Natur, børn og udeliv i Nordsognet

The project is based on an idea originating from Børnehuset Ønskelandet (ØL), a privately run nursery/kindergarten with up to 60 children. ØL took over one of the town’s oldest houses, an old rectory, and has created a good framework for daily childcare. Associated with ØL is a huge natural area, with a playground, chickens, rabbits (more animals are on the way), a zip line, a multi-court, etc. ØL has opened up the area for the town – the northern parish of Ikast – to use, regardless of whether one has children there or not. Wild garlic is picked, animals are visited, and play occurs. Toilet access has been established outside opening hours. With this project, we and ØL wish to create a framework for a good outdoor life by utilizing an unused area adjacent to/connected with ØL. It is located on the outskirts of Ikast, a few meters from a natural area with Storå river, lakes, wetlands, and large meadow areas. We aim to create nature experiences and positive social interaction for families in the northern parish – and this will happen by upgrading the unused area with shelters (offering free overnight stays), a fire pit, and cooking facilities. This creates a framework for positive interaction between children and adults – especially for families who do not have the opportunity to go on vacation. It also provides an opportunity to engage in dialogue with a group of young people in the area who are rootless and unassociated and lack a gathering place. ØL will be able to contribute some of its pedagogical resources to the project, thereby helping working families to raise children who can master nature, community, and life. It is planned to collaborate with the neighbors, Ikast FDF, and BMX-Klubben Ikast. The project will be financially independent of ØL but will be able to benefit from the pedagogical experience they have with children and families with children. The place aims to create a greater degree of community and cohesion among families in the northern parish and teach children and young people how to 1) stay overnight in nature, 2) cook over a campfire, 3) explore the area’s biodiversity. The project will be a significant improvement in access to the beautiful nature in the area.