The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire visited Celtic Harmony Camp where he met schoolchildren experiencing Iron Age life as part of his ‘Nurture through Nature’ theme promoting outdoor learning and mental wellbeing.
The High Sheriff, Nicholas Buxton, made the comments during a visit to the outdoor attraction near Hertford where he also planted a rare Black Poplar tree alongside the camp’s directors Clare Holt-Parrella and Luca Parrella.
The visit reflected Buxton’s yearly theme, ‘Nurture through Nature’, which aims to promote the link between the outdoors and mental wellbeing. The High Sheriff, who grew up on a Hertfordshire family farm, noted the “restorative power” that green spaces offer the local community.
Primary school children experience Stone Age learning
During the visit the High Sheriff met with schoolchildren from High Leigh Primary School in Hoddesdon who were “hunting the mammoth” on a prehistory trip back in time to the Stone Age. They also had the opportunity to explore the camp’s Prehistory Centre with assistant curator Dr Lauren Shaw, uncovering the stories behind the venue’s Iron Age artefacts.
Speaking on the visit, the High Sheriff stated: “Thank you to Clare and Luca for showing me around Celtic Harmony. Here is a remarkable, immersive experience introducing primary school groups to life in the Iron Age; to hunting, crafts and bread-making, as well as to the story of prehistoric trade routes and patterns of migration.
“Bus loads of wide-eyed children discover the hardships and challenges of this primitive existence; they explore the campsite’s roundhouses, woodland, and green spaces; ‘learning through doing’. Children on free school meals are supported, so everyone can attend.”
Award-winning outdoor learning centre
Celtic Harmony was set up in 1998, by Clare Holt-Parrella and Luca Parrella. With its thatched roundhouses and native woodland, it is described as a place ‘like no other’. Children visiting are invited to rediscover the natural world and traditions of life in ancient Britain through creative hands-on activities that engage the imagination and improve wellbeing.
The team won the Education/Learning Team of the Year Award, as part of the School Travel Awards in 2023.
Celtic Harmony group managing director Luca Parrella said: “We were honoured to host the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Nicholas Buxton, at Celtic Harmony Camp, aligning with his annual theme of ‘Nurture through Nature’. As an open-air museum set in 13 acres of ancient woodland, Celtic Harmony is the perfect venue for celebrating our natural and cultural heritage through immersive, experiential learning for all ages.”
For more information, including what’s on, visit www.celticharmony.org.
