Leo is Lost and what he taught a Hertfordshire school about nature

From a lost guinea pig to a bigger vision for Hertfordshire's children.

A remarkable discovery at a school nature reserve inspired educator Kerry Trevett to write a children's book and develop a nature-based programme helping young people connect with nature, understand their emotions and build confidence for the future.

Kerry Trevett has spent nearly 30 years working in education, teaching, leading settings and running small and medium-sized businesses, including private, voluntary and independent early years settings. Throughout that time, one thing has stayed with her: children's access to nature is far from equal.

Some children have a woodland at the end of their road. Others have little more than tarmac. Kerry believes that difference matters, and that the benefits of time outdoors can be seen in children's confidence, wellbeing and engagement in the classroom.

Her own connection with nature began in childhood. When life felt difficult, she would turn to the outdoors or lose herself in a book. Both offered space to think, explore and find a different perspective. She still enjoys foraging, something she says teaches you to look more carefully at the world around you.

That connection came full circle three years ago, when Kerry was leading sustainability work at a Hertfordshire school. As part of Great Big Green Week, she organised a Green Day bringing together six schools and more than 150 children at the school's nature reserve.

Supported through CSR funding from RES, the project also supported creating a fruit and vegetable growing area, giving children something tangible to nurture and care for. The event brought together the local community, with the Leader of the Council and Helen Ward, Watford women's football coach, among those attending.

But one unexpected visitor would inspire something quite different.

A little guinea pig had been accidentally left behind following a farm visit. Two days later, the children discovered him alive in the nature reserve. His name was Leo.

Kerry wrote a story for her class about what had happened. That story grew into Leo is Lost, a children's book exploring change, resilience, kindness, connection and belonging. It also creates opportunities for children to pause, practise mindfulness and discover simple breathing techniques to support emotional regulation and wellbeing.

The book has since become a central resource within Green Herts and Minds, Kerry's not-for-profit nature-based regenerative education programme. Designed for children from Early Years through to Key Stage 2, it brings together emotional literacy, climate literacy, nature connection and future green skills through practical, cross-curricular learning.

Alongside this work, Kerry runs Green Solutions Group, supporting organisations with sustainability, carbon literacy, leadership resilience and burnout. Her work has included commissions with Duke Corporate Education and ESRI UK, alongside work with Champneys, the Ministry of Eco Education and the Young Green Britain Challenge.

Her vision is to use this wider business expertise and network to help fund meaningful opportunities for children, starting in Hertfordshire and growing through partnerships with schools, businesses and the local community.

For Kerry, this has never been about one person creating change alone. It is about bringing people together, creating opportunities and making sure every child has the chance to experience the benefits of nature. It takes a village.

And it all began with a little guinea pig called Leo.

For further information https://www.greensolutionsgroupltd.co.uk/