Badgers Forest School | forest school bristol | Bristol, UK

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Badgers Forest School

Our social media has lots of ideas and articles to support you and your children in getting outside in all weathers.

Check out our blog too.

About us

Badgers Forest School provides inspiring woodland adventures and magical learning experiences for children, young people and families of Bristol.

Forest School

Whether it's our beautiful woods or the grounds of your school we are out all year round, getting dirty & having fun in nature.

Schools

Find out what we do we can do for pupils and staff with our outdoor education sessions & forest school.

Contact us

Ask us about providing sessions for your setting or group.

July storytelling circle is next week. Link in the bio.
Come along to the beautiful @ghcommunitygarden and tell some tales around the fire.

Everyone welcome from the shy to the professional. Come and listen until you feel ready or jump in and spin us a story.

#storytelling #talesaroundthefire #sharingstories #storiesinnature #oraltradition #whynot

July storytelling circle is next week. Link in the bio.
Come along to the beautiful @ghcommunitygarden and tell some tales around the fire.

Everyone welcome from the shy to the professional. Come and listen until you feel ready or jump in and spin us a story.

#storytelling #talesaroundthefire #sharingstories #storiesinnature #oraltradition #whynot

Another amazing week on the River Dart getting deeply into stories & the wild world.
I'm half way through and we have begun working on material to perform in November.

My body was swimming in the river & I have been swimming in stories.

Exciting. We had a guest teacher - the incredible Abbi Patrix. What an honour to soak up a little of a lifetime of dedication to the oral tradition of telling tales.

@wildwise #holdingthetailofthewolf #storytelling

Another amazing week on the River Dart getting deeply into stories & the wild world.
I'm half way through and we have begun working on material to perform in November.

My body was swimming in the river & I have been swimming in stories.

Exciting. We had a guest teacher - the incredible Abbi Patrix. What an honour to soak up a little of a lifetime of dedication to the oral tradition of telling tales.

@wildwise #holdingthetailofthewolf #storytelling

For the final session for Y6 we did a tree count. This is all the trees planted by children (and a few more than humans) over the last 10 years.

When we started this site was an extension of the school field.
Now it has 147 trees!!!!!!!
We have green woodpeckers coming to eat the ants, foxes, frogs, loads of other birds and some feisty crows who rule over the whole lot.

Very proud of this achievement.
Thanks to Gillian Powe, headteacher for saying yes and opening the gate to this happening.
Great legacy for her retirement this summer.
💚

#outdoorlearning #bishoproadschool #treeplanting #treeplantingwithkids

For the final session for Y6 we did a tree count. This is all the trees planted by children (and a few more than humans) over the last 10 years.

When we started this site was an extension of the school field.
Now it has 147 trees!!!!!!!
We have green woodpeckers coming to eat the ants, foxes, frogs, loads of other birds and some feisty crows who rule over the whole lot.

Very proud of this achievement.
Thanks to Gillian Powe, headteacher for saying yes and opening the gate to this happening.
Great legacy for her retirement this summer.
💚

#outdoorlearning #bishoproadschool #treeplanting #treeplantingwithkids

Had my @imaylabristol hat on today. We were looking after the lost children stand and the bouncy castle.
I didn't have any lost souls but my colleague Ed was well busy as the bouncer on the bouncy castle.

It's such a beautiful event. The MC came 8 years ago as a refugee. In between acts he interviewed different people about their stories.

It felt so positive to hear these stories and live in a city where this happens.

1000 welcomes to you all.

#cityofsanctuary #everyonewelcone @bristolrefugeefestival

Had my @imaylabristol hat on today. We were looking after the lost children stand and the bouncy castle.
I didn't have any lost souls but my colleague Ed was well busy as the bouncer on the bouncy castle.

It's such a beautiful event. The MC came 8 years ago as a refugee. In between acts he interviewed different people about their stories.

It felt so positive to hear these stories and live in a city where this happens.

1000 welcomes to you all.

#cityofsanctuary #everyonewelcone @bristolrefugeefestival

Y6 are coming to the end of their time with me - 7 years of mud, sticks, fires and choice.

We've had a feast and talked about belonging. I gave them a challenge to find what doesn't belong.

The fox has been hanging out - probably has his eye on the cake...

#outdoorlearning #endings #endofprimary #playoutside

Y6 are coming to the end of their time with me - 7 years of mud, sticks, fires and choice.

We've had a feast and talked about belonging. I gave them a challenge to find what doesn't belong.

The fox has been hanging out - probably has his eye on the cake...

#outdoorlearning #endings #endofprimary #playoutside

Wild Wednesday storytelling has launched!
That was great. We had 12 people who all had a go at some storytelling in pairs. Not scary.
After break people had the opportunity to tell a tale in a supportive circle, positive feedback and the beautiful garden to calm the nerves.

They did so well 🙌

If you have a tale to tell or think you might have one inside somewhere then come along July 16th.

Link in bio

#storytelling #storycircle @ghcommunitygarden

Wild Wednesday storytelling has launched!
That was great. We had 12 people who all had a go at some storytelling in pairs. Not scary.
After break people had the opportunity to tell a tale in a supportive circle, positive feedback and the beautiful garden to calm the nerves.

They did so well 🙌

If you have a tale to tell or think you might have one inside somewhere then come along July 16th.

Link in bio

#storytelling #storycircle @ghcommunitygarden

Strawberry moon this week.
Here is the view from my hammock in the garden.
It didn't rain overnight after all but I can see the tarp saved me from some bird poo 😜

That's 6 full moons sleeping out 🤩

The magpies were kicking off about something first thing. Not quite the dawn chorus I usually here. 😂

#sleepingout #sleepingwiththemoon #hammocklife #natureconection

Strawberry moon this week.
Here is the view from my hammock in the garden.
It didn't rain overnight after all but I can see the tarp saved me from some bird poo 😜

That's 6 full moons sleeping out 🤩

The magpies were kicking off about something first thing. Not quite the dawn chorus I usually here. 😂

#sleepingout #sleepingwiththemoon #hammocklife #natureconection

We're celebrating the trees growing on our site. This week the magical elder came centre stage.
We had a poem by @wildwoodadventuresbristol giving all the amazing properties of elder.
Some of them made beads containing secret messages for power & protection.

I love this puppet!

#elder #kidswithtools #wooddesign #natureconection #outdoorlearning

We're celebrating the trees growing on our site. This week the magical elder came centre stage.
We had a poem by @wildwoodadventuresbristol giving all the amazing properties of elder.
Some of them made beads containing secret messages for power & protection.

I love this puppet!

#elder #kidswithtools #wooddesign #natureconection #outdoorlearning

Very excited to announce our new storytelling circle in collaboration with @wildheartheducation
I'm leading the evening. Looking forward to welcoming first timers, old hands and anyone who's ever fancied telling a tale.
You can listen this time & have a go next time.

It's supportive & fun. And in the most fabulous community garden. The plants love a good story. All welcome!

Tickets are selling so don't miss out...

#storytelling @ghcommunitygarden #storycircle

Very excited to announce our new storytelling circle in collaboration with @wildheartheducation
I'm leading the evening. Looking forward to welcoming first timers, old hands and anyone who's ever fancied telling a tale.
You can listen this time & have a go next time.

It's supportive & fun. And in the most fabulous community garden. The plants love a good story. All welcome!

Tickets are selling so don't miss out...

#storytelling @ghcommunitygarden #storycircle

Lovely to be back this term with Y6.
Ironically after all that sunshine it totally tipped it down.

Summer rain is a beautiful thing.
We had shelter, flat breads on the fire & home made herby pesto picked from the allotment.

The grass is so high when we played a hiding game I couldn't find any of them!

#outdoorlearning #cookingwithkids #summerrain
#natureconection

Lovely to be back this term with Y6.
Ironically after all that sunshine it totally tipped it down.

Summer rain is a beautiful thing.
We had shelter, flat breads on the fire & home made herby pesto picked from the allotment.

The grass is so high when we played a hiding game I couldn't find any of them!

#outdoorlearning #cookingwithkids #summerrain
#natureconection

Room with a view...well a tent.
Back again in the beautiful Dart Valley.
I was back in a tent...I much prefer the hammock these days 😜

#sunset #dartmoor #campingwithfriends

Room with a view...well a tent.
Back again in the beautiful Dart Valley.
I was back in a tent...I much prefer the hammock these days 😜

#sunset #dartmoor #campingwithfriends

Another night sleeping with the moon. This month is a micro moon as it's one of the furthest away from earth. For those astrologically minded it's an intense one shaking us around in the name of Scorpio.
As for me I slept in till 9am!

I love sleeping with the moon every month. This one is the flower moon. Me & the flowers in the garden enjoyed it.

#moonbathing #sleepingout #hammocklife #natureconection

Another night sleeping with the moon. This month is a micro moon as it's one of the furthest away from earth. For those astrologically minded it's an intense one shaking us around in the name of Scorpio.
As for me I slept in till 9am!

I love sleeping with the moon every month. This one is the flower moon. Me & the flowers in the garden enjoyed it.

#moonbathing #sleepingout #hammocklife #natureconection

Me and my daughter went to meet Jack in the green yesterday on Horfield Common.
We've been coming since she was little.
It's such a community driven expression of the exuberance of spring.

We know spring is in full tilt once Jack has been knocked down.

Ritual is so important to anchor us in the year, in our lives and in our community.

I love it 💚🌱🌳❤️
#mayday #spring @pigstymorris

Me and my daughter went to meet Jack in the green yesterday on Horfield Common.
We've been coming since she was little.
It's such a community driven expression of the exuberance of spring.

We know spring is in full tilt once Jack has been knocked down.

Ritual is so important to anchor us in the year, in our lives and in our community.

I love it 💚🌱🌳❤️
#mayday #spring @pigstymorris

Beltane blessings!
Got up early doors to Stanton Drew. This time the sun was shining brightly and the field was full of dandelion puffs.

I love coming here to celebrate.

Out in the afternoon for forest school. We had a story of the May Queen and the Green Man meeting...in a sweet child friendly way of course 😉
At the end of the session we collected sticks and red cloth.
The fire was built and the whole class leapt over the fabric flames. They loved it!

Summer is a coming...

#natureconnection #wheeloftheyear #beltane #mayday

Beltane blessings!
Got up early doors to Stanton Drew. This time the sun was shining brightly and the field was full of dandelion puffs.

I love coming here to celebrate.

Out in the afternoon for forest school. We had a story of the May Queen and the Green Man meeting...in a sweet child friendly way of course 😉
At the end of the session we collected sticks and red cloth.
The fire was built and the whole class leapt over the fabric flames. They loved it!

Summer is a coming...

#natureconnection #wheeloftheyear #beltane #mayday

Sleeping with the moon number 5

I love this monthly outing with the moon. Last night there were 4 of us halfway up a hill in the woods.

I woke up to woodpeckers and the song thrush testing out different ring tones.

There were owls in the night and lots of dreams from all of us.

And I made it to my meeting this morning looking pretty tidy. No sticks in my hair. 😂

Thanks as ever to my wild friend Rachel who decided we should sleep out every full moon.
💪🌕❤️

How do you immerse yourself in nature?

#natureconection #moonbathing #wildadventure @wildwoodadventuresbristol

Sleeping with the moon number 5

I love this monthly outing with the moon. Last night there were 4 of us halfway up a hill in the woods.

I woke up to woodpeckers and the song thrush testing out different ring tones.

There were owls in the night and lots of dreams from all of us.

And I made it to my meeting this morning looking pretty tidy. No sticks in my hair. 😂

Thanks as ever to my wild friend Rachel who decided we should sleep out every full moon.
💪🌕❤️

How do you immerse yourself in nature?

#natureconection #moonbathing #wildadventure @wildwoodadventuresbristol

I had a lovely morning sharing some of my favourite nature connection practices with a cohort of trainee psychiatrists.

The bird song was loud and proud. I learned the song of a nuthatch today. They don't frequent my sit spots so delighted to know this friend.

I'm so pleased eco psychology is part of their training. Happy to have been able to share some of what brings me a sense of belonging in our more than human world.

#natureconnection
#nhstraining #ecotherapy #pause #reset #rest #restore

I had a lovely morning sharing some of my favourite nature connection practices with a cohort of trainee psychiatrists.

The bird song was loud and proud. I learned the song of a nuthatch today. They don't frequent my sit spots so delighted to know this friend.

I'm so pleased eco psychology is part of their training. Happy to have been able to share some of what brings me a sense of belonging in our more than human world.

#natureconnection
#nhstraining #ecotherapy #pause #reset #rest #restore

I was thinking about the unloved and forgotten today. This vibrant flower bed in the city centre is full of weeds, the botanical unloved.
It put a smile on my face and made me stop.
It's full of food and medicine - dandelions & nettles. There is a pioneering sycamore bursting with life.

When I got home I spotted a little plant I see everywhere this season. I looked it up this week so I could use it's name next time I say hello.

Hairy bittercress.

It takes like watercress.

Yum

Thank you.

Not unloved or forgotten here.

#natureconnection
#wildfood #weeds #loveallplants #plantkin

I was thinking about the unloved and forgotten today. This vibrant flower bed in the city centre is full of weeds, the botanical unloved.
It put a smile on my face and made me stop.
It's full of food and medicine - dandelions & nettles. There is a pioneering sycamore bursting with life.

When I got home I spotted a little plant I see everywhere this season. I looked it up this week so I could use it's name next time I say hello.

Hairy bittercress.

It takes like watercress.

Yum

Thank you.

Not unloved or forgotten here.

#natureconnection
#wildfood #weeds #loveallplants #plantkin

We have had such a beautiful spring term.
One of my highlights was from a 5 year old. It was a spontaneous act of inclusion without losing a beat. If only adults paid more attention and truly valued their views.

Children can be so wise.

'what's your football team Jenny'
'I don't have a team'
'There's a wildlife team'
'I love a wildlife team'

❤️

I also love kids.

#natureconection #empathy #inclusion

We have had such a beautiful spring term.
One of my highlights was from a 5 year old. It was a spontaneous act of inclusion without losing a beat. If only adults paid more attention and truly valued their views.

Children can be so wise.

'what's your football team Jenny'
'I don't have a team'
'There's a wildlife team'
'I love a wildlife team'

❤️

I also love kids.

#natureconection #empathy #inclusion

I went to the equinox celebration at Stanton Drew stones.
I love coming to these ceremonies. This time it was light, the birds were loud and spring was very much in the air.

There is something anchoring about visiting the same place at the same time through the seasonal shifts.
I realise it's giving me a different sense of time passing.
Sleeping out under every full moon is doing the same thing.
The moon is like the minutes and the seasonal celebrations are like the hours. One is the more present passage of time, smaller increments to be noticed daily, the other the slower passage where you suddenly notice time has passed once you notice the buds have finally burst.

#springtime #equinox #natureconection

I went to the equinox celebration at Stanton Drew stones.
I love coming to these ceremonies. This time it was light, the birds were loud and spring was very much in the air.

There is something anchoring about visiting the same place at the same time through the seasonal shifts.
I realise it's giving me a different sense of time passing.
Sleeping out under every full moon is doing the same thing.
The moon is like the minutes and the seasonal celebrations are like the hours. One is the more present passage of time, smaller increments to be noticed daily, the other the slower passage where you suddenly notice time has passed once you notice the buds have finally burst.

#springtime #equinox #natureconection

When I started Call of the Wild last year I wanted to start a nature journal. I always loved the illustrations of Beatrix & Ernest Shepherd as a kid.
I never thought I could draw like that.
My efforts are modest and despite best intentions not quite as weekly as I hoped.

Still. Keep going and things improve.

I am finding it easier to get my sketchbook out.
My inner critic is getting quite boring so I can't be much bothered to listen to it anymore.

My drawings are pretty rudimentary but that doesn't matter. The process is the thing I am cultivating

As I say to the kids often - if you have never done something before would you expect to be brilliant at it?

The best bit was today I noticed patterns in the flowers that I hadn't noticed before trying to draw it.

Aha! That's it. That's the point. It's just about paying attention. As usual! 😉😆

#natureconnection #learning

When I started Call of the Wild last year I wanted to start a nature journal. I always loved the illustrations of Beatrix & Ernest Shepherd as a kid.
I never thought I could draw like that.
My efforts are modest and despite best intentions not quite as weekly as I hoped.

Still. Keep going and things improve.

I am finding it easier to get my sketchbook out.
My inner critic is getting quite boring so I can't be much bothered to listen to it anymore.

My drawings are pretty rudimentary but that doesn't matter. The process is the thing I am cultivating

As I say to the kids often - if you have never done something before would you expect to be brilliant at it?

The best bit was today I noticed patterns in the flowers that I hadn't noticed before trying to draw it.

Aha! That's it. That's the point. It's just about paying attention. As usual! 😉😆

#natureconnection #learning

Quote of the week-

Child: You Smell.
Me: (uh oh!) What do I smell of?
Child: You smell of the wild.

Hooray 💚🌳🔥🙌💚

#natureconection #outofthemouthsofkids

Quote of the week-

Child: You Smell.
Me: (uh oh!) What do I smell of?
Child: You smell of the wild.

Hooray 💚🌳🔥🙌💚

#natureconection #outofthemouthsofkids

Big fox love this week.
We have 2 foxes who often appear on the field. I think they are juvenile siblings from last year.

One is bolder than the other and comes up to the forest school area. This week she got really close - couldn't resist the lovely warm box to snooze on.

I love getting to know the other beings around us.

The trees are like kin. I am willing them skywards. It delights me when they are big enough for a bird perch.

#natureconnection #urbanfox #morethanhumanworld

Big fox love this week.
We have 2 foxes who often appear on the field. I think they are juvenile siblings from last year.

One is bolder than the other and comes up to the forest school area. This week she got really close - couldn't resist the lovely warm box to snooze on.

I love getting to know the other beings around us.

The trees are like kin. I am willing them skywards. It delights me when they are big enough for a bird perch.

#natureconnection #urbanfox #morethanhumanworld

We've been exploring nests all week.
We had dry plant materials, clay and feathers. I had a blackbird nest to show the children.
Before we looked at it we thought about the actual mechanics of a bird building a nest.

They use their breaks but best of all...their bottoms!
It's a powerful thing to take some time to really consider how a bird can build something as robust & beautiful as a nest without opposable thumbs.

We can become blasé about everyday things . Birds build nests...yeah, yeah, really amazing, blah blah.

But...
It is astonishing.
It is a thing of wonder.
It is an incredible act of creativity, survival and instinct.
It is something to marvel at.

It happens in spring, year on year whether we witness it or not.

This is the stuff I love passing on to children...and if the adults around also get it then it's a double win.

#natureconection #springtime #nesting

We've been exploring nests all week.
We had dry plant materials, clay and feathers. I had a blackbird nest to show the children.
Before we looked at it we thought about the actual mechanics of a bird building a nest.

They use their breaks but best of all...their bottoms!
It's a powerful thing to take some time to really consider how a bird can build something as robust & beautiful as a nest without opposable thumbs.

We can become blasé about everyday things . Birds build nests...yeah, yeah, really amazing, blah blah.

But...
It is astonishing.
It is a thing of wonder.
It is an incredible act of creativity, survival and instinct.
It is something to marvel at.

It happens in spring, year on year whether we witness it or not.

This is the stuff I love passing on to children...and if the adults around also get it then it's a double win.

#natureconection #springtime #nesting

So this is 6 year old's review of our rainy, cold session on. Wednesday morning.

This has made my week ❤️💚🌳

#lovemyjob #natureplay #outdoorlearning

So this is 6 year old's review of our rainy, cold session on. Wednesday morning.

This has made my week ❤️💚🌳

#lovemyjob #natureplay #outdoorlearning

Spring is springing.
We've had children in their natural habitat pouring mud out their wellies, listening to stories about the birds and soaking up the spring sunshine.

We won't mention the cold rainy day in the middle of the week 😉...

#outdoorlearning #springtime

Spring is springing.
We've had children in their natural habitat pouring mud out their wellies, listening to stories about the birds and soaking up the spring sunshine.

We won't mention the cold rainy day in the middle of the week 😉...

#outdoorlearning #springtime

Love
Love of pancakes
Love of fair sharing
Love of time to raid
Love of traps
Love of stories
Love of noticing the birds getting louder
Love of daffodil shoots
Love of crafting an object to be proud of
Love of life when there is time to be.

It's been a good week
❤️

#forestschool #lovespring #childcentred #outdoorlearning

Love
Love of pancakes
Love of fair sharing
Love of time to raid
Love of traps
Love of stories
Love of noticing the birds getting louder
Love of daffodil shoots
Love of crafting an object to be proud of
Love of life when there is time to be.

It's been a good week
❤️

#forestschool #lovespring #childcentred #outdoorlearning

Imbolc blessings everyone. Today marks the returning light, the beginning of spring and the ending of winter.
Brigid is the goddess of hearth, forge and inspiration associated with this time in the Northern lands.

I went for another early morning adventure to the ancient stones at Stanton Drew. I'm enjoying returning to the same place every 6 weeks or so to celebrate the turning of the year.
I can feel the light returning earlier, the robins started off the dawn chorus around 7 this time.
In these turbulent times standing in a cold field holding hands with strangers to sing about peace, love and the earth feels like the right thing to do.

This is the perfect time to set some intentions for the year ahead, sow some seeds - actual and metaphorical.

#wheeloftheyear #imbolc #stantondrewstonecircle

Imbolc blessings everyone. Today marks the returning light, the beginning of spring and the ending of winter.
Brigid is the goddess of hearth, forge and inspiration associated with this time in the Northern lands.

I went for another early morning adventure to the ancient stones at Stanton Drew. I'm enjoying returning to the same place every 6 weeks or so to celebrate the turning of the year.
I can feel the light returning earlier, the robins started off the dawn chorus around 7 this time.
In these turbulent times standing in a cold field holding hands with strangers to sing about peace, love and the earth feels like the right thing to do.

This is the perfect time to set some intentions for the year ahead, sow some seeds - actual and metaphorical.

#wheeloftheyear #imbolc #stantondrewstonecircle

Bird kebabs all round at the moment. It was the RSPB Big Bird Count last weekend so we have been doing our bit for the birds.
The RSPB has some great resources and this is one of theirs.

Cheese, apple and raisins threaded onto wire - hey presto bird kebab.

It's a great one for the youngest children as they can make one independently. There lots to play with in the choice of repeating pattern or not.

We have had bird stories and been watching the birds around us. A flock of starlings made a perfectly timed appearance as did our local crows having some argy bargy. We were on the field so it was probably turf war...

#rspbbiggardenbirdwatch
#natureconection #feedthebirds

Bird kebabs all round at the moment. It was the RSPB Big Bird Count last weekend so we have been doing our bit for the birds.
The RSPB has some great resources and this is one of theirs.

Cheese, apple and raisins threaded onto wire - hey presto bird kebab.

It's a great one for the youngest children as they can make one independently. There lots to play with in the choice of repeating pattern or not.

We have had bird stories and been watching the birds around us. A flock of starlings made a perfectly timed appearance as did our local crows having some argy bargy. We were on the field so it was probably turf war...

#rspbbiggardenbirdwatch
#natureconection #feedthebirds

I froze some curiosities into some blocks of ice today. I hid them around the site and invited the children to find them and work out which things belonged in forest school and which didn't.

One child asked me where her piece of ice had gone.

They were interested in the negative space in ice, the ghost of the object.

And of course the main attraction was smashing the ice!

#forestschool #earlyyears #natureplay

I froze some curiosities into some blocks of ice today. I hid them around the site and invited the children to find them and work out which things belonged in forest school and which didn't.

One child asked me where her piece of ice had gone.

They were interested in the negative space in ice, the ghost of the object.

And of course the main attraction was smashing the ice!

#forestschool #earlyyears #natureplay

Last night was the full moon - in January it's the cold moon. In fact it wasn't very cold. It was toasty in my hammock.
This was the second full moon sleep out. It's a year long project to sleep under each full moon by my friend @wildwoodadventuresbristol
We slept out in her garden with the tawny owls and the robins.

It was a step up from my lean to in December 🤣
#natureconection #fullmoon #hammocklife

Last night was the full moon - in January it's the cold moon. In fact it wasn't very cold. It was toasty in my hammock.
This was the second full moon sleep out. It's a year long project to sleep under each full moon by my friend @wildwoodadventuresbristol
We slept out in her garden with the tawny owls and the robins.

It was a step up from my lean to in December 🤣
#natureconection #fullmoon #hammocklife

Forest school isn't so busy this term so I am making the most of wintering by reading some nourishing books.
I'm cultivating a daily reading habit in the morning whenever I can.

It's amazing how much you can read this way

Today's nugget is from the wonderful Joanna Macy

'we can never avoid what we seek to escape, least of all the political and economic institutions into which we are born. But by virtue of their dependence on our participation, by vote or speech, lobby or boycott, they can change. They mirror our truest intentions, values and ideals.'

So we have choice. This is an interdependent world and our thoughts, values, speech and action matter. We can resist the rise of the authoritarian right, of climate change, of biodiversity loss.

Look at Greta Thunburg.
We are not going to change things individually but because we are interconnected beings in a world of interconnection then our individual behaviour makes a difference... eventually.

#wintering #reading #theworkthatreconnects #resist

Forest school isn't so busy this term so I am making the most of wintering by reading some nourishing books.
I'm cultivating a daily reading habit in the morning whenever I can.

It's amazing how much you can read this way

Today's nugget is from the wonderful Joanna Macy

'we can never avoid what we seek to escape, least of all the political and economic institutions into which we are born. But by virtue of their dependence on our participation, by vote or speech, lobby or boycott, they can change. They mirror our truest intentions, values and ideals.'

So we have choice. This is an interdependent world and our thoughts, values, speech and action matter. We can resist the rise of the authoritarian right, of climate change, of biodiversity loss.

Look at Greta Thunburg.
We are not going to change things individually but because we are interconnected beings in a world of interconnection then our individual behaviour makes a difference... eventually.

#wintering #reading #theworkthatreconnects #resist

Enjoying the winter sunshine. There are so many flowers out if you slow down and pay attention.
My favourites are the tiny tiny red hazel flowers. You have to look carefully, they're so small.

I read this today from @mariapopova -
We bless our own lives by recognising and referencing the details, the miniature marvels that make this improbable world what it is.

My favourite miniature marvel is this scarlet elf cup fungus ❤️

What have you spotted?

#natureconnection #payattention #winterseason

Enjoying the winter sunshine. There are so many flowers out if you slow down and pay attention.
My favourites are the tiny tiny red hazel flowers. You have to look carefully, they're so small.

I read this today from @mariapopova -
We bless our own lives by recognising and referencing the details, the miniature marvels that make this improbable world what it is.

My favourite miniature marvel is this scarlet elf cup fungus ❤️

What have you spotted?

#natureconnection #payattention #winterseason

A few snippets from some of my wild adventures this year. Lots to inspire my work in nature education and play.
The world is a beautiful place 💚

A few snippets from some of my wild adventures this year. Lots to inspire my work in nature education and play.
The world is a beautiful place 💚

Looking back on the flavour of autumn 2024.
I'm using this mid winter pause to reflect on the year ending and what might be in store for 2025.

Whatever happens I hope it will have some magic wonder and lots and lots of children outside.

#natureconnection

Looking back on the flavour of autumn 2024.
I'm using this mid winter pause to reflect on the year ending and what might be in store for 2025.

Whatever happens I hope it will have some magic wonder and lots and lots of children outside.

#natureconnection

Solstice blessings to you all on the shortest day.
I was up early before dawn to join hundreds of others at Stanton Drew Stone Circles this morning.

It's a beautiful heartfelt, homespun, honestly felt celebration of the turning year with the local druids.

They love the earth and it seems more and more and more people are now showing up for the earth too.

Take some time to think of 3 things you would like to let go of this year. Maybe write it down on a leaf shape and put it out to compost or put it in the fire.

What 3 things fill you with gratitude this year?

What are your 3 wishes for the world in this year ahead?

It's a lovely intention setting that will set you up for the festivities ahead.

Welcome back sun ☀️

#wintersolstice
#stantondrewstonecircle

Solstice blessings to you all on the shortest day.
I was up early before dawn to join hundreds of others at Stanton Drew Stone Circles this morning.

It's a beautiful heartfelt, homespun, honestly felt celebration of the turning year with the local druids.

They love the earth and it seems more and more and more people are now showing up for the earth too.

Take some time to think of 3 things you would like to let go of this year. Maybe write it down on a leaf shape and put it out to compost or put it in the fire.

What 3 things fill you with gratitude this year?

What are your 3 wishes for the world in this year ahead?

It's a lovely intention setting that will set you up for the festivities ahead.

Welcome back sun ☀️

#wintersolstice
#stantondrewstonecircle

Lovely series of winter workshops at Christchurch Primary.
🔥
All the children made a Christmas present for the birds, roasted cinnamon apple on the fire, learned a song and heard a winter story. All that was rounded off with a warming hot chocolate.
🔥
We didn't have long for each class but it didn't feel rushed.
🔥
We had a story about protecting trees, each tree spoke about it's own special qualities. It felt like a good story at this time of year to think about the trees.
🔥
By the third week the crows and squirrels recognised what was going on. Didn't take long for them to tidy up the leftovers.
🔥
#winterseason #natureconection #storytelling #helpthebirds

Lovely series of winter workshops at Christchurch Primary.
🔥
All the children made a Christmas present for the birds, roasted cinnamon apple on the fire, learned a song and heard a winter story. All that was rounded off with a warming hot chocolate.
🔥
We didn't have long for each class but it didn't feel rushed.
🔥
We had a story about protecting trees, each tree spoke about it's own special qualities. It felt like a good story at this time of year to think about the trees.
🔥
By the third week the crows and squirrels recognised what was going on. Didn't take long for them to tidy up the leftovers.
🔥
#winterseason #natureconection #storytelling #helpthebirds

Last night was the last full moon of the year. It was the cold moon - every moon has a name. Actually it wasn't very cold.

My wild friend Rachel has gathered a few of us to sleep out under each full moon over the next year.
This was a great one to start - the darkest time of the year before we start tipping towards the sun again on Saturday.

We aren't all in the same place but we sleep out at the same time. I wasn't in the wilds this time so I made do with our lean to 🤣

I could see the moon through the roof , the sides are open and this morning the sunrise greeted me.
Pretty good I say. I heard the pared back December dawn chorus and my husband brought me a cup of tea.

My family are a bit bemused but I loved it. I love being outside and sleeping in the fresh air. I can put up with a few pants on the line. 🤣

#natureconnection #moonbathing #wildathome

Last night was the last full moon of the year. It was the cold moon - every moon has a name. Actually it wasn't very cold.

My wild friend Rachel has gathered a few of us to sleep out under each full moon over the next year.
This was a great one to start - the darkest time of the year before we start tipping towards the sun again on Saturday.

We aren't all in the same place but we sleep out at the same time. I wasn't in the wilds this time so I made do with our lean to 🤣

I could see the moon through the roof , the sides are open and this morning the sunrise greeted me.
Pretty good I say. I heard the pared back December dawn chorus and my husband brought me a cup of tea.

My family are a bit bemused but I loved it. I love being outside and sleeping in the fresh air. I can put up with a few pants on the line. 🤣

#natureconnection #moonbathing #wildathome

We've been making Christmas presents for the birds.
Simple apple & seed bird feeders great for exercising fine motor skills.

More than that it's an act of reciprocity to help the children think beyond the human world.

It's not a difficult ask as children are more naturally aligned to the more than human world.

What happens by the time they grow into adults?

#feedthebirds #winterseason

We've been making Christmas presents for the birds.
Simple apple & seed bird feeders great for exercising fine motor skills.

More than that it's an act of reciprocity to help the children think beyond the human world.

It's not a difficult ask as children are more naturally aligned to the more than human world.

What happens by the time they grow into adults?

#feedthebirds #winterseason

We've had 3 weeks of tree immersion. Today we had a story - Mikku and the trees via @chriswholeland & Estonia.
It was a great way to sneak in a bit if extra tree lore.
We had a true false game after that involved a lot of chasing around.
I think they may have learned a few things today.

It was all topped off with a rewrite of YMCA celebrating the glorious worms. Thanks to @ghcommunitygarden for coming up with that number. I added a couple more verses.

'Young worm there are leaves on the ground
I said young worm there are leaves all around
I said young worm they will make a good sound
If you pull them in your worm hole. '

'Young worm please beware of the mole
I said young worm he is after your soul
I said young worm he has made a big hole
He will drag you there and eat you.'

'Young worm what a really great job
I said young worm you eat mud with your gob
I said young worm without you I'd sob
You make all the earth grow better'

'Its fun to gather the leaves on the ground
It's fun to gather the leaves on the ground.
There is no goodness lost, they will make good compost.
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah.....'

That's how you learn stuff!

#outdoorlearning #makeitfun #playoutside

We've had 3 weeks of tree immersion. Today we had a story - Mikku and the trees via @chriswholeland & Estonia.
It was a great way to sneak in a bit if extra tree lore.
We had a true false game after that involved a lot of chasing around.
I think they may have learned a few things today.

It was all topped off with a rewrite of YMCA celebrating the glorious worms. Thanks to @ghcommunitygarden for coming up with that number. I added a couple more verses.

'Young worm there are leaves on the ground
I said young worm there are leaves all around
I said young worm they will make a good sound
If you pull them in your worm hole. '

'Young worm please beware of the mole
I said young worm he is after your soul
I said young worm he has made a big hole
He will drag you there and eat you.'

'Young worm what a really great job
I said young worm you eat mud with your gob
I said young worm without you I'd sob
You make all the earth grow better'

'Its fun to gather the leaves on the ground
It's fun to gather the leaves on the ground.
There is no goodness lost, they will make good compost.
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah.....'

That's how you learn stuff!

#outdoorlearning #makeitfun #playoutside

Snow! The excitement levels nearly blew the shelter off.
That was just me...

Throw the plan on the compost and follow the flow. We had some wild tea to warm up and potato rosti with herbs from the allotment.

It's amazing how little snow you need for a snowball fight.

Excellent week at work!

#forestschool #snowday

Snow! The excitement levels nearly blew the shelter off.
That was just me...

Throw the plan on the compost and follow the flow. We had some wild tea to warm up and potato rosti with herbs from the allotment.

It's amazing how little snow you need for a snowball fight.

Excellent week at work!

#forestschool #snowday

I went for an alternative Halloween celebration this year.
At home we made a centrepiece on the table for our friends and family that have passed on. It was low key but it's been lovely to see the collection of special things & photos sitting on the autumn leaves.
Our old dog Dave's name tag appeared too. All family welcome not just the 2 leggeds 🥰

This morning I went with some friends to the celebrations at Stanton Drew stones. It was genuinely moving to think about our ancestors and welcome them in.
It was also great to have some space to reflect on the year ending in order to make space for new light & new growth.

This year I really needed a counterpoint to the plastic tat, vast amounts of sweets and pumpkins destined for the food waste.

#samhain #timetoreflect #seasonal celebration #keepitsimplesometimes

I went for an alternative Halloween celebration this year.
At home we made a centrepiece on the table for our friends and family that have passed on. It was low key but it's been lovely to see the collection of special things & photos sitting on the autumn leaves.
Our old dog Dave's name tag appeared too. All family welcome not just the 2 leggeds 🥰

This morning I went with some friends to the celebrations at Stanton Drew stones. It was genuinely moving to think about our ancestors and welcome them in.
It was also great to have some space to reflect on the year ending in order to make space for new light & new growth.

This year I really needed a counterpoint to the plastic tat, vast amounts of sweets and pumpkins destined for the food waste.

#samhain #timetoreflect #seasonal celebration #keepitsimplesometimes

This was the end of our harvest from the allotment at school. Meagre pickings but nevertheless enjoyed.
With care & enthusiasm these lovely veggies were made into delicious fritters for all of us.

Next term we will plant peas, sort out our mini pond and make another one. We will also re locate the saplings planted by our jay & squirrel friends from the bottom of the hill to the top.

It's a good season to give thanks, look back on the fruits of the harvest, remember what and who has passed and prepare the ground for new growth in a few months.

#itsnotallabouttrickortreat #wheeloftheyear #reciprocity #forestschool

This was the end of our harvest from the allotment at school. Meagre pickings but nevertheless enjoyed.
With care & enthusiasm these lovely veggies were made into delicious fritters for all of us.

Next term we will plant peas, sort out our mini pond and make another one. We will also re locate the saplings planted by our jay & squirrel friends from the bottom of the hill to the top.

It's a good season to give thanks, look back on the fruits of the harvest, remember what and who has passed and prepare the ground for new growth in a few months.

#itsnotallabouttrickortreat #wheeloftheyear #reciprocity #forestschool

Had a heart full weekend diving into the inspiring work of Joanna Macy. The Work That Reconnects is moving, powerful and ultimately hopeful in galvanising us to go forth on behalf of the earth. It doesn't require us to numb ourselves to the climate catastrophe unfolding ever more rapidly. It does allow us to feel gratitude and joy in the beauty & preciousness of our beautiful planet. It allows us to keep striving for change even in the face of mounting evidence of the world tipping over into the unknown.

I recommend We Are The Great Turning podcast. It's a fantastic introduction to Joanna Macy's lifetime of work. Such a beautiful conversation and guided exercises with Jess Serrante around Joanna's kitchen table.

I am letting a powerful weekend settle so I can continue to do my bit more effectively especially around the experience of children & the natural world.

We were hosted by On The Hill in Devon. Such an inspiring example of how to work the land with the community.

@wildwise #callofthewild @jess_serrante #theworkthatreconnects @onthehilldevon

Had a heart full weekend diving into the inspiring work of Joanna Macy. The Work That Reconnects is moving, powerful and ultimately hopeful in galvanising us to go forth on behalf of the earth. It doesn't require us to numb ourselves to the climate catastrophe unfolding ever more rapidly. It does allow us to feel gratitude and joy in the beauty & preciousness of our beautiful planet. It allows us to keep striving for change even in the face of mounting evidence of the world tipping over into the unknown.

I recommend We Are The Great Turning podcast. It's a fantastic introduction to Joanna Macy's lifetime of work. Such a beautiful conversation and guided exercises with Jess Serrante around Joanna's kitchen table.

I am letting a powerful weekend settle so I can continue to do my bit more effectively especially around the experience of children & the natural world.

We were hosted by On The Hill in Devon. Such an inspiring example of how to work the land with the community.

@wildwise #callofthewild @jess_serrante #theworkthatreconnects @onthehilldevon

Been flexing my story telling muscles this week. Just done 2 days on a storytelling course.
Imagine spending time on the beautiful Dartington Estate conjuring up images in your head to share with other people.

We shared our stories yesterday afternoon. It was like being at a storytelling festival. Even more special, many of those people had never dared to tell a story out loud like that before..

We are so hard wired to share stories it feels like coming home once you start.

We are very lucky in Bristol too to have the @crickcrackclub world class storytelling. Check them out.

Huge thanks to the masterful spinner of stories Chris Salisbury and @wildwise

#storytelling #traditionaltales

Been flexing my story telling muscles this week. Just done 2 days on a storytelling course.
Imagine spending time on the beautiful Dartington Estate conjuring up images in your head to share with other people.

We shared our stories yesterday afternoon. It was like being at a storytelling festival. Even more special, many of those people had never dared to tell a story out loud like that before..

We are so hard wired to share stories it feels like coming home once you start.

We are very lucky in Bristol too to have the @crickcrackclub world class storytelling. Check them out.

Huge thanks to the masterful spinner of stories Chris Salisbury and @wildwise

#storytelling #traditionaltales

We've been enjoying the autumn bounty so far this term. I've been seeding the idea of reciprocity more & more. There is much to enjoy from nature's harvest but we also need to put something back.

Every session I have put out a collection of seeds & berries for the children to scatter as they move around the site playing. Gift giving can be a 2 way process.

I was thinking of the children as a keystone species. We don't have any megafauna to churn up the soil for seeds to grow. We can't have any pigs roaming around the school field but...we do have children who dig up the land. Mainly to make booby traps for raising tribes. The effect is the same though.

Let's see if any of the seeds take. In the meantime there is more food for the other beings we share the site with.

With thanks to @moorbartonwilding
for the inspiration & also to @wildwise for so much rich compost on #callofthewild

#reciprocity #givingbacktotheland #autummharvest

We've been enjoying the autumn bounty so far this term. I've been seeding the idea of reciprocity more & more. There is much to enjoy from nature's harvest but we also need to put something back.

Every session I have put out a collection of seeds & berries for the children to scatter as they move around the site playing. Gift giving can be a 2 way process.

I was thinking of the children as a keystone species. We don't have any megafauna to churn up the soil for seeds to grow. We can't have any pigs roaming around the school field but...we do have children who dig up the land. Mainly to make booby traps for raising tribes. The effect is the same though.

Let's see if any of the seeds take. In the meantime there is more food for the other beings we share the site with.

With thanks to @moorbartonwilding
for the inspiration & also to @wildwise for so much rich compost on #callofthewild

#reciprocity #givingbacktotheland #autummharvest

Back to school for me too this week.
We've been diving into autumn and all it's gifts.
Apple springs, nature paint and looking at seeds.

I've adopted a new practice this year inspired by @moorbartonwilding . It's the two basket principle - take out an empty one to forage but begin with a full one with seeds, berries and fruit to give back to the land.
The children are our keystone species in lieu of wild pigs & cows 😉. They do a great job digging up the earth and love spreading seeds about.

Reciprocity & getting them of the land not just on it are my aims this academic year.

I'm harvesting a few things from Call of the Wild course this year. ❤️

#callofthewild @wildwise #forestschool

Back to school for me too this week.
We've been diving into autumn and all it's gifts.
Apple springs, nature paint and looking at seeds.

I've adopted a new practice this year inspired by @moorbartonwilding . It's the two basket principle - take out an empty one to forage but begin with a full one with seeds, berries and fruit to give back to the land.
The children are our keystone species in lieu of wild pigs & cows 😉. They do a great job digging up the earth and love spreading seeds about.

Reciprocity & getting them of the land not just on it are my aims this academic year.

I'm harvesting a few things from Call of the Wild course this year. ❤️

#callofthewild @wildwise #forestschool

Cities can be incredibly creative, playful spaces not just the natural world.
I love the wild but my heart still sings to see a good urban environment.
So many kids spend way more time in urban settings.
Let's do more to make our cities child friendly. It helps them play in the wild too.

#dolorespark #missionsanfrancisco #californianwild #playaffordance

Cities can be incredibly creative, playful spaces not just the natural world.
I love the wild but my heart still sings to see a good urban environment.
So many kids spend way more time in urban settings.
Let's do more to make our cities child friendly. It helps them play in the wild too.

#dolorespark #missionsanfrancisco #californianwild #playaffordance

The glorious banana slug helps coastal redwoods flourish. They will eat plenty of stuff off the forest floor but not the redwood seeds.

Another beautiful example of interconnectedness - something so very small in a dance with something so very very very big.

Although actually as slugs go the banana slug is a bit of a whopper...
🍌

#coastalredwoods #portolastatepark #santacruzmountains #californianwildlife

The glorious banana slug helps coastal redwoods flourish. They will eat plenty of stuff off the forest floor but not the redwood seeds.

Another beautiful example of interconnectedness - something so very small in a dance with something so very very very big.

Although actually as slugs go the banana slug is a bit of a whopper...
🍌

#coastalredwoods #portolastatepark #santacruzmountains #californianwildlife

Our last weekend we came back to the coast. This time staying in the Santa Cruz mountains.
All on one day we found elephant seals hauled out moulting. Absolutely massive!

Santa Cruz delighted us with the ever entertaining social nuance of sea lion life under the pier.
If that wasn't enough there was a sea otter mum and her baby almost within touching distance.
❤️
We could hear her crunching open the shellfish & her baby squeaking.

Thanks was really special. They are protected and humans on the water need to keep a 5 kayak distance.
We were watching from the pier and mamma wasn't the slightest bit bothered by us.

A total end of trip treat 😍

#sealife #montereybay #seaotter #elephantseal

Our last weekend we came back to the coast. This time staying in the Santa Cruz mountains.
All on one day we found elephant seals hauled out moulting. Absolutely massive!

Santa Cruz delighted us with the ever entertaining social nuance of sea lion life under the pier.
If that wasn't enough there was a sea otter mum and her baby almost within touching distance.
❤️
We could hear her crunching open the shellfish & her baby squeaking.

Thanks was really special. They are protected and humans on the water need to keep a 5 kayak distance.
We were watching from the pier and mamma wasn't the slightest bit bothered by us.

A total end of trip treat 😍

#sealife #montereybay #seaotter #elephantseal

Just the most breathtaking beautiful place I have ever been.

I love Yosemite.

#wilderness #yosemite #elcapitan #californianwildlife

Just the most breathtaking beautiful place I have ever been.

I love Yosemite.

#wilderness #yosemite #elcapitan #californianwildlife

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