Local businesses festive donation supports children’s nature project
Left to right: James Metcalfe, Stacey Carlisle, and David Beattie with pupils from Newport Primary School, Middesbrough.
Pupils at Newport Primary School will benefit from a generous £5,000 donation from local business Rounton Coffee, which will fund the North York Moors Trust’s Stepping Stones to Nature programme.
The Trust’s programme aims to support children to grow up well with nature, through sustained, meaningful, and regular connection. Stepping Stones to Nature is designed to help children feel comfortable and confident in the outdoors while linking activities to key curriculum and developmental areas. Delivered weekly, pupils take part in nature-based, hands-on activities.
Through a tailored programme of sensory, nature-based, and curriculum-linked activities, Stepping Stones to Nature connects children with nature to promote good health and wellbeing, spark creativity, and enhance learning, while building confidence, communication, concentration, and teamwork. Pupils develop problem-solving skills and resilience, all while forming a lasting connection with nature and inspiring action to protect it.
The programme focuses on some of Teesside’s most disadvantaged communities, where children have limited access to green spaces and face significant disparities in health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes. Through Stepping Stones to Nature, the North York Moors Trust has worked with over 320 children since 2024, delivering more than 120 days of hands-on engagement with nature across schools in Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland. In a recent report on the project, eight in ten children who participated said the programme supported their health and wellbeing, and 69% reported it helped them do better in class.
The donation from Rounton Coffee, made as part of their 1% for the Planet membership and commitment to sustainability, will help ensure this work continues into 2026. By donating 1% of annual sales to projects that give back to the environment and community, Rounton Coffee’s festive act of kindness will make a meaningful difference, helping children sustain their connection with nature while supporting their wellbeing, confidence, and learning throughout 2026.
David Beattie, Founder of Rounton Coffee, said:
“At Rounton Coffee we believe good business should support the people and places that sustain us. Christmas is a time for giving back, and we wanted our donation to make a real difference locally. We are committed to giving a portion of our profits to environmental and community initiatives. Supporting Stepping Stones to Nature aligns perfectly with our mission to help people, communities, and the planet thrive.”
James Metcalfe, Director of the North York Moors Trust, said:
“As a charity, we believe nature plays a vital role in helping children grow up well, supporting wellbeing, confidence, and learning. This is especially important in areas where the freedom to enjoy and benefit from nature is most needed, yet access is more limited. We see the impact of our work every week, which is why we are delighted that Rounton’s generosity will allow us to sustain engagement, ensure its benefits continue to be felt, and look for ways to expand this work so even more children in our area can benefit.”
Stacey Carlisle, Deputy Head Teacher at Newport Primary School, said:
“Stepping Stones has been transformative for our children. Each week, the children get to explore the outdoors making links to key curriculum areas. While we have seen academic benefits, the most significant impact has been on the children’s emotional wellbeing, resilience, teamwork and self-regulation. The children love these sessions and they have become a highlight of the week, this donation will make a huge difference.”