Land and Leaf Collective

The Land and Leaf Collective exists to create inclusive Forest School communities that foster young people’s connection with nature. Their services we’re put at risk and required specialist legal documentation. The LandAid Pro Bono Programme helped them secure free legal support to enable their services to continue. 

Location

Lincolnshire, UK

The Land and Leaf collective tirelessly works to provide inclusive and accessible Forrest School programmes to all areas of Lincolnshire. Their programmes foster critical connections to nature, offer hands-on outdoor learning and inspire creativity, curiosity and environmental stewardship for all. Their efforts have provided vital childcare, whilst creating jobs, training opportunities and volunteer networks with pathways to employment.  

Until recently, the organisation had been operating without finalised legal documentation and needed specialist guidance to meet the demands of the country estate where their programmes take place. Without the budget to seek legal support,  their forest schools were at risk of closure. 

 The charity found themselves in need of expert advice. They came to LandAid with a request to review a lease and accompanying service level agreement. They wanted to ensure the documents met their needs an obligations prior to committing. Specifically, they needed insights into the implications of the lease, and more broadly, advice on whether to proceed or request amendments on their draft.  

The role of our Pro Bono Programme

The role of our Pro Bono Programme

Through the LandAid Pro Bono Programme, The Land and Leaf Collective was successfully matched with Jennifer Mitchel of CMS. With their legal advice, the charity can now move forward with confidence, knowing they can continue to impact young lives with the security they need to flourish.  

Securing these arrangements was vital to the long-term delivery of their work, given the importance of the estate to the functioning of their nature-based education and inclusive Forest School services. 

Having access to pro bono legal support makes a real difference for us. As a small community organisation, we don’t have the resources to pay for this kind of specialist advice, but it’s such an important area. Knowing that the lease terms will be properly reviewed and negotiated gives us peace of mind that we are protecting the future of our Forest School site. It means we can focus our energy on the work we set out to do, supporting children, families and schools, rather than worrying about whether we’ve missed something important and trying to understand legal terms. This support gives us the security to plan ahead, build a stronger relationship with the estate, and continue to grow a space where our programmes can develop and support our communities to connect with nature.
Jennifer Mitchell, Associate at CMS.