A CHARITY is thanking its partners and volunteers after winning two awards for its work.

Basingstoke-based education charity Inspero has received two awards from the Royal Horticultural Society for its work.

Inspero founder Catherine Walters-Clark said: “We were thrilled to receive an RHS (Royal Horticulture Society) award, Level 4 “Thriving” and a South East in Bloom Silver Gilt award for our horticulture work in the community including our Nature2Nurture, special needs project with Dove House Academy School.

“Thank you to all our wonderful gardening volunteers who have worked incredibly hard to keep our Kempshott Community Garden in shape over the past year. Thank you also to all our supporters, neighbours, corporate organisations and residents in the area who have donated equipment, seeds and plants to help us develop the garden cheaply and on a shoe string.

“Going forward we have some exciting classes planned for our adult Green Therapy group including cooking, willow weaving and day trips coming into the winter months. If you would like to join please get in touch.”

Next year, Inspero is looking to start a Forest School, after years of attempting to do so but lacking funding. However, after being awarded a grant from Tesco and Ground Work Bags of Help, which has allowed for two members of staff being fully trained. It will be supporting a school with its implementation of Forest School.

Catherine added: “We are really exciting to bring this great opportunity to local children and families. Forest School supports natural holistic development, increasing children’s self-confidence and independence. The ethos encourages child-led learning and development through play. Forest School instils a deep respect and awareness for the natural world and reconnects participants to their environment.

“Play is important too. Children who have the freedom to play today — making friends, getting lost in the moment, having fun — are better prepared for whatever tomorrow throws at them. Playing helps children build friendships, test their own boundaries and solve their own problems. It’s central to a child’s development and to their enjoyment of childhood.”

Forest School taster classes are running at the Walled Garden currently. To check dates, visit www.inspero.org.uk or email info@inspero.org.uk.