Be Free Forest School

13/06/2026

You work outdoors, you cook, you need your L2 food hygiene course.

But the online course just doesn’t cut it, there’s much talk of fridges and kitchens. Makes sense if we cooked in a kitchen, but you cook outdoors.

Charlotte's Wood Suffolk has developed this exact thing - a course which is practical, outdoors adapted and results in experience and the 3 year qualification you need to cook for others outdoors.

I booked my place months ago but now cannot go - it’s Thursday (18th) next week, Ashdon, Essex, CB10 2BD.

If you’d like to take my place, give me a shout, I’ll even make it half price (£60)

12/06/2026

How quickly is this half term rushing by?

We’re resisting counting down the weeks left til summer break, because it’s a bitter sweet end to a brilliant year.

Not all of our schools could continue Forest School, some just couldn’t make the budget balance, and along with wonderful TAs, essential resources, weekly Forest School sessions were cut too.

It’s a tough time to be running a small business in education - let me tell you.

So we’re savouring each moment with these wonderful children, knowing that next year we won’t be sharing their questions, discoveries and smiles.

13/05/2026

NOT a Mental Health Awareness Week post

Forest School supports mental health not through a one-off awareness week, but through regular opportunities to notice what helps us feel calm, connected, capable, joyful, and regulated.

Around the fire, in the trees, barefoot in the grass, swinging in hammocks, listening to birdsong, creating, exploring, resting… children and adults begin to recognise what helps their nervous systems reset and recover.

Perhaps most importantly, Forest School nurtures a lifelong relationship with nature — a source of comfort, adventure, grounding, and healing that remains available to us throughout our lives.

Huge appreciation to all the Forest School leaders quietly holding space for people, young and old, to find peace, calm, confidence, regulation, and belonging through nature and adventure 🍃

15/04/2026

We’ve got nesting birds at one of our Forest School sites (Brookland Infants, Cheshunt).

So special for the kids to see these busy, tenacious birds in action.

31/03/2026

Joy, mud, laughter and firelight ✨

From the moment they arrived, the children threw themselves into the day — making new friends, climbing trees, swinging high, and creating with real tools. There was such a buzz around the hammer station, quiet focus in the clay and painting, and endless joy in the freedom to explore.

We foraged fresh cleavers for a cool drink, hunted for Easter eggs, and gathered around the fire to toast marshmallows and share stories.

These days are what childhood should feel like 🌿

Same again tomorrow — a few spaces still open (5 left). Link in bio!

29/03/2026

Foraged chocolatey goodness 🌿🍫

Today we baked a stinging nettle brownie in our new reflector oven — using fresh nettles from our site in and beautiful eggs from Farm in Hertford 🥚

It was delicious… and we’ll be sharing it around the fire at camp THIS Wednesday.

Want your child to join us? We still have spaces, Book via the link 🔗 in our bio

Thanks for the recommendation of the oven

-svante freden reflector oven from Pro Adventure

19/03/2026

With this week, KS2 (ages 7-11) have been building on their knowledge of hand tools and have EXCELLED! Using hammers, they followed their designs to build bug hotels, hedgehog homes and created a multilayer habitat too using pallets.

Another school used simple techniques to create colourful spinners.

We love to see our older kids get stuck in and let their imaginations lead play, creating and collaborating is good for the soul. And majorly important to have time and space to develop these skills to feel successful.

09/03/2026

We’re back! join us for an Easter camp in the first week of the holidays for fun, foraging, real tools, campfire cooking and more.
Double day discounts!

For 2 days only - nature play, bushcraft

14/10/2025

🌿 Testimonial Tuesday 🌿

“They’ve absolutely loved every session — coming home muddy, smiling and full of pride in what they’ve made. It’s such a special space for them to just be themselves.” 💚

Hearing this makes our hearts full — it’s exactly what Be Free Forest School is all about: time in nature, freedom to play, and the confidence that grows from getting muddy and creative outdoors.

🍂 Join us this October half term for new adventures in the woods!
🔗 [Booking link in bio]

13/10/2025

🍂 October Half Term Forest School Camp 🍂

Join us for autumn adventures in the woods — filled with crafts, cooking over the fire, and seasonal nature connection. Children will explore, create, and play outdoors, building confidence and friendship as the leaves turn golden.

🔥 Expect muddy hands, happy hearts and plenty of fresh air!
📅 Dates: October Half Term : Monday and Tuesday 10-3
📍 Location: Brookland Infants School, Elm Drive, Cheshunt

Spaces are limited — book your child’s place now!

https://eequ.org/book/october-half-term-forest-school-camp-with-jude-be-free-forest-school-20509