Welcome to the New Forest!
In 2005, we welcomed our first group of ten children from Mogilev to the New Forest. On arrival, they were pale and lethargic but were soon rosy-cheeked and energetic with renewed confidence.
The group met each morning in the Church Room in Burley, before heading out into the forest and surrounding areas. The New Forest ponies and cattle wandering freely were a fascination to them.
They enjoyed picnics, went horse-riding, and visited castles, zoos and a theme park. The beach visits proved very popular as many had never seen the sea before. They also took music, dance and art sessions, along with a trip to the dentist and optician.
On their way home all of the children appeared visibly healthier and more lively, and all were looking forward to their return to the New Forest the following summer.
They have continued to return every year since.