Natural Pathways Bushcraft Courses & Forest School

02/10/2026

🌿 LET THEM GET WILD! 🌳🪵

There’s something special about giving children the freedom to spend time in wild places.

A woodland isn’t just somewhere to walk through, it’s a place to explore, imagine, discover, create and grow.

🌳 Climbing trees builds confidence.
🪵 Sticks become dens, tools, bridges and swords.
🍂 Mud, leaves, moss and stones become treasures.
🔥 Learning to light a fire creates a real sense of achievement.
🐦 Listening, watching and noticing nature helps children slow down and be present.

Time outdoors gives children opportunities to take manageable risks, solve problems, use their imagination and develop independence. They learn to work together, communicate, persevere when something doesn't work and celebrate when they finally do.

And perhaps most importantly, they get to simply be children, away from screens, schedules and the pressure to get everything right.

Wild places can nurture curiosity, resilience, confidence and a deeper connection with the natural world. 🌿

So this Autumn, let them get muddy.
Let them climb.
Let them explore.
Let them make things.
Let them ask questions.
Let them discover what they can do.

Because some of childhood's best lessons don't happen in a classroom - they happen under the trees. 🌳❤️

16/09/2026

🌿 I’d love to ask you something… 🌿

I’ve been thinking about how I can share some of the woodland skills I’ve been teaching and practicing for over 20 years in a slightly different way.

I’m exploring the idea of creating some online woodland skills and nature courses, so that people who aren't able to come along to one of my workshops can learn and explore in their own time and at their own pace.

But before I start putting anything together, I’d really love to know what you would be interested in.

If you could learn one of these woodland skills or experiences online, which would appeal to you most?

🌿 Making nettle cordage
🪵 Making your own walking stick
🔪 Whittling & simple wood carving
🌳 Bushcraft knife skills
🍃 Foraging & useful woodland plants
🧺 Natural woodland crafts
🌲 Nature connection - slowing down, noticing, mindfulness and spending meaningful time in nature

Or is there something completely different you'd love to learn?

Pop your answer in the comments. I'd genuinely love to hear your ideas. ❤️

And if you've ever thought “I’d love to learn that, but I don't know where to start", tell me what it was!

Thank you 🌿

09/08/2026

An uncontacted tribe in the Amazon had its land mapped by the Brazilian government in what campaigners hailed a “huge leap forward”
https://www.positive.news/society/good-news-stories-from-week-32-of-2026/

18/05/2026

Come join me for a FREE fun-filled family afternoon at Ashenbank Wood in Cobham discovering the wonders of the woodland plants and creating a beautiful woodland keepsake to remember your adventure.
Wednesday 27th May
Book your FREE tickets via Eventbrite.

Join us for fun nature games and crafty woodland adventures perfect for the whole family at Ashenbank!

18/05/2026

Join Helen Smith this half-term for a magical woodland journey featuring a guided plant walk and the chance to create beautiful fairytale baskets using natural materials
Free adult workshop - Thursday 28th May. Book via eventbrite.

Guided plant identification walk and natural basketry craft with Helen

18/05/2026

FREE half-term woodland family workshops: Thurday 28th May afternoon sessions for children & families; forest school crafts, nature games & outdoor fun

Dive into creativity and nature with hands-on art and sensory fun at Ashenbank Forest!

18/05/2026

🌿✨ Join Helen Smith and me this half-term for 4 FREE woodland workshops over 2 days in beautiful ancient woodland with the Woodland Trust ✨🌿
🍃 Morning sessions for adults, plant walks & woodland mindfulness
🌲 Afternoon sessions for children & families, forest school crafts, nature games & outdoor fun
A chance to explore, create, play, and connect with nature in an amazing woodland setting.
⏰ 2-hour workshops Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th May
🎟 FREE but booking essential via Eventbrite:

Guided plant identification walk combined with gentle mindfulness and nature connection activities with Hannah.

20/01/2026

This is such a lovely activity to do to brighten up your day during this cold and often grey month, while also helping us understand how our garden birds are really doing. Taking a little time to watch, count, and record what you see contributes valuable information that supports conservation efforts and protects wildlife for the future.

22/09/2025

With Will Lord Prehistoric Survival – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉