What is the Rural Education Project?
The Rural Education Project is an initiative delivered by the charity North Wales Horse Watch across North Wales.
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The charity aims to inspire positive action to enhance and protect nature and the local environment using educational workshops for all ages and abilities.
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A mobile education vehicle provides Interactive games for the education and enjoyment of the public, delivering awareness for the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the countryside.
In 2020, North Wales Horse Watch identified the need for education in rural areas due to the effects of the ongoing pandemic, the Rural Education Project was created to address this.
The initiative has been established to prevent and tackle rural and wildlife crime, as well as teaching problem-solving and proactive crime prevention strategies. North Wales Horse Watch collaborate closely with North Wales Police to manage and reduce risks, share information, and recognise early signs of danger through joint decision-making. The project also incorporates road safety lessons, covering personal risks, hazard perception, and responsibilities towards other road users.
By working alongside local charities, North Wales Horse Watch can enhance its efforts and generate better outcomes. In appreciation of her services towards North Wales Police, the charity's founder, Helen Lacey, was awarded the Lord Ferrers award from the Home Office. Consequently, the rural education project has been recognised for raising awareness in the rural community.
Volunteers offer interactive workshops to any group of any age and capability, some of whom tend to book further sessions to increase their knowledge.
A new workshop, 'Rural Craft Sessions', has been recently developed which introduces the importance of wool, its many uses and benefits. This workshop allows participants to make items from wool and the land while discussing the countryside code and the information they have gathered from previous workshops.