Rowan Class - Forest school

 

Rowan class had their final forest school session this morning. We did a carousel and the children moved around all the activities. We used the sun as our fire as it melted chocolate. Then the children selected fruit and a marshmallow to dip in the chocolate. There were drinks with ice to help us cool down and some time to explore (in the shade) with activities. Then we did some maypole dancing and made own own mini maypoles to take home. We finished off with some water fun using the tarp and shaking the water on top to create a shower. It has been a fun few weeks, well done everyone

Walnut Class Forest School 03/07/26

 This week was Walnut Class’s final Forest School session of Year 1, so we celebrated with ice-cold drinks and delicious s’mores cooked over the fire.

We began by talking about how to stay safe around the fire. The children remembered lots of our safety rules, including sitting in the respect position, staying a safe distance from the fire, and tying back long hair. We also recapped the three things needed to make a fire: air (oxygen), wood (fuel), and heat. 🔥

After safely putting out the fire, we learned about the elder tree and how its flowers and berries have traditionally been used to help with colds and coughs. We then enjoyed the story ‘Elio the Elder’ about an elder tree that helps a poorly little bird. 

To finish, the children used small pieces of elder to make colourful “fireworks” by removing the soft pith and pushing in strips of crêpe paper.

It has been a pleasure getting to know your children over the past ten Forest School sessions. I hope they have enjoyed their Forest School experience as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with them. 

Walnut Class Forest School 26/06/26

 

As it was an extremely hot week, we moved from our usual Forest School site to a shady area beneath a canopy. To help keep everyone cool, most of the activities were water-based.

The children enjoyed mark-making on the ground using ice cubes and paintbrushes with water. Miss Hines kindly brought water balloons, which were a big hit. They also had lots of fun shaking a tarpaulin with water on top, creating a refreshing shower of water droplets.

The children took part in a barefoot trail, exploring different natural materials such as sand, leaves, conkers and water with their feet. They enjoyed describing the different textures and sensations.

We finished the session with a fun game of Disco Detective, where one child secretly led the dance moves while the detective tried to guess who the leader was. It was a great way to end a fun and active session. 

Walnut Class Forest School 19/06/26

 

This week’s Forest School theme was wind.

We began by discussing where wind comes from. The children shared lots of thoughtful ideas, including that it comes from the sky, the Earth moving, and the trees. We explored how movement can create wind by spinning our arms and feeling the air moving around us. We then talked about how wind is created when warm and cold air move and meet. Warm air expands while cold air contracts, and this movement of air creates wind.

We read part of the non-fiction book Gusts and Gales – A Book About Wind to learn more about wind and discover why places such as the seaside are often windier than others.

The children had the opportunity to make flags using the Japanese printmaking technique Hapa Zome. They used leaves and flower petals to create colourful patterns on fabric before attaching their creations to sticks to wave in the breeze.

They also explored sycamore seeds, often called “helicopters,” enjoying dropping them from different heights and watching them spin gracefully through the air.

To finish our very hot session, we worked together as a team to shake a tarp with water pooled on top. Everyone got a little wet, which helped cool us down, and as the sunlight caught the spray, we were even lucky enough to create a beautiful rainbow! 🌈

Forest School - Year 2/Rowan Class

Rowan class spent their morning thinking about things we love in nature. We started with a game of ‘go find it’ and then went on a hunt with our heart finders. The children said they loved the sky, the leaves, the trees and the grass.

Then everyone had the opportunity to make their own vase of wildflowers. There was time to explore and the children found some ladybirds and spent time being still by the pond in the hope of spotting some frogs. Some frogs and tadpoles were seen too.

Walnut Class Forest School 12/06/26

This week was art week. I began by reading a book called 'I Can See Nature's Rainbow', which explores the colours of the rainbow and where they can be found in nature. The children enjoyed sharing their own ideas, including purple lavender, the yellow sun, and brown mud.

The children then created their own nature-inspired artwork through natural mark-making with chalk and charcoal, sticky art using collected natural materials, and a collaborative ground-art mandala.

One finished, we displayed their creations in our Forest School Gallery around an oak tree, celebrating the wonderful creativity on show.

To end the session, the children enjoyed playing the requested chasing game, 'Foxes and Rabbits'.

🦊🐰🌿

Walnut Class Forest School 05/06/26

 

It was wonderful to welcome Walnut Class back for their second block of Forest School sessions. Today's session was inspired by the traditional tale Little Red Riding Hood.

We began by reading the story together before setting off on our own adventure. The children followed a trail that led from Red Riding Hood's house all the way to Grandma's cottage. They were very careful not to leave the path, as they didn't want the Big Bad Wolf to gobble them up! Along the way, the children navigated a series of obstacles, using their balance and coordination to weave their way through the "forest".

To sharpen our listening skills, inspired by the line, "Oh, what big ears you have!", the children wore blindfolds and sat quietly, tuning in to the sounds of nature around them.

Next, we focused on our looking skills with the phrase, "Oh, what big eyes you have!" The children took part in a nature scavenger hunt, using binoculars and magnifying glasses to explore their surroundings. One child discovered a ladybird, while others spotted lots of tiny leafhoppers. They even managed to spot a mushroom. 

We also visited the school pond, where the children were excited to see many tadpoles and some tiny frogs.

Finally, we explored the phrase, "Oh, what big teeth you have!" by enjoying a healthy snack of different fruits, just like the treats Red Riding Hood carried in her basket for Grandma. 

Walnut Class - Forest School

 

Walnut Class - Forest School

Summer Forest School

 Walnut Class have their second block of forest school after half term 05/06/26, 12/06/26, 19/06/26, 26/06/26, 03/07/26. 

 Please ensure your child has a change of clothes, waterproofs and wellies in school. These items will stay in school for the 5 weeks of forest school. A reminder of the clothing needed is below.

Dress for Mess and Mud

Waterproof coat (with a hood) – essential in all seasons

Jumper or fleece and Polo Shirt – for warmth in cold months

Base layer - if it's very cold an extra thin layer under your polo shirt. 

Polo Shirt - in warmer months

Long trousers – preferably old or outdoor-specific - essential in all seasons

Waterproof trousers (especially in winter or muddy months)

Sturdy trainers, walking boots or wellies – depending on the weather/terrain

Thick socks (double socks if cold)

Hat, gloves and snood – in cold months

Sun hat, sunscreen & insect repellent – in warmer months

Any questions, please ask. 

Miss Hines 

Mulberry Class Forest School - 11.5.26

 Mulberry Class Forest School - 11.5.26

Mulberry class had lots of fun in their final session of forest school this morning. We were hoping for some sunny weather but we still enjoyed welcoming in the summer with some maypole dancing. The children had the opportunity to make their own mini maypoles as well. 

We had our fire and the children remembered that we needed the balance of heat, fuel and oxygen to get our fire started. The children toasted marshmallows and squashed them into brioche. There was the opportunity to crush some ice to add to our drinks and the children enjoyed crushing this using mallets. We finished off with the next chapter of our story ‘Through the eyes of a tree’.

Year 2 Forest School 8.5.26

 Year 2 Forest School 8.5.26

Mulberry class enjoyed thinking about the water cycle this morning and doing some water activities. They learnt how to tie a half hitch knot and used this to make mini rafts. They found items in nature that float and sink and made nature pictures with spray bottles. The children also enjoyed watching a caterpillar explore the hedge. 

Mulberry Class Forest School - Monday 27th April 2026

 Mulberry Class Forest School - Monday 27th April 2026

Mulberry class had a lovely morning learning how to light their own fires. They had a metal tray to contain their fire, fluffed up the cotton wool (fuel) so the oxygen could flow through it and used a flint and steel to make the spark (heat). They thought about safety and made sure they were in the respect position (kneeling on one knee and one knee up).

Everyone had fun playing foxes and rabbits. There was time to look at the tadpoles, go on minibeast hunts and make a forest person if they chose to. Lots of resilience was shown throughout the fire lighting. Well done everyone.

Reminder for Beech Class Forest School Sessions

 Beech have their second block of forest school after half term on:

24/04/26, 01/05/26, 08/05/26, 15/05/26, 22/05/26.

Please ensure your child has a change of clothes, waterproofs and wellies in school. These items will stay in school for the 5 weeks of forest school. A reminder of the clothing needed is below.

Dress for Mess and Mud

Waterproof coat (with a hood) – essential in all seasons

Jumper or fleece and Polo Shirt – for warmth in cold months

Base layer - if it's very cold an extra thin layer under your polo shirt. 

Polo Shirt - in warmer months

Long trousers – preferably old or outdoor-specific - essential in all seasons

Waterproof trousers (especially in winter or muddy months)

Sturdy trainers, walking boots or wellies – depending on the weather/terrain

Thick socks (double socks if cold)

Hat, gloves and snood – in cold months

Sun hat, sunscreen & insect repellent – in warmer months

Mulberry Class Forest School - 20.4.26

 Mulberry Class Forest School - 20.4.26

Mulberry class went on a hunt to find the things they love in nature this morning. They enjoyed looking up at the trees and the sky, finding ladybirds and ants and looking at the daffodils and bluebells growing. We played ‘go find it’, visited the pond to see the tadpoles and made daisy and dandelion vases. A busy session enjoying the spring and looking towards summer. 

Mulberry Class Forest School - 13.4.26

 Mulberry Class Forest School - 13.4.26

Mulberry class were happy to be back at forest school this morning. We had a great time thinking all about trees. We started with the poem ‘I am a tree’ by Nancy Kopman. Then we explored the site identifying trees by looking at their bark and leaves. We learnt about how to work out that rough age of a tree by measuring its grith and dividing by two. There was time to make some tree pictures and have a bit of free time. 

Make sure you all remember your wellies next week please. 

Beech Forest School: Summer Term Dates

Beech have their second block of forest school after half term on:

24/04/26, 01/05/26, 08/05/26, 15/05/26, 22/05/26.

Please ensure your child has a change of clothes, waterproofs and wellies in school. These items will stay in school for the 5 weeks of forest school. A reminder of the clothing needed is below.

Dress for Mess and Mud

Waterproof coat (with a hood) – essential in all seasons

Jumper or fleece and Polo Shirt – for warmth in cold months

Base layer - if it's very cold an extra thin layer under your polo shirt. 

Polo Shirt - in warmer months

Long trousers – preferably old or outdoor-specific - essential in all seasons

Waterproof trousers (especially in winter or muddy months)

Sturdy trainers, walking boots or wellies – depending on the weather/terrain

Thick socks (double socks if cold)

Hat, gloves and snood – in cold months

Sun hat, sunscreen & insect repellent – in warmer months

Mulberry Forest School - Summer Term

  

Mulberry Class (Year 2 ) -  Forest School

 

Mulberry class will begin their second block of forest school lessons on Monday 13th April 2025 for five weeks.

The sessions will be on 13.4, 20.4, 27.4, 8.4 and 11.4. 

Please ensure your child has the correct clothing in school in order to participate. Feel free to start brining in their named forest school clothing now so it is ready for when we begin the sessions. If children do not have the correct clothing, they will not be able to participate. 

Please find below a leaflet that explains/reminds you of what Forest School is all about.

The children will need: 

Waterproof coat (with a hood) – essential in all seasons

Jumper or fleece and Polo Shirt – for warmth in cold months

Base layer - if it's very cold an extra thin layer under your polo shirt. 

Polo Shirt - in warmer months

A spare pare of long trousers (ideally waterproof)  – preferably old or outdoor-specific - essential in all seasons

Waterproof trousers (especially in winter or muddy months)

Sturdy trainers, walking boots or wellies – depending on the weather/terrain

Thick socks (double socks if cold)

Hat, gloves and snood – in cold months

Sun hat, sunscreen & insect repellent – in warmer months

Please note that the boots, waterproofs and warm trousers will be kept in school until the five sessions are over. 

Forest School sessions take place whatever the weather, so it is important the children are properly dressed, so that they can participate in and enjoy each session fully.

Many thanks for your continued support.  We are sure your children are going to be looking forward to having the opportunity to participate in Forest School.

Apricot Forest School

Apricot Class had a lovely return to their Forest School sessions, 

with our theme focusing on Animals in Nature. The children 

were full of enthusiasm and shared ideas about animals they

 might find in the wild in England, including rabbits, squirrels 

and foxes. 🦊🐿️🐇

One activity involved using clay and natural materials,

 such as leaves and sticks, to create woodland creatures. 

The children showed great creativity, making a range of 

animals including a butterfly and a bat. 🍃🦇

I also brought soft toy birds, including a blackbird, a 

chaffinch and a pigeon. The children enjoyed building nests

 for them using natural materials they found on the ground, 

showing care and thought in their creations. 🪹🐦

The children also noticed the green tubes around the site

 and learned that these protect newly planted saplings. 

They enjoyed looking inside and spotting buds, noticing 

the first signs that spring is on its way. 🌱✨