The owners of a forest nursery in Clitheroe are hosting an open day to bring the community together, as a dispute with the council is threatening their livelihood.
Evergreen Forest Nursery, owned by Monika Brown and her husband Michael, allows pre-school children to learn through growing, foraging, cooking their own food, and caring for the animals and 20 beehives on site.
Monika and Michael opened the nursery, which has been praised by parents as "a magical school that is like a family community", in 2017 however the nursery is now facing risk of closure.
In September last year, neighbours complained to Ribble Valley Borough Council about the owners staying at the 22-acre site, which Monika states is necessary to be able to maintain the forest and nursery.
Monika and Michael have appealed the planning permission and are waiting for a decision to be made by the council in June, so Monika is hosting a free open day on Monday, May 29, to raise awareness of the school and its presence.
Monika, who has worked with children for 20 years, said: “I want to bring the community together and inspire children and families to get out and enjoy nature.
“I want to see the education system improved by all nurseries and Early Years settings being outdoors as the positive impacts on children and on all areas of their learning is massive.
“We spend every hour of our lives working to build our children’s futures. I hope our approach inspires more nurseries and parents because this is the way we should be teaching children.
"But we need support, we can’t do it if we can’t stay here. I don’t know what will happen.
Rachel Mellor, from Great Harwood, has known Monika for six years is passionate about helping the nursery stay open.
The mum and early years teacher said: "The school is magical and the true magic lies within Monika and the team that work tirelessly to make Evergreen the unique place that it is. It’s her absolute vocation.
“We live half an hour away but it’s worth driving my son to because there will not be another Evergreen, it’s just the best family community."
Rachel used to run a mental health group for parents called ‘We are Nurtured in Nature’.
“Monika really supported my vision of creating an outdoor, non-judgemental space for parents and carers," said Rachel.
"There are other regular Evergreen stay and plays where people can meet and connect with other like-minded parents."
The nursery is unveiling a life-sized pirate ship next week which was created by Michael and the children.
Rachel said: “Monika and the team work around the clock tirelessly and I really do believe that a lot of this work couldn't be done if Monika and Michael didn't live on site at Evergreen.
“Michael's a special part of it because there’s never a male role model in early years and he’s so gentle and good with the kids, getting them involved and helping to build things.
“Amy and Jane at the nursery are also wonderful and do so much amazing work. Then there’s Monika’s mum, also known as 'Mummy Bear', who makes all the food from scratch. It takes a village to raise kids, and this is the village you need, it really is that.”
The open day is taking place at 11am to 2pm on Monday (May 29) at Evergreen Forest Nursery is located in Eaves Hall Lane, West Bradford.
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