Grow and Learn Outdoors - GLO Club

There was a small uproar in 2007 when the Oxford Junior Dictionary cut words related to nature, such as acorn and kingfisher, and replaced them with broadband and bullet point.
But it merely reflected a change that had already happened, showing that the natural world was no longer at the heart of our culture. The language had simply faded away.
Adder. Bramble. Conker. Willow. Wren. A missing word here, a forgotten bird there. A quiet extinction.
and began a fightback, and the popularity of 'The Lost Words' showed many people cared.
The dictionary was not the cause. But by removing the words, it could not be part of the solution.
We grieve only for what we know. Once we lose the word for something, our connection frays.
If a young reader never encounters a lark or a minnow in a book or the wild, another opportunity passes to light a spark.
As wrote, "Names are the way we build relationships with the living world."

If we don't have words for the wildness we are losing, how will we notice its passing? And if we don't notice, how can we care? If we don't care, who will protect it?

Ten-year-olds recognise more than four hundred brands, but ask them to name four garden birds and many struggle.
Adults often fare little better. We are the ones responsible for passing on that knowledge.

It is nobody's specific fault that nature has faded. But if we accept this narrowing, we will raise children less curious and less inclined to care.

To counter this disappearance, I began gathering words on my local map – acorn, bluebell, chaffinch. Every outing became more interesting once I had a quest to build my own A to Z of nearby nature.

I want to challenge you to do the same. What is your A to Z? How far can you get from your neighbourhood, your street, your regular walk?
The more you look, the more you see – robin, swift, thistle. Say their names. Naming requires noticing, and noticing is the first step to caring.
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This idea is explored in my new book, Unwilded, available to pre-order now from your local bookshop, via the link in my bio, or at www.unwilded.com

Exciting News!! Bookings for Summer GLO club 2026 are now open. Looking forward to another summer of woodland fun!

Children in Need Day! The children have enjoyed talking about the charity this week and the wonderful things it does.

GLO Club - week 2. Day 5 - The finale

Smaller group of children today, clay creations, returning the woods to their natural state, big fire and a medley of food creations.

Another incredible 2 weeks in the woods. The children have been fantastic and all the adults have enjoyed it too.

Until next time... GLO club over and out.

GLO club week 2 - day 4

This week is flying by.

Today, the children found dragons eggs hidden in the woods. They made nests and even names some!

They created mythical creatures out of clay, played lots of games in the woods and on the field.

We made magical rainbow bread - this has been a huge hit this year!

We also had a birthday in GLO club today - Su kindly brought everyone a birthday cupcake. We hope she had the best day 🥰

We still have spaces for tomorrow for the final day - message if you'd like to book in.

GLO Club Week 2 - day 3

Halfway through another week.

The children have loved the hammers today, made some incredible creations and have all helped each other.

Our Young leader created a game for everyone to play, we had wraps& hotdogs for afternoon snacks.

All in all another successful day in the woods

GLO Club Week 2 - Day 2

Fairies & Elves. Some of the children decided to create a pixie cafe which then prompted Fairies and Elves day. We had the magical experience of Fairies writing us a letter which the children found (3.5 hours into the session).

They had great delight reading it and created GLO-stanbury Music Festival - there was a stage, mini microphones, leaf bunting- the works. We had fairy bread for our snack too.

There's been worm homes made, beetles found, games played and marshmallows devoured.

Another successful day!

GLO Club, Week 2. Day 1

Signs and symbols.

We've had a lovely day, we talked about the need for signs and symbols and tasked the children with creating signs/ symbols / maps - as always, they didbt disappoint.

The children then got into groups and we had to guess the words / sentences created with the use of Morse Code.

Villages were built, dens recreated and snacks around the fire as always were a hit.

Another day of happy, smiling children. We hope they come back and tell you all about it!

GLO Club - Day 5

A full week has passed

Art day - we created letters out of natural objects to create some bunting for GLO club.

There were creations where children turned into the Green Man and left rather dirty but looked incredible!

We had bananas 🍌 with chocolate for afternoon snack, the slack line was great fun and everyone went on even when a little nervous at first.

More trenches, dens and artistic creations and Gregory's shrine has become something incredible to see.

Well done to another successful young leader too! Incredible to see!

All in all a beautiful week with your fantastic children. They really excel themselves and get stuck in. It's a genuine pleasure. We are looking forward to next week already.

We still have some places free - let us know if you'd like to book in and have more forest school fun!

GLO Club - Day 4

Dinosaur day - the children have created Dinosaur footprints, Dinosaur worlds and museums. Our Young Leader created a game that the children enjoyed albeit some very competitive amongst us!

Tree climbing, hammock relaxing, hammering, drawing.

The rainbow toast was the highlight- some incredible tasty creations!

We took a moment for Gregory the Shrew who the children found sadly this morning but they reasoned he had a good life and made a fantastic shrine to remember him by.

Another gorgeous day in the woods