About New Mills River School

Dedicated to empowering the next generation through hands-on environmental education, investigation and play.

Our journey and inspiration

New Mills River School was founded by me (Amy) after completing an MSc in Sustainability with a focus on natural flood management. With 14 years of experience working in education, I was inspired to create a unique space where young people could connect with our local rivers and become stewards of their local environment. As a neurodivergent person with an acquired brain injury, I also understand the positive impacts of time spent in the vibrancy and wonder nature on our mental, emotional and physical health. 

Empowering future environmentalists

 We believe in creating learning opportunities which foster meaningful and positive impacts on young people. We want to build confidence and resilience, as well as making sure all learners have the knowledge and skills to protect and enhance their local rivers and communities. We believe in telling the truth about the climate and ecological challenges our children will face in their lifetimes, and believe that tangible actions and meaningful interactions with our local communities and environments provide more than just educational benefits. We believe in fair and inclusive education for all learners - please contact us directly to discuss the individual needs of your class members. 

What makes us unique?

New Mills River School is committed to getting outdoors and providing hands-on, creative learning experiences centred around nature and environmental responsibility. We believe that direct interaction with the natural world fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation, making learning a side effect of curiosity, play and enjoyment of the natural world.

"Our session with New Mills River School was fantastic. The children learned all about invasive plants & how to identify Himalayan Balsam before heading out to destroy some of it in their local environment. They were so enthusiastic & went home at the end of the day telling their families all about their mission. Several of them had stories to tell over the following days about bashing some when out walking with their parents. Thanks, Amy, for your clear explanation, instruction & encouragement. The children loved their session with you."

Year 4 Teacher, New Mills Primary School