The Trust applied for funding to run Wild Clubs as part of the Tesco Stronger Starts community grants programme.  

The programme, funded by Tesco and Groundwork UK, allows Tesco shoppers to vote for the projects they’d like to see win funding in their area. In Stafford, voting will take place across three different stores: 

• Stafford Esso Express, Rising Brook, ST17 9DH 

• Stafford Extra, Newport Road, ST16 2HE 

• Stafford Express, Stone Road ST16 2RS 

Shoppers will be able to vote using a token system. Tokens are awarded to customers when they make a purchase. The Trust is asking local shoppers to consider voting for their project during the voting period; from April until June. If awarded, the grant prize would fund after school clubs at schools across the town. 

Wild Clubs would enable school children to play outdoors and take part in fun activities such as den building, bug hunting and campfire cooking. These sessions would allow children to enjoy new experiences while also building their confidence and equipping them with new skills. 

Aimee Burrows, Wildchild and Engagement Lead for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, says: 

 “This is an exciting opportunity which would allow us to encourage even more young people in Stafford to connect with nature. We know that this improves mental health and wellbeing, and it has been shown that connecting with nature from a young age increases children’s ability to deal with stress.  

“If we’re successful in gaining funding, our after-school sessions will really help to build children’s confidence levels and equip them with valuable new life skills.”