The Ann Nussey Forest School Project aims to inspire young people and their teachers with a love of nature and, in turn, encourage them to protect our natural environment in the future.

Forest School is a great way to develop confidence, understanding and self-esteem in a woodland environment through activities such as fire making and shelter building, practical conservation work and play.

A special part of the project is the involvement of trainee teachers from Canterbury Christ Church University.

How did I get involved?

In January 2012 I was diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is a form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos and it cannot be cured. The end of my life then felt imminent.

For some time I was in shock.  I had no idea how this had happened.  I was immediately given chemotherapy to slow the progression of the disease.

Faced with an uncertain future, I realised that I needed to do something positive, to leave something lasting behind me, and to get involved with a project, working with people I liked and trusted.  I talked this through with my husband Vaughan and got my ideas down on paper.

Together with the Kent Wildlife Trust, we worked up the details of the Forest School project and I am funding its first year. I am keen that it should be sustained thereafter so I am working to build up a fund to meet its running costs for 5 years.

Once you donate, JustGiving will send your money directly to Kent Wildlife Trust and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed.