For years, forest school ran from April to October. From this term, Early years will spend every Tuesday in the wood all year round, including the dark months.
Why winter matters
Children who only know the wood in summer miss half of it. In winter they track footprints in frost, watch the lake freeze at the edges and learn that a fire takes patience. Research, and our own experience, says they’re also calmer and sleep better.
What to pack
Tuesdays need a little planning at home. Please send your child with:
- A waterproof all-in-one suit and wellies
- A warm hat and two pairs of mittens
- Wool socks and a spare set of clothes
We have spare kit in the hut, so no child misses out if something is forgotten.
Staying warm
The group is never more than twenty minutes from the hut, which has a wood stove. Hot drinks and lunch are cooked on the fire. If the temperature drops below minus ten, or there’s a storm warning, we stay on campus.
