BOXED WILDERNESS is a digital educational resource designed to rekindle young students’ engagement with the natural world, empowering the next generation with the knowledge, skills and passion to protect our planet.
BOXED WILDERNESS is the official educational resource for THE HERDS: the 20,000km journey of hundreds of life-size puppet animals from Central Africa to the northern tip of Europe, fleeing the impacts of climate destruction. It will include activities, inspirational content, and sensory experiences that invites classrooms, groups, and individual learners to explore the WILD and the WONDER of nature.
BOXED WILDERNESS is designed for children and young people from ages 5 to 17, with resources tailored for the following age groups:
-Ages 5 to 7 (equivalent UK KS1)
-Ages 7 to 11 (equivalent UK KS2)
-Ages 11 to 14 (equivalent UK KS3)
-Ages 14 to 17 (equivalent UK KS4)
BOXED WILDERNESS will integrate a wide range of curriculum subjects and will be available in many translations.
OPEN UP A WORLD: Young users will unlock mystery digital “boxes,” each containing a treasure trove of resources tailored to foster curiosity and environmental stewardship.
PICK-AND-CHOOSE: Our diverse range of free, pick-and-choose resources and teachers guides will enable teachers to tailor the work in a way that most resonates with their students.
WORKSHOP LEARNING: Whilst our activities can be enjoyed alone, most focus on group and experiential workshop-based learning. Our resource includes example lesson plans, and in some cities we have partnered with workshop leaders who can visit your classrooms.
EMBRACE THE WILDSIDE: Students will embark on a journey to explore the unpredictable and thrilling natural world. They will choose from five animal “boxes,” each focusing on a different at-risk species and habitat.
EXPLORE ECOSYSTEMS: Utilising our sensory resources - such as soundscapes and artwork - students will listen to and observe their animal’s habitat. They will discover why these ecosystems are at risk, with a particular focus on the impacts of climate change. Students will be encouraged to investigate two ecosystems: one local and one thousands of miles from their classroom.
INTELLIGENCE AND RESILIENCE OF NATURE: Students will discover the remarkable adaptations that allow their chosen animals to thrive in changing environments. They will also learn about international and local efforts to protect these species and their habitats.
GO WILD: Students will learn about local and international re-wilding programs to better understand the benefits of letting nature reclaim areas dominated by human activity. Students will be encouraged to visit nearby nature reserves and wetlands, applying their observational skills in real-world contexts.
BUILD A PUPPET ANIMAL: With our puppet design packs, students will create life-size puppets of their animals using recycled materials, gaining valuable crafting skills while learning about the importance of sustainability.
GET INSPIRED: Students will discover the inspiring work of youth climate activists and research cutting-edge strategies to combat climate change and regenerate habitats.
In the second chapter of the programme students will draw on everything they have learned to engage in radical thinking and design. They will work together to:
DESIGN A NEW WORLD: Envision a unique world where humanity and wildlife coexist harmoniously, leveraging cutting-edge technology and research.
IMAGINE THRIVING ECOSYSTEMS: Consider how their chosen animals might thrive alongside humans, addressing questions such as; What does your world look like? How does it function? What priorities and improvements have you identified? What new solutions have you developed, and what compromises did you make? What insights and surprises emerged during the design process?
BOXED WILDERNESS is created by The Walk Productions in partnership with leading environmentalists, climate organisations, authors and youth climate activists who we are inviting to co-author many of the pages and activities. Our growing network of climate partners and ambassadors include The Global Rewilding Alliance, TED Countdown, Kumi Naidoo, George Monbiot and Xiye Bastida. Our partners help us ensure that our educational resources are responsible and relevant for children across a vast geography.
The Walk Productions is the team behind “Little Amal”, the multi award winning journey of a 3.5m tall puppet of a Syrian refugee who has visited 17 countries and has met 2 million people. Since we launched Little Amal’s Education & Activity Pack in 2021, it has been used by an estimated 700,000 young people, translated into seven languages, integrated into curriculums across Europe and praised by teachers and educators across the world.
To learn more and get involved, contact Alice Evans on alice@thewalkproductions.org
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