Testimonials
Good morning Anna
We just wanted to say a huge thank you for everything you did for Owen's birthday party. He had a blast, as did all of the other children.
We had a lot of positive comments from parents too saying how much fun the children had and how lovely it was to do something different.
You were so well organised and your passion for wildlife and nature shone through. The party was definitely a success!
Thank you so much.Liz and Clark Goodwin
"First class organisation. A bespoke service designed specifically to suit our class needs. Wall to wall fun activities that engaged every child. Anna and Lauren had thought of everything. Highly recommend."
Mrs Bowyer Teacher, St. Faith's Prep, Ash
"Anna led a fantastic 'Roots and Shoots' activity session for a class of year 2 children. She came into school to introduce the session to the children using props, photographs and her own extensive knowledge. Our children were instantly hooked and couldn't wait to get to the park. The park session was really well thought out and planned. The resources used were pitched just perfectly! The treemendously silly stick game was a great warm up that led nicely to a competitive bingo game. Our children loved exploring the park and finding out about the trees. They were even more excited when they got to use GPS handsets to navigate the park to locate information. The vast majority took their parents back to park after school to share their knowledge and show off their tree people. We hope to use Anna again in the future to inspire more children. Thank you for everything you did."
Miss Beverley Teacher, Ellington Infant School Ramsgate
I worked with Anna over a period of 18 months specifically on the Westgate Parks project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Anna is a trusted, committed and energetic member of the team who has proved to be a key stone to the success of the project. She has been able to effectively recruit, motivate and manage a brand-new volunteer team. Anna has the skills needed to communicate and enthuse people of any age about the Parks, their nature and heritage.
She has also shown how she can effectively plan and mange an activity programme of everything from children’s parties and educational sessions for schools to community events and stakeholder liaison sessions. Anna has also led the development of creative ideas for the sustainability of the project.
Without Anna, the project would not have been such a success; she is a pleasure to work with and a ‘breath of fresh air.’
Kate Measures Director of Heritage Insider
Meeting Anna at Westgate Park was inspiring, motivating and provided us with lots of practical advice. She has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of how a well-managed park can combat antisocial behaviour and go from an eye sore to the gem of the community
Hayley White Consultant and Project Development Officer
I have known Anna in a professional capacity since June 2012 when I was lucky enough to have her leading an ‘Introduction to Forest School’ day course at Brockhill Country Park, Kent. Anna led a group of us teachers through a wonderful and vibrant day of Forest School fun, introducing us to the theory behind the practice and showing us a wide range of practical skills to use with children. The training was an incredible and fun introduction to Forest School and its values and left us all thirsty for more!
After that initial training day Anna has been invaluable in offering support to enable us as a school to realise our own vision of becoming a Forest School. She advised me through the different training options to become a Forest School leader and that help was invaluable in helping me make the right decision. Anna also visited us at school and undertook site visits to help us make the most of our outdoor space, giving us incredibly useful advice as to what could be done to make the most of the land we had. No question seemed too trivial and I knew that Anna was accessible via email for further advice when/if needed.
Since the initial training with Anna I quickly booked onto and undertook my Level 3 Forest School training and have been very happily running weekly Forest School sessions ever since. I cannot recommend Anna highly enough.
Mrs Rachel George Early Years Teacher, St Edmund’s School, Canterbury
Westgate Parks, situated along the River Stour, is a great example of how with financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (£770,000) successful projects can be set-up to include children for Outdoor Learning. The enthusiasm of Anna Bell, the Development Officer is noted.
The work that Anna Bell and Anthony Dance are achieving in the Westgate Park as a five-year project is to be commended.
Britain In Bloom Canterbury City entry comments 2016
I am very pleased to tell you that the Westgate Parks have been nominated as a candidate for the Canterbury Society Design Award. As the person who has made the Parks such a big success, I am getting in touch now to tell you about the Award and to invite you to the Award-giving ceremony.
2016 Canterbury Society Design Awards: Professor Jan Pahl CBE / Chair of the Canterbury Society
