I am a Forest School leader and have been running sessions for seven years. I run sessions for all ages and abilities but work mainly with young people and adults with learning difficulties and autism.
The site is a Plantation on an ancient woodland site (PAWS), and it contains a variety of species of trees, ground flora and fungi. There is a wildlife pond on site as well as building projects such as a small cob / cordwood den and a pizza oven which learners have built themselves.
The Forest School ethos is a long term, repetitive experience which uses natural outdoor spaces to promote confidence and self esteem, communication and social skills, trust, emotional growth, independence, a positive attitude to learning, ability to recognise and manage risk, links to the National Curriculum, and a greater understanding and awareness of the natural environment.
Activities include:
- Field Studies: Minibeast hunts, pond dipping, species identification, sensory activities.
- Bush Craft: Shelter building, tying knots, fire lighting and cooking, cordage making, wild woods, whittling, woodland crafts, natural jewellery, weaving, natural dyes, team building and trust games.
- Wildlife Conservation: Tree planting, nest box construction, coppicing, hedgelaying.
- Physical Play: Tree climbing, balancing, log dragging, digging and shelter building.
My fees are £150 for a half day and £250 for a full day. This includes all planning sessions, risk assessments, insurance, resources, tools and safety equipment etc.
Staff Training:
I can offer team building days either learning new skills or doing woodland management tasks. I can offer firelighting courses using various methods of firelighting and outdoor cooking courses. I could offer a site where teachers training to do their Forest School qualifications could come to do their block of sessions that they have to run. I offer tree identification courses.
References:
Mrs. Sue Burt, Carlton Primary School, 01234 720281 / admin@carltonvclower.org
Claire Merrick, The Chellington Centre, 01234 720276 / admin@chellington.org
Other Information:
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible in some parts of the woodland, depending on recent weather conditions.
Parking: Off-road parking available next to site
Public Liability Insurance: Held
Safeguarding: All Staff and Volunteers are DBS Checked, Safeguarding policy
Rhonda O'Connor
MK43 7AH
01234 721290 / 07572 155635