Kirsty and Kids Forest School

Oh Year 2! What a fabulous day in the woods we had! Lovely working with the teachers to create a fun day of outdoor learning to consolidate your science and topic work. I was amazed by the careful tool work in my sessions and LOVED the filled pallet bug hotel I came across at the end of the day! 👏 well done! My day was topped off by a truly magical moment of spotting an owl in the woods while tidying up! I’ve never spotted an owl in the wild before…what a privilege! 😍🦉

We had the shelter up this morning in a new place for my Monday families who usually dodge the rain! Some of my families have been coming for a very long time, so the ‘change’ in layout caused lots of discussion, with many thinking it felt cosy this way round. Under the shelter we made leaf or elder bead caterpillars 🐛 No one minded playing in the rain, we have so much tree cover and the heaviest rain didn’t start until near the end of the session. At the beginning, we ran and danced in the rain as we crossed the field, catching raindrops on our tongues! Don’t let a rain forecast put you off spending time outside 🌧️🌦️

Spent today with learning how to identify ferns 💚

saw our class looking for something natural that began with their initial…those with trickier letters made their letter with sticks or leaves. The vibe with the group was rather chilled through the afternoon as the children settled back into their individual activities and interests. One child cleared an area to plant sunflower seeds found in the bird seed mix. One child found a broken pebble that looked like it contained the universe within. One group applied mud face paints and wore ferns in their hair and one child made himself camouflaged for hide and seek by tucking leaves into his hood and coat sleeves. We spotted a segment of stag beetle, a dead bee and a dead young magpie. All studied with interest and compassion. Several children challenged themselves on the slack line and so many children tried the elderflower cordial. Elder bead bracelets were created. So many ‘wow’ moments, all magical. This is why we prioritise outdoor learning time

First day of with and the email I got first thing was all about parent bugs…a dull coloured shield bug found on birch trees that looks after its eggs and young…unlike most shield bugs. So while waiting for the group this morning I took a look at the nearby silver birch trees and we spotted loads of them (terrible photo though)! 😍 I tried to find some on another silver birch tree this evening on a walk with my husband and couldn’t see any…but did find these hazel sawfly caterpillars having a feast on the leaves! So fascinating to watch! How have you connected to nature today?

New term begins tomorrow…don’t forget to book your place…the woods are the best place to be in the summer!

Got a new baby? Fancy meeting other local parents to start building your ‘village’? Come and join us on Thursday afternoons in Bostall Woods SE2 for a woodland wander. Gentle exercise and a hot drink for the parent, natural sensory experiences for baby and time to walk and talk in your local woodlands. Book your space via Happity (link in bio) 💚

A fantastically busy, fun-filled day in the woods for the school holiday stay and play. It is such a joy to see families returning to the woods, those who attended regularly with pre-schoolers, and now bring back their older children. What a privilege to watch these amazing young people grow up! Such a community has built over the years and every one of them feels like family. It was beautifully cool in the shade of the trees and the creativity was flowing. I loved these boats created by two of my returning young people currently in reception year. Too busy enjoying spending time with everyone to remember to take photos. Then a quick reset of the site, woodland washing up and on with the next session! Then home to bottle the elderflower cordial, had a taste test and can confirm it’s delicious…I’ll bring some to groups next week…get booking your space! See you all again soon 💚

Too hot to do very much at the moment, but after a swim at the lido this morning I headed out round Bostall to collect a few elder flower heads before missing the ‘window of opportunity’ for this year. There was virtually no one else around and the woods were the perfect refuge from the heat on the Heath. I love how the light plays through the leaves. Home to make a batch of elderflower cordial. The smell is incredible! Loving a quieter few days this week before our half term sessions on Thursday. Still spaces available for the afternoon if you want to come and join me 💚

Beautiful Five Arches for a walk, paddle and pub lunch on a hot day 💚