Forest of Imagination wins award
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Forest of Imagination wins Inspire Future Generations award
Thursday, 19 February, 2026The Forest of Imagination festival has won the Inspire Future Generations Award for Strategic Vision by the Thornton Education Trust.
Forest of Imagination returned for its 12th annual event last year, with the theme of the event ‘Imagining the Future of the Forgotten Land’, inviting visitors to reconnect with nature, explore imaginative ideas, and take part in positive action for the community.
Taking place at the former Entry Hill Golf Course in Bath across ten days last Autumn, the location was transformed into an immersive landscape of art, nature, and community.
Forest of Imagination’s award-winning strategic vision places children and young people, particularly those from marginalised and under-served communities, at the heart of decision-making about the environments where they live, learn and play.
Working inclusively with families, schools, artists, designers, educators and community partners, Forest of Imagination creates accessible, nature-inspired experiences that invite imagination, play and environmental awareness. Its work is grounded in the belief that everyone has a right to access green spaces, creativity, and cultural participation, and that children and young people should be empowered as active co-creators of more equitable, sustainable, and environmentally conscious futures.
Reflecting on the award, co-founder of Forest of Imagination, Dr Penny Hay, Professor of Imagination at Bath Spa University said:
“This recognition affirms our belief in imagination as a powerful force for change and transformation. When children and young people, especially those whose voices are too often unheard, are invited to imagine alongside artists, designers and civic leaders, we create environments that are more inclusive, more resilient and more connected to nature. We are proud to work with our local Council and creative partners, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration for the benefit of the entire community.”
The Inspire Future Generations Awards celebrate exceptional initiatives in the built environment sector that centre children’s and young people’s voices. It is not the first time Forest of Imagination has won an IFG Award, with the 2022 edition of the festival winning the ‘One off activity – Children’ award and a recommendation for research.
Winning an IFG Award again in 2026, organisers hope this will strengthen future collaborations with local community partners, supporting a shared commitment to amplifying marginalised and young voices, protecting and re-imagining access to green landscapes.