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About Barefoot + Wild
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Barefoot + Wild was created to make time outdoors more accessible to children, young people and families.
We believe that time outdoors can make a real difference to wellbeing, emotional regulation, engagement, learning and relationships. Outdoor spaces give children opportunities to move, explore, play, be curious, take part and experience things for themselves, often in ways that aren't possible within a traditional classroom environment.
We work with schools across Greater Manchester and surrounding areas to bring these opportunities into everyday school life through practical programmes, staff training and our framework for outdoor learning and wellbeing. Our approach supports staff to make the most of the outdoor spaces and natural materials around them, while giving children opportunities to develop practical skills, understand what they need, make choices, develop agency and build skills that can support them now and in the future.
Barefoot + Wild is a Community Interest Company because we believe these opportunities should extend beyond school too. Our family sessions give parents, carers and children the chance to spend time outdoors together, try new things, explore and create positive memories in an accessible way.
At the heart of Barefoot + Wild is a belief that nature and play can support wellbeing. No matter your age or ability, nature is for everyone.
Meet Vicki
I’m Vicki, the person behind Barefoot + Wild CIC. I’m a Forest School Leader and SEND Mentor, and I work with children and young people across a range of settings in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors. I spent most of my childhood in the 90s making potions and climbing trees from morning until the street lights came on. I’ve always felt a real sense of belonging when I’m outdoors, so when I was training to become a Primary School Teacher and discovered the concept of Forest School, it felt like something I had to follow. I adjusted my course and went on to train as a Level 3 Forest School Leader.
Since qualifying, I’ve been fortunate enough to gain a wealth of experience working with children and young people across different settings, while continuing to study Early Childhood.
I’ve also loved spending as much time outdoors as possible with my daughter since she was born. This was part of what inspired me to start Barefoot + Wild, with family sessions in mind. I wanted to create opportunities for parents and their children to spend time outdoors together, connect with each other and with nature, and create memories along the way.
Since then, Barefoot + Wild has grown. I’ve gone on to develop further programmes and create a practical framework for school staff, with a particular focus on how outdoor experiences can support children’s wellbeing, emotional regulation and engagement.
My experience working with children and young people, including children with SEND and those who have experienced trauma, has made me really interested in what happens when we give children more opportunities to be outdoors, make choices, listen to what they need and develop a sense of belonging.
I want Barefoot + Wild to give children opportunities to develop skills that are useful not just in that moment, but throughout their lives. And although much of my experience has been with children who have additional needs, I believe the benefits of spending time outdoors, connecting with nature and having opportunities to understand ourselves are valuable for everyone.
For me, Barefoot + Wild is about creating those opportunities. Giving children the time and freedom to explore and play outdoors, make choices, and feel connected, listened to and able to be themselves.
See You In The Woods!
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