Hello, I'm Yasmin, and I joined Foxburrow Nature Reserve in September as a Learning Intern.

I have a degree in Early Learning and have been working in education since 2014. Prior to joining the learning team at Foxburrow, I was working as a reception class teacher. I have always had a passion for early education and outdoor learning. As Science lead in my school, I had the pleasure of working with Suffolk Wildlife Trust, who came in to deliver Beach School sessions. I was so inspired that I began to explore opportunities within the trust and made the decision to apply for an internship.

Growing up locally, I visited Foxburrow Farm (as it was then known) as a child and again during my teacher training. I have very fond memories of Foxburrow and it is an absolute pleasure to be working here, especially at such an exciting time for the reserve. As a local, I am excited to follow Foxburrow’s rewilding journey – we are so lucky to have Foxburrow on our doorstep!

As a teacher and mother, I have experienced first hand the powerful impact of nature on children’s development. The outdoors provides such a unique and enabling environment, which allows children to thrive.

During my first month, I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of children and young people. In my first Wild Tots session, the children listened to 'It Starts With a Seed' and then we headed to Community Wood to look for signs of autumn and collect autumnal treasures. We used the children's finds to create artwork, inspired by Andy Goldsworthy. 

I have loved the opportunity to lead the Wild Tots and Babies sessions at Foxburrow and I am looking forward to launching my weekend Nature Nurturers group this month. I have also had the opportunity to support groups for children that are home educated and visit schools that have signed up to be a Suffolk Wilder School.

I am so grateful for the warm welcome I have received from the families, staff and volunteers at Foxburrow – I am really looking forward to experiencing all that Foxburrow has to offer in the coming months, including birthday parties, school visits and training. I will share more of my experiences here.

Thank you for reading,

Yasmin