Seven great Forest School activities for kids

By Naomi Walmsley

We all know kids are ‘better’ when they are outside. They can burn energy, get back to basics, connect with nature. They thrive in our natural environment. Interacting with nature offers space for creative play and learning and often offers lessons that can last a lifetime (I still remember the day that the grown-ups insisted my wellies were not tall enough for the depth of that puddleturns out they were right!).

Nature is a playground, a classroom for the curious and an opportunity to connect with our natural world. But sometimes given such a big empty canvas of a space, kids need a little inspiration to get them going. Here are seven ideas from my new book.

Make a simple Stone Age tool

Find a thin sheet of slate. Place the slate on a hard surface and break off bits you don’t want with a round, heavy stone. Make a triangular arrow shape and rub back and forwards to smooth it using sandstone, any rough rock or rough outdoor surface (even a brick wall will do). Hey presto! Your very own simple stone tool.

Become a mud detective!

Mark out a sticky, muddy area (or area of loose dirt) with sticks about three by two feet. One person turns away whilst the other hops, skips and jumps through the pit. Now guess how they moved through by looking closely at their tracks.

Camouflage your hand

It’s all about blending in. Place your hand on a tree or at the base of it. Take away the shine using charcoal, add mud to change the colour. Sprinkle on some woodland mulch or stick on some tiny sticks and moss or bits of bark to add texture.

Nature is a rainbow

You’ll be amazed how many different colours you can see when you start to look. Pick up a free colour chart from a hardware or DIY shop. Head out to the park or forest or even into a town to see which natural things match the colours on your chart.

Conkers are a great resource

At the end of summer, the seeds (conkers), leaves and bark of the horse chestnut tree all contain ‘saponin.’ Saponins have been used for centuries because of their similarities with soap. Grate the conkers, pour over warm water and leave to steep. Use after about half an hour to wash grubby hands. You can even use the mixture to clean your clothes!

Scared of nettles?

Make a goblin or toy village

Imagine a family of tiny goblins or take your favourite toy out with you. Find places that have interesting characteristics, a hole in a tree, creeping roots etc. Add leaves on sticks for miniature trees, pebbles for bridges, moss for rooves and make mini shelters big enough for your imaginary guests or small teddies.

No need! Pick them in spring time using a gardening glove. A large handful will be enough. Add them to a blender with a banana, some pineapple, a glug of coconut milk, a slab of cucumber, half an avocado and blend until completely smooth: this will take the sting out. The only thing you need to be scared of is getting a bright green smoothie moustache!

Forest School Handbook by Naomi Walmsley & Dan Westall is an essential item for the backpack, whatever your age or adventure! GMC Publications, RRP £14.99, available online and from all good bookshops.