programmes are bespoke and designed to meet the needs of the learner/s
One to one and group sessions are available. Ground based equine assisted learning and outdoor activities can;
Improve mental health reduce stress and promote emotional healing and wellbeing. Combat loneliness and social isolation giving a sense of purpose accomplishment and self -worth. Increase self -esteem, personal development through experiential learning. We aim to promote awareness and responsibility for the natural environment and wildlife. Encourage environmentally friendly practices and conservation with regards to land management and animal care. We are committed to an ecologically sustainable pattern of horse-keeping and pasture management with the needs of the native flora and fauna in mind. We can provide opportunities to gain skills and qualifications. We offer outdoor equine assisted learning and therapeutic sessions in a fun, safe, supportive environment with non-judgemental, friendly staff and animals. Equine assisted learning is a fabulous way to engage people of all ages, deliver areas of the curriculum, support those who have been unemployed for a long time or give elderly people a chance to remember and reconnect with their past. In time we would like to create the opportunity for local people who are interested in learning about Equine Assisted Learning / horse, animal or land management the chance to volunteer and gain valuable skills and work experience.
