Our Activities
“You will find something far greater in the woods than you will find in books. Stones and trees will teach you that which you will never learn from masters.”
Saint Bernard
Forest School Sessions
Our children (Owls and Kites) have access to our on-site Forest School on a regular basis, 1–2 times a week or more. Each session lasts 1.5–2 hours, and babies occasionally join, for example, during teddy bear picnics.
Before each session, practitioners carry out a site risk assessment to ensure the area is safe and secure, taking appropriate action if necessary.
Preparing for Outdoor Learning
We make sure the basic needs of children are met before any learning takes place, following Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Practitioners ensure children have suitable clothing and footwear, are not hungry, and bring water bottles. Safety procedures, hygiene, and routines are reviewed before exploring the site.
Child-Led Exploration and Activities
Sessions are designed around the children’s needs and are mostly child-led. Activities follow a theme, sometimes subtle, such as exploring the site. Children enjoy stick play, building courses, bug hunting, environmental art, den and shelter building, fire lighting, and tree climbing.
Activities are set to match each child’s capabilities, and progress is evaluated so sessions can be adjusted to meet individual needs.
Reflection and Unique Experiences
At the end of each session, children may gather in the log sitting area for a calm discussion about their experiences, or share their thoughts out loud. Each Forest School session is unique—just like every child—allowing them to grow, learn, and explore at their own pace.
