The Forest School Podcast

In this podcast, Nik Elvy, an artist, outdoor educator, and researcher, shares insights on neo-enclosure, folk traditions, and the impact of history on contemporary society. We explored themes of land access, cultural heritage, and social justice, offering a deep dive into how history and folklore shape our present and future.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes01:18 Nick Elvie's Background and Recent Work03:01 Understanding Neo-Enclosure: Definitions and Examples04:59 Green Spaces, Parking, and Neo-Enclosure06:48 Community Spaces and Exclusion09:01 Meeting with the Secretary of State on Poverty11:55 Poverty, Epigenetics, and Family History15:56 Historical Land Rights and Enclosure Movements20:02 Folklore, Folk Practices, and Cultural Heritage29:54 The Folk Renaissance and Cultural Appropriation39:57 Community Engagement and Folk Traditions50:05 Contemporary Challenges: Gentrification and Cultural Loss57:58 The Role of Outdoor Education and Land Access01:00:00 Closing Remarks and ResourcesFolklorican on Substack - https://folklorican.substack.com/Folkloric on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/folkloric

Unlocking the Secrets of Soil: An Interview with Ellen Fay from the Sustainable Soils AllianceDiscover the fascinating world beneath our feet with Ellen Fay, a passionate advocate for soil health and biodiversity. In this episode, we delve into what soil really is, why it's vital for our planet, and how we can all contribute to its preservation.Main Topics:The fundamental composition and diversity of soil across different landscapesThe significance of soil as a living ecosystem and its role in climate change mitigationThreats to soil health including erosion, contamination, compaction, and land usePractical ways for schools and individuals to support soil conservationThe importance of policy and research gaps in soil protection effortsKey Insights:Soil is a complex living ecosystem made up of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and a vast diversity of microorganisms and fauna.There are over 750 recognized soil types in the UK, each requiring specific management practices.Soil degradation poses significant threats to biodiversity, water management, and climate regulation.Protecting leaf litter, avoiding soil compaction, and understanding local soil types are critical practices for environmental stewardship.National soil monitoring and policies need nurturing to safeguard soil for future generations.Small everyday actions, such as avoiding peat and engaging kids in soil exploration, can make a substantial impact.Timestamps:00:44 - Introduction to Ellen Fay and her journey into soil advocacy01:33 - The importance of soil knowledge and the role of the Sustainable Soils Alliance05:23 - Simplified explanation of what soil is and its components09:36 - Diversity of soil types across the UK and their formation12:53 - How ancient woodland soils differ and why they are slow to recover15:00 - The debate over leaf litter and soil layers in forests17:31 - The vulnerability of soils and threats from land use and construction21:15 - The impact of soil compaction and how to remediate it24:52 - The ecosystem functions of soil and its importance for water and carbon storage29:52 - Current national initiatives and policies for soil protection32:18 - Practical actions individuals and schools can take to promote soil health40:45 - The potential impacts of using woodchip on pathways and soil protection42:48 - Final advice on making informed decisions to safeguard soilResources & Links:Sustainable Soils AllianceUK Soil Map & DataBook: "Teaming with Microbes" by Jeff LowenfelsResearch on Soil BiodiversityUnderstanding Soil Erosion and ConservationConnect with Ellen Fay:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteAdditional notes:Ellen emphasises the crucial role of education, policy reform, and everyday actions in preserving soil. Engaging children in soil ecology — through activities like wormeries and plant growth experiments — fosters early appreciation and stewardship of this vital resource.

We recorded this one outside in the sunshine, which felt almost unreasonably good. Wem and I had a lot to catch up on and approximately no plan for how to do it. This is what came out.Wem started with a holiday debrief from the Picos de Europa in northern Spain. A campervan, the mountains, storks nesting on telegraph poles, vultures, a scops owl that everyone else in the vicinity mistook for a car alarm, and a brief but passionate argument for why campervans are the best possible holiday format for families who find transitions hard. There is also a detour into the biggest swing in Spain and a childhood memory of Wem's involving shoes, fences, and wet morning grass that I will not spoil.Then I had some news to share. The woodland is growing. I have agreed a price on a flat, bluebell-filled acre right next to the existing site, which takes Children of the Forest from three acres of north-west-facing hill to over four acres, with open canopy, big old oaks, and a completely different feel to everything I have worked in for the last decade. Ten years to the month, as it happens. We talk about what that kind of change feels like when you have been going through a flat patch, and why Looby McNamara's Cultural Emergence design web has come back off the shelf to help me think through what comes next.Wem also gives a PhD update. Coming to the end of year one, with a redrafted research proposal about play at forest school in progress. We have a really honest conversation about what it feels like to step back into being a beginner when you have spent years being experienced in your field, about research ethics and children, who actually benefits from data, and what genuinely participatory research can look like when children are co-creators rather than subjects.And then we both get a bit ranty, in the best way, about AI-generated event posters, what folk art actually is, the difference between collecting skills and collecting outputs, and why a badly made Word document flyer tells you more about an event and the person running it than any AI image ever will. The Lost Folk gets a mention. So does an accordion Wem has apparently acquired. There is also a wren on a stump that derails everything completely for about two minutes and I have no regrets about that.References from this episode: Cultural Emergence by Looby McNamara, The Lost Folk, and the Bulworthy Project rewilding estate, where white storks are now nesting in the UK.

This episode explores the realities of forest school leadership, challenging idealized expectations with authentic experiences. Hosts Wem and Lewis share insights on community building, industry myths, and the importance of authenticity in outdoor education. keywordsforest school, outdoor education, community building, training realities, outdoor leadership, nature-based learning key topicsMyths vs. reality of forest school trainingCommunity building and relationship managementFlexibility and adaptability in outdoor educationChapters00:00 The Long-Tailed Tit's Nest Discovery05:28 Springtime Adventures and Nature's Bounty06:34 The Reality of Forest School Training11:45 Expectations vs. Reality in Outdoor Education19:48 The Challenges of Flexibility in Outdoor Settings25:57 Nature Bypassing and the Business of Outdoor Education31:58 Navigating the Business Side of Forest School34:24 Navigating Code Switching in Education37:25 The Journey of Continuous Learning40:35 Community Holding Beyond the Classroom45:23 Creating a Homely Outdoor Environment50:24 The Punk Spirit of Forest School57:18 The Future of Community-Funded Education59:22 Pod Fart.mp4 resourcesForest School Association - https://forestschoolassociation.org/Nests by Susan Ogilvie - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nests-Susan-Ogilvie/dp/XXXXXXOfsted - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

This episode explores the fascinating world of loose parts in outdoor play, focusing on natural resources like trees, seeds, and bark. Discover criteria for selecting the best loose parts, the importance of seasonality, and creative ideas for outdoor activities.loose parts, outdoor play, natural resources, forest school, foraging, play ideas, nature-based learning key topicsCriteria for selecting loose partsSeasonality and availability of resourcesCreative uses of natural materials in play Guide to Loose Parts in Outdoor PlayHow to Choose the Best Natural Loose Parts for PlayChapters00:00 Echidna's Unique Anatomy03:36 Exploring Loose Parts Play06:35 Criteria for Loose Parts09:32 The Role of Volume and Rarity12:41 Malleability and Versatility in Loose Parts15:35 Sensory Experiences with Loose Parts18:36 Accessibility and Processing of Loose Parts21:33 The Value of Foraging for Loose Parts25:00 The Value of Foraging in Outdoor Play27:38 Functions of Loose Parts in Play30:17 Exploring the Best Loose Parts for Play33:13 The Debate on Non-Native Loose Parts37:14 The Role of Bark and Heavy Loose Parts40:37 Choosing the Right Materials for Den Building42:34 Dreaming Up the Perfect Mud Kitchen48:27 The Ecological Impact of Using Loose Parts51:41 Pod Sheep.mp4 resourcesNo Such Thing As A Fish Podcast - https://www.nosuchthingasafish.com/Scientists unravel the mystery of echidna's bizarre four-headed penis - https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00145-4Forest School Resources - https://www.forestschool.co.uk/Gum Trees and Bark Resources - https://www.britannica.com/plant/gum-treeConker Game and History - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conkers

Keywordsweather, play, philosophy, achievement, agency, creativity, metrics, education, value capture, qualitative assessmentSummaryIn this conversation, Lewis and Wem explore various themes surrounding play, philosophy, and the impact of metrics on society. They discuss the importance of play in fostering creativity and social connections, the differences between striving and achievement players, and the role of constraints in enhancing creativity. The conversation also delves into the concept of value capture, the influence of technology on perception, and the need for qualitative assessments in education. They conclude by reflecting on the importance of process over product and the future of education in relation to play.TakeawaysMud everywhere!The weather can be deceiving.Books can deeply engage us.Play has philosophical implications.Striving players focus on the process.Constraints can enhance creativity.Value capture influences our perceptions.Metrics can simplify complex ideas.Education often prioritizes quantifiable data.The process of play is more important than the outcome.TitlesExploring the Mud: Weather and PlayThe Philosophy of Play and Learning sound bites"There's mud everywhere!""This book is amazing!""The process is beautiful!"Chapters00:00 The Muddy Reality of Weather08:16 Exploring the Depths of Play and Philosophy11:08 Understanding Player Mindsets: Achievement vs. Striving14:22 Facilitating Play: Agency and Autonomy in Games17:24 The Role of Games in Social Dynamics20:15 Process Beauty in Games: The Art of Overcoming Obstacles23:06 The Purpose vs. Goal in Play: Social Connection Over Competition37:08 The Sensual Act of Information Management40:21 Nature Connection and Purpose43:35 Metrics, Value Capture, and Scoring Systems50:16 The Influence of Technology on Perception56:47 The Four Horsemen of Value Capture01:05:55 The Balance of Quantitative and Qualitative Metrics01:10:41 Exploring Pedagogies and Their Metrics

Keywordstree planting, community engagement, climate action, Avon Needs Trees, sustainable practices, tree care, volunteerism, Echo Wood, environmental awareness, biodiversitySummaryIn this engaging conversation, Wem speaks with Susan Barker from Avon Needs Trees about the importance of community tree planting and care. Susan shares her journey from academia to horticulture, highlighting the mission of Avon Needs Trees in combating climate change through woodland creation. They discuss the significance of community involvement, sustainable practices in tree care, and the emotional aspects of confronting climate change. The conversation also touches on the innovative Echo Wood project, which aims to create a living artwork through tree planting, and the importance of fostering connections with nature.TakeawaysSusan Barker transitioned from academia to horticulture due to stress and a desire to work with nature.Avon Needs Trees focuses on creating permanent woodlands to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.Community engagement is crucial for the success of tree planting initiatives.Sustainable tree care practices are essential for the long-term health of planted trees.Volunteers play a significant role in tree planting and care, fostering a sense of ownership.Echo Wood is a living artwork project that involves planting 365 trees in a circular design.Emotional well-being is supported through active participation in environmental initiatives.The organization emphasizes the importance of local actions in response to global climate issues.Conversations about climate change should balance despair with hope and actionable steps.The survival rate of trees planted by Avon Needs Trees is impressively high, averaging around 93%.Sound bites"The tree care is so meditative.""We want to have those conversations.""It's the little things that citizens do that matter."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Avon Needs Trees and Susan Barker07:39 Susan's Journey from Academia to Horticulture12:46 The Birth of Avon Needs Trees18:49 Land Acquisition and Community Engagement25:09 Tree Planting and Care Practices29:43 The Challenges of Tree Planting30:50 Creating a Community Woodland32:27 Survival Rates and Long-Term Care34:50 Engaging the Community41:44 Introducing Echo Wood49:22 Confronting Climate Change Emotionally01:00:21 Pod Cat.mp4

In this episode, Wem and Lewis explore the philosophical and societal implications of play, discussing how it shapes childhood development and adult behavior. They delve into the idea that play is not merely a preparation for adulthood but a vital part of life itself, influencing social interactions and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the impact of adult perceptions on children's play and the broader cultural narratives surrounding play.Keywordsplay, childhood development, adult behavior, social interactions, personal growth, societal perceptions, cultural narratives, essential play, children, adultsTakeawaysPlay is a vital part of life, not just preparation for adulthood.Adult perceptions can influence children's play experiences.Play shapes social interactions and personal growth.Cultural narratives impact how play is valued.Philosophical discussions on the essence of play are explored.Play is essential for both children and adults.The role of play in childhood development is multifaceted.Play can reflect societal issues and biases.Understanding play requires a holistic view of its impact.Play is a fundamental aspect of human experience.

SummaryFrom Westonbirt inspirations to field guides and plant-hunter epics, Lewis and Gemma pull 13 tree books and ask how reading changes woodland practice. Hear about ships with greenhouses, coppice cycles, charcoal burning, fungal networks, minimalist nursery design, mapping with old OS layers and LiDAR, plus a practitioner’s starter stack for ID and ethnobotany.SponsorsTENTSILESave 10% on tree tents and hammocks with code ForestChildren10 at checkout. Ideal for leaders who want flexible base-camp shelter without ground impact.Chris HollandExplore Chris’s 54-page Plant of the Week guide with songs, stories and QR videos. Use our affiliate link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcastKey takeawaysBooks are tools. Ideas on the page translate into better planning, richer invitations to play and clearer woodland decisions.History explains today’s woods. War, trade and enclosure shaped plantations and access.When the landscape is the resource you can need fewer add-ons.Mycorrhizal science challenges the clean slate approach to plantations. Diversity can feed young trees.A balanced shelf helps practitioners. Mix narrative inspiration, technical ID, land-use history and local mapping.Chapters00:00 Audio or video and how to follow along02:10 Westonbirt, tree hunters and why one book leads to three more06:40 Plant collectors, ships with greenhouses and species introductions11:20 Remarkable trees and the Douglas fir story15:20 Finding the Mother Tree and what fungal networks show us20:10 Managing woods for play, coppice cycles and charcoal25:40 Enclosure, disafforestation and the Western Rising rabbit hole30:40 Rackham, old OS maps and first steps with LiDAR35:30 Practitioner stack for sessions and ethnobotany40:50 Photos or illustrations for ID, trends in tree writing, the squirrel book wishBooks and resources mentionedThomas Pakenham — The Tree Hunters; Meetings with Remarkable TreesJohn Evelyn — Sylva, or a Discourse of Forest TreesSuzanne Simard — Finding the Mother TreePeter Wohlleben — The Hidden Life of TreesRichard Powers — The OverstoryOliver Rackham — Trees and Woodland in the British Landscape; The History of the CountrysideTristan Gooley — How to Read a TreeRay Mears — British Woodland: How to Explore the Secret World of Our ForestsRoger Phillips — UK wild plants and fungi photographic guidesChris Holland — Plant of the Week collectionHandy tools referencedOld OS map viewer for historical layersLiDAR overlays for spotting ridge and furrow, pits and platformsListen now🎧 Catch the full episode:Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyIYouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUsApple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMFRSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9Stay in touchQuestions, feedback or collaboration: [email protected] hello on Instagram and Facebook. Tell us your favourite tree book or share a shelf photo and tag the show so we can reshare.SupportMore episodes and resources: theforestschoolpodcast.comBack the show from £2 a month: patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastHashtags#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #NaturePlay #ReflectivePractice #TreeBooks

In this punchy, practice-rich episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem unpack The Land — a 2016 documentary about an adventure playground in Wrexham — as screened via the Boston Children’s Museum panel. They dig into filming that sits inside the play, what “looks like a dump” can signal to children, and how adventure playground philosophy intersects with Forest School when you factor in nature’s needs, community, and inclusion. From risk versus hazard to loose parts in public parks, it is a tour through culture, pedagogy, and what real autonomy feels like.🌟 Sponsors and supporter shout-outsWe are supported by TENTSILE. Forest School leaders and listeners get 10% off with code ForestChildren10 at checkout.We are also supported by Chris Holland. Grab his 54-page plant guide and more with our affiliate link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcastPatrons keep this going from just £2 per month. Thank you for keeping the lights on and the microphones warm.⏱ Chapter Timings00:00 Film on The Land and why it matters01:22 Naturalistic camera work and playworker voice03:20 UK playwork culture compared with the US context05:44 Feelings when play looks messy, what the environment signals08:19 Forest School versus adventure playgrounds, whose needs are held10:40 Risk and hazard, modelling assessment in the open12:59 Loose parts in public parks, barriers and “reset-able” spaces15:23 Community care, freedom with a nominated adult, less panopticon17:03 When children ignore the plan, ego checks for facilitators18:35 What we will read next, The Anxious Generation🌲 Keywordsadventure playgrounds, The Land documentary, playwork, Forest School practice, risk versus hazard, loose parts, inclusion, community play culture, environmental signalling, Boston Children’s Museum panel🔖 Hashtags#ForestSchool #Playwork #OutdoorEducation #LooseParts #ReflectivePractice🎧 Catch the full episode:Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyIYouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUsApple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMFRSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9🌐 More Episodes and SupportListen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]

In this lively, idea-packed episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem chat with Dr Shelley Newstead about the roots and reality of playwork. Shelley traces adventure playgrounds from Sorensen in Denmark to Lady Allen in post-war Britain, then explains her PARS playwork model that helps adults articulate what they are doing and why. Expect thoughtful links to Forest School practice, clear language for talking to schools and parents, and practical insight on when to step in and when to stand back. They also tackle funding priorities, teens and play, and how to keep practice reflexive rather than nostalgic.SponsorsTENTSILE — Tree tents for educators and explorers. Listeners get 10% off with code ForestChildren10.Chris Holland — Nature connection resources including his 54-page plant guide. Use our affiliate link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast⏱ Chapter Timings00:00 – Cold open and the promise to keep it normal01:06 – Meet Dr Shelley Newstead and what playwork is really about03:18 – From practitioner to PhD and why articulation matters07:15 – A playwork perspective explained11:44 – Sorensen, Lady Allen, and the rise of adventure playgrounds18:26 – Grassroots growth and reinventing the wheel24:19 – The PARS model for articulating, developing, and evaluating practice32:37 – PARS hats for parents and practitioners44:17 – Forest School and playwork, overlap and differences51:41 – Funding fixed parks versus community play and provision for teens🌲 KeywordsPlaywork history, adventure playgrounds, Sorensen, Lady Allen, PARS model, reflexive practice, articulation of practice, Forest School and playwork, teen play, community provision🔖 Hashtags#ForestSchool #Playwork #OutdoorEducation #ReflectivePractice #ChildLedLearning🎧 Catch the full episode:Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyIYouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUsApple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMFRSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9🌐 More Episodes & SupportListen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]

In this lively Ludo Botany special, we explore tree climbing as play, practice, and design. Lewis brings fresh research on branch collars, spacing, and load strength while Gemma brings lived experience on how different trees invite different kinds of movement. From laurel and rhododendron “nest” trees to coppice stools and swooping live-oak ramps, they unpack species, shapes, and access. The chat ranges across myths and heuristics, defender branches, orthotropic versus horizontal shoots, group dynamics in shared trees, how adult presence changes the climb, and why our bodies feel different in trees compared with ladders. It wraps with a community callout for your best natural loose parts for the next Ludo Botany episode. 🌳⏱ Chapter Timings00:44 – New cold open, studio fidgets, and scene-setting02:30 – Ludo Botany focus: tree climbing, research versus lived experience06:16 – Myths to mechanics: collar development, spacing, and those wrist-width rules12:34 – Trees on slopes, branch distribution, and what that means for access15:09 – Defender branches, orthotropic versus horizontal shoots, and bark wear20:19 – “Nest” trees and fallen logs: comfort, horizontality, and play worlds23:14 – Species and cultivation: coppice, mini-pollards, and live-oak style ramps33:25 – Adult gaze, crowding, etiquette, and height as status in shared trees37:30 – Bodies and brains: startle reflex, evolution, and why trees beat ladders54:31 – Next up: loose parts callout and how to send in voice notes🌲 Keywords: Ludo Botany, tree climbing, branch collar strength, defender branches, orthotropic shoots, coppice and pollard, live oaks, laurel and rhododendron nests, group dynamics, inclusive play design🎧 Catch the full episode:Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyIYouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUsApple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMFRSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #NaturePlay #TreeClimbing #LudoBotany🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]

In this lively, reflective episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis, Wem, and guest Lily pick apart the famous “three look afters” and ask a bigger question: who’s allowed to fail at Forest School, and how do we help people fail well? From cartilage kneecaps and Mr Potato Head jokes to space holding, autonomy versus community, and that dreaded “shit spoon” moment, they explore boundaries, blame versus shame, and how to create conditions where struggle leads to learning rather than humiliation. Expect practical facilitation nuance, philosophical detours, and a few perfect tangents about tracksuits.⏱ Chapter Timings00:00 – Cold open: kneecaps, bandagraphs, and Mr Potato Heads03:14 – Axing the “three look afters”: demands, agency, and who can fail06:06 – Flattened hierarchies or hidden authority: responsibility in practice10:38 – Boundaries, safety, and culture shift for new groups14:49 – Space holding, low-demand setups, and modelling altruism21:27 – Failing well: conditions for struggle without humiliation25:22 – Nunchi: reading the room and tailoring support28:56 – Relational failure, shame versus guilt, and belonging49:22 – Process over product: the “shit spoon” and reframing success1:05:00 – Lily’s trainings, FSA roadshows, and resources🌲 KeywordsForest School agreements, failing well, autonomy vs community, space holding, shame vs blame, boundaries and safety, facilitator judgement, process over product, reflective practice, learner agency🔖 Hashtags#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #ReflectivePractice #CommunityLearning #NaturePlay🎧 Catch the full episode:Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyIYouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUsApple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMFRSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9🌐 More Episodes & SupportListen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected] in this episode:Animated “What is failure?” video discussed: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CVvtkueZU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

In this lively, idea packed episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem move from Halloween chatter to a full nature reset. Wales waterfalls, Pen y Fan, Regent’s Park squirrels, and the deer rut at Richmond Park set the scene for a deeper dive. Lewis picks up Ludo Botany again and invites listeners to help build a new series, starting with tree climbing. The pair then unpack a Finnish trial that “rewilded” kindergartens with real forest floor to boost children’s microbiomes, compare new Australian findings, and explore equity, ethics, hygiene practice, and culture change. A new original song appears too. It is written from the viewpoint of an oak tree watching its acorns become craft supplies. 🌳⏱ Chapter Timings00:00 – Patreon intro and scene setting01:12 – Halloween, Wales waterfalls, Pen y Fan, London parks, and the deer rut07:02 – Ludo Botany returns and a listener call out for tree climbing nominations09:21 – New song premiere about acorns and seasonal crafting13:28 – Finland’s “forest floor in preschool” study and children’s microbiomes20:12 – Australian follow up and wider wellbeing gains beyond health22:55 – Mud as equity and even an academic intervention for learners26:30 – Ethics and longevity of transplanted soil and maintenance questions33:22 – Practicalities in settings: hygiene, thresholds, roles, and risk benefit35:56 – Alternatives: link settings to real woodlands and use green hedges to cut pollution🌲 KeywordsForest School, microbiome play, rewilded kindergartens, Finnish early years, Australian study, loose parts, hygiene thresholds, equity in education, tree climbing, Ludo Botany, Richmond Park deer rut, Welsh waterfalls🔖 Hashtags#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #NaturePlay #EarlyYears #ChildDevelopment🎧 Catch the full episode:Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyIYouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUsApple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMFRSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9📚 Article and studies mentionedGuardian feature: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/29/soil-sandpit-children-dirty-biodiversity-finnish-nurseries-research-microbes-bacteria-aoeFinnish intervention study (Science Advances, 2020): https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aba2578Open-access version: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7556828/Australian childcare soil microbiome study (2024): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38583619/Flinders news summary: https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2024/06/18/dose-of-dirt-for-healthy-play/On playground pollution barriers with hedges: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/roadside-hedges-can-reduce-harmful-ultrafine-particle-pollution-around-schools and https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-18509-w🌐 More Episodes & SupportListen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]

In this reflective, good-humoured episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma wander from hornets and sweet chestnuts to big ideas in space design and session planning. They unpack a fresh “great board experiment” that swaps linear timetables for an Eight Shields-inspired planning wheel, then dive into a beautiful Japanese coffee-table book, The World Designed for Children, to ask how architecture can invite play. Along the way: apples, dehydrators, built-in play features, minimalism versus loose parts, logos and community identity, and a brand-new concept Lewis coins on air — Ludo Botany — matching kinds of play with specific plants and woodland management over time. It is a lively mix of practice, philosophy, and proper woodland gossip. 🌳⏱ Chapter Timings00:00 – Wind, wildlife, and sweet chestnuts: back in the woods03:10 – Glut season: apples, dehydration, and preserving abundance06:16 – The great board experiment: why ditch the linear plan08:20 – Planning with Eight Shields energies instead of activities11:21 – From checklists to a “spoked wheel”: transparency and crossing things out20:42 – The World Designed for Children: minimalist nurseries and built-in play24:54 – Ponds, sandpits, stairs you can climb: architecture as invitation29:16 – Loose parts, display culture, and what “the space is the resource” means34:36 – Brand, logos, patches, shared rituals: identity without uniforms45:06 – Introducing Ludo Botany and “plant baby plant”: designing for play yields🌲 KeywordsForest School planning, Eight Shields, session design, Japanese early years architecture, built-in play, loose parts, brand and community, reflective practice, woodland management, Ludo Botany🔖 Hashtags#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #ReflectivePractice #LooseParts #NaturePlay🎧 Catch the full episode:Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyIYouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUsApple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMFRSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9🌐 More Episodes & SupportListen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]

In this reflective, funny episode, Lewis and Gemma reunite in the same room, fresh from a Royal Forestry Society award and a whirlwind visit to Westonbirt Arboretum. Using the provocatively titled book *We Need Your Art: Stop ***ing Around and Make Something as a springboard, they unpack how Western culture sidelines creativity, why Forest School’s process-first ethos matters, and how to plan for failure with kinder self-talk. Expect talk of “shitty art” challenges, class and permission to fail, celebrating small milestones without slipping into praise economies, acorn milk experiments, squirrel mysteries, and the radical power of modelling silliness so children feel safe to try, tinker, and try again.TENTSILE — Tree tents that transform tricky ground into magical campouts. Listeners get 10% off with code ForestChildren10 at checkout.Chris Holland — Nature connection resources we genuinely rate. Explore his 54-page plant guide and more via our affiliate link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast00:43 – Back together: RFS award, Westonbirt Arboretum, and “Square Oil” giggles04:24 – The book: bold Sharpie manifestos that kick you into making06:15 – Structure: reflective prompts, a two-week “make something daily” challenge, and looking back07:36 – Why Forest School is a curriculum-free haven for creativity, not metrics08:52 – How school and society infantilise art and push it to the margins11:44 – Product versus process: performances, gifts, and the “motivation soup”19:18 – Class, safety nets, and permission to fail in creative careers21:39 – Plan your self-talk for when you fail; modelling kinder language with parents33:26 – Celebrating small milestones together without turning joy into judgment52:32 – Stop at 80%: making endings easy, sustainable, and actually enjoyable🌲 Keywords: Forest School creativity, process-focused learning, failure and self-talk, celebrating milestones, class and creativity, modelling silliness, acorn processing, non-judgemental spaces, child-led practice, practitioner reflectionSpotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyIYouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUsApple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMFRSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #ProcessOverProduct #CreativeConfidence #NatureBasedLearning🌐 More episodes and support:Listen and find resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected] and partners⏱ Chapter timings🎧 Catch the full episode:

A heartfelt conversation with Mell Harrison about Kinda Education’s plan to become the new custodians of Ringsfield Hall and bring a living school to life. We explore the vision, the sociocratic way of working, multi-generational learning in practice, and the immediate ways listeners can help.TENTSILE: Outdoor leaders save 10% with code ForestChildren10 on tree tents and hammocks.Chris Holland: Get the 54-page plant guide with our exclusive discount and support the show: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcastDonate or fundraise nowCrowdfunder main page: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-kinda-education-save-ringsfield-hall Crowdfunder UKCreate a supporter fundraiser page: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-kinda-education-save-ringsfield-hall/multiply Crowdfunder UKLearn about the projectKinda Education’s Ringsfield vision and plan: https://www.kindaeducation.org.uk/ringsfield Kinda EducationKinda Education homepage: https://www.kindaeducation.org.uk/ Kinda EducationFollow and share updatesKinda Education on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KindaEducation/ FacebookLaunch post about saving Ringsfield Hall: https://www.facebook.com/KindaEducation/posts/1409356451195227/ FacebookKinda Education video update: https://www.facebook.com/KindaEducation/videos/1935777910328794/ FacebookInstagram fundraiser reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPUEKUOiEew/ InstagramInstagram update post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPD3MvzDZ9K/ InstagramRingsfield Hall on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ringsfieldhall/ InstagramRingsfield Hall on X: https://x.com/ringsfieldhall X (formerly Twitter)Donate or start a mini fundraiser on the crowdfunder.Share the crowdfunder link and the Instagram reel in your groups.Follow Kinda Education on Facebook and Instagram to boost reach.If you have relevant skills or local knowledge, contact Kinda via the website.00:00 Intro and why this matters02:31 Mell’s background and the roots of Kinda07:30 The project reveal and why Ringsfield Hall13:39 How the living school will work day to day16:26 What living curriculum means in practice19:47 Working with different stakeholders through clear layers23:32 Social impact, elders, and a transferable model27:50 Momentum in alternative education and home education31:49 Starting points for new projects and sociocracy37:07 The crowdfunder and immediate next steps#ForestSchool #AlternativeEducation #HomeEducation #OutdoorLearning #NatureConnection #Sociocracy #CommunityEducation #SEND #TraumaInformed #RingsfieldHall #KindaEducationSponsors and supporter perksListen and take actionHow to help in two minutesChapter timings

In this calm, reflective conversation, Lewis and Wem sit down with play worker and artist Max Alexander of Play Radical to explore autistic play as a joyful, valid, and richly varied landscape. Max shares how one to one playwork can reconnect isolated young people to authentic play, why reflection habits from nursing training shaped their practice, and how non extractive documentation like session haiku can honour privacy while communicating value. The trio unpack the difference between rigid taxonomies and Max’s lighter play shapes, discuss why autistic play matters for wellbeing today rather than only for future outcomes, and explore practitioner shorthand that helps teams notice and scaffold emerging shapes. The second half turns to adult play, instincts, and the social barriers that police how bodies move in public. The result is a practical and humane guide to noticing more, intervening less, and creating space where play can breathe.TENTSILE is supporting this episode. Forest School leaders can get 10 percent off a Stingray tree tent with the code ForestChildren10 at checkout.Chris Holland is also supporting this episode. Grab his 54 page plant guide with our affiliate link and discount: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast00:43 Windy morning intro and Max joins the chat02:11 What Play Radical is and how Max works across roles03:47 One to one playwork and inclusion for isolated autistic children05:22 From nursing to The Yard and how practice took shape08:03 Reflection habits and a commitment to accessible information13:06 Haiku as non extractive documentation and a live example16:25 Play shapes versus taxonomies and how to hold them lightly22:34 Why autistic play matters for wellbeing and joy right now23:26 Practitioner shorthand and supporting emerging shapes33:42 Adult play instincts and barriers in public spacesAutistic play, play shapes, neurodiversity, inclusive playwork, one to one playwork, reflective practice, haiku documentation, Forest School, Bob Hughes play types, practitioner shorthand, adult play, privacy in play, anti ableism, teen play, Play Radical, The Yard Edinburgh🎧 Catch the full episode:Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyIYouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUsApple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMFRSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9#ForestSchool #AutisticPlay #OutdoorEducation #ReflectivePractice #Neurodiversity🌐 More Episodes and SupportListen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]

In this warm, idea-packed episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem move from personal updates to a deep dive on resilience. Using Looby McNamara’s Cultural Emergence and Chris Johnstone’s framing, they explore recovery, adaptive, transformative, and spreading resilience. They challenge the “just power through” myth, contrast perseverance with true resilience, and look at how groups become more sustainable through transparency, shared roles, and flatter hierarchies. Expect practical examples from fire-lighting to policy writing, plus reflections on neurodivergence, school attendance narratives, and how adults can model resilience when there’s a supportive team around them.⏱ Chapter Timings:00:00 – Patreon intro and setting the scene for a busy month01:39 – London “bird orchestra,” road trip vibes, and upcoming FSA plans04:26 – What the FSA road shows are and why mini-conferences matter06:03 – Workshop picks: coil baskets, nature connection, and “dangerous toys”07:24 – A secret embargoed event, outfit chat, and Wem begins a PhD10:28 – Four types of resilience via Looby McNamara and Chris Johnstone12:53 – Oxford definitions: beyond “hardness” to bouncing and recovery20:12 – Adaptive resilience vs perseverance: the fire-lighting example22:42 – Community resilience: transparency, small teams, and avoiding burnout41:54 – Modelling resilience, flatter hierarchies, and support networks🌲 Keywords: Forest School resilience, Looby McNamara, Chris Johnstone, adaptive vs perseverance, community resilience, transparent roles, policies as pearls, neurodivergent perspectives, FSA road shows, outdoor learning practice🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #Resilience #CommunityLearning🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast🎧 Catch the full episode:Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyIYouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUsApple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMFRSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9For questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]

In this warm and curious episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma sit down with historian and fibre artist Nicole DeRushie to explore her new book, Bog Fashion: Recreating Bronze and Iron Age Clothes. The conversation traces Nicole’s path from Forest School leader to public historian, then dives into experimental archaeology, everyday clothing in prehistory, women’s roles in textile innovation, and why craft skills like nalbinding still matter. Expect practical insight for educators who want to bring textiles into sessions, thoughtful reflections on value and labour, and plenty of joy in imperfect making. Note for listeners: this was a cloud recording so audio quality varies, yet the content is rich throughout.Sponsored byTENTSILE, makers of tree tents and hammocks that Forest School leaders love. Use code ForestChildren10 for 10% off at checkout.Chris Holland’s 54-page plant guide for outdoor educators. Get an exclusive discount through this link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast⏱ Chapter Timings00:00 Patreon intro and why listener support keeps the show going01:11 Episode set up, Nicole’s book Bog Fashion, and what to expect02:42 From Forest School to public history, museums, and ancient craft practice07:53 Why Bronze and Iron Age clothing, and why bog finds matter for teaching13:29 Everyday lives over kings and dates, making museums feel lived in22:39 Who made the cloth, evidence, myths, and what we can and cannot claim31:32 The changing value of textiles, from household wealth to fast fashion37:58 The crafter’s triangle, learning through failure, and Forest School links49:11 Endangered crafts and nalbinding, how to keep skills alive1:05:17 Where to find Nicole and Bog Fashion, retailers, events, and Instagram🔗 Links from this episodeBog Fashion at ChronoCopia Publishing, book details and retailers: chronocopia.se/books/bog-fashion/ chronocopia.seNicole DeRushie on Instagram: instagram.com/grounded_history InstagramHeritage Crafts Red List overview: heritagecrafts.org.uk/skills/redlist Heritage CraftsNalbinding craft page, background and status: heritagecrafts.org.uk/craft/nalbinding Heritage CraftsMust Farm, Late Bronze Age settlement and textile context: mustfarm.com/bronze-age-settlement/about Must FarmAshmolean Museum shop listing among UK stockists, via publisher page: shop.ashmolean.org and chronocopia stockist list chronocopia.se🌲 Keywords: Bog Fashion, prehistoric textiles, experimental archaeology, nalbinding, heritage crafts, women and weaving, Bronze Age clothing, Iron Age clothing, Forest School activities, public history🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #BogFashion #PrehistoricTextiles #ExperimentalArchaeology #Nalbinding #HeritageCrafts #ChildLedLearning #CPD #NatureBasedLearning🌐 More Episodes and SupportListen to more and access resources: www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community: www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastQuestions or collaboration: [email protected]

In this lively and wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined by Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg for a passionate conversation about early years education, authentic child development, and how political targets can squeeze the joy out of childhood. From the UK government’s 75% ‘good level of development’ goal to the cultural biases baked into classroom expectations, Alistair shares decades of experience as a teacher, head, author, and consultant. The discussion challenges compliance-focused models, explores the link between environment and behaviour, and highlights the importance of safe failure and intrinsically motivated play. With powerful anecdotes from around the world – from Cumbria classrooms to Icelandic snow schools and Australian bush kindy – this episode is a call to create spaces where all children can flourish, indoors and out.⏱ Chapter Timings:00:00 – Introducing Dr Alistair Bryce-Clegg and his unexpected journey into early years03:14 – The politics of ‘school readiness’ and targets not based on child development07:36 – Cultural differences, compliance vs engagement, and the risk of starting too soon12:20 – Why typical behaviour is often punished – and the gender bias in compliance17:01 – International examples of environments that foster genuine listening22:40 – Narrowing age bands, Ofsted pressure, and creating authentic spaces for all children27:54 – Forest School, play-based learning, and the value of safe failure35:40 – Training, bias, and the risk of disillusionment with learning44:02 – Forest School as a ‘pressure valve’ vs an integrated approach to wellbeing53:58 – Advocating for autodidactic learning in a system built for compliance🌲 Keywords: early years education, school readiness, good level of development, authentic child development, compliance vs engagement, play-based learning, safe failure, gender bias in education, Ofsted pressure, forest school ethos, outdoor learning, international education, neurodiversity, classroom environment, intrinsic motivation🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #EarlyYears #OutdoorLearning #ChildDevelopment #AuthenticPlay #SafeFailure #IntrinsicMotivation #Neurodiversity #ComplianceVsEngagement #ForestSchoolPodcast #PlayBasedLearning #EducationPolicy #TeacherTraining #WellbeingInEducation #AutodidacticLearning🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at ⁠www.theforestschoolpodcast.com⁠Support the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠For questions, feedback, or collaboration: ⁠[email protected]

In this thought-provoking episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis speaks with Melissa, widely known as The Modern Mortician, to explore the deep intersections between death care, nature connection, and community learning. Beginning with light-hearted bug encounters and moving into meaningful reflections, the conversation spans Melissa’s career journey from traditional funeral homes to her current role as a death doula and advocate for greener, more intentional end-of-life practices. Together they unpack topics including green burial, water cremation, the realities and myths around “eco” death products, and how environmental considerations influence our final choices. They also discuss the emotional and cultural importance of involving children in death rituals, parallels between small animal burials at Forest School and human funerals, and how openness, presence, and hands-on experience can change our relationship with loss. With a mix of practical insight, personal stories, and gentle humour, this episode invites listeners to rethink death as a natural, participatory part of life.🌲 Chapter Timings:00:00 – Clay hairpieces, bug encounters, and the day’s woodland context02:01 – Introducing Melissa: The Modern Mortician’s work and journey into death care06:37 – Animal burials at Forest School and what really happens underground09:19 – Green burial processes and Melissa’s personal story of exhuming her cat12:24 – How grief and burial choices can shift over time20:07 – Balancing professional knowledge with honouring people’s choices24:14 – Water cremation explained: process, benefits, and environmental impact26:39 – Why conservation burial tops the list for eco-friendly end-of-life care31:18 – Myths, marketing, and the truth about “eco” burial products37:24 – Local sourcing, human composting, and hidden environmental costs50:52 – Why children benefit from involvement in death rituals56:26 – Behind-the-scenes realities of funeral industry “natural” presentation1:01:02 – Advice for Forest School leaders: normalising involvement and presence🌲 Keywords: green burial, water cremation, human composting, conservation burial, natural burial, eco death care, death doula, child involvement in funerals, animal burials, Forest School rituals, end-of-life choices, environmental impact of funerals, grief and participation, cultural attitudes to death, The Modern Mortician🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #GreenBurial #WaterCremation #ChildLedLearning #EcoDeathCare #DeathDoula #ForestSchoolPodcast #NatureAndDeath #LifeCycles #CommunityRituals #SustainableFunerals #EndOfLifeEducation #HandsOnHealing #TheModernMortician🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]

In this wonder-filled episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem speak with Dr Richard Buggs—geneticist at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Queen Mary University London—about ash dieback, DNA sequencing, and the unseen resilience of trees. With clarity and warmth, Richard explains how genome research is unlocking crucial answers about pest resistance, why ash trees are evolving faster than expected, and how broadleaf diversity might just be the secret weapon in the fight against invasive fungi. From the naming of Betula buggsii to Darwin’s “abominable mystery,” this episode weaves together science, stewardship, and surprise. The conversation also highlights the vital role of biosecurity, the complex interplay between genetics and environment, and the hope offered by natural regeneration. It's a deeply grounding listen for educators, woodland stewards, and anyone curious about trees, time, and how we make sense of the mysteries still growing all around us.🌿 Sponsored by:🛏 TENTSILE – Get 10% off their tree tents with code ForestChildren10. Perfect for overnights, basecamps, and wild play. Learn more at www.tentsile.com🌱 Chris Holland – Nature connection guide and author of The Story of the Wind. Get 10% off his 54-page plant ID guide using code ForestSchoolPodcast at: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast⏱ Chapter Timings:00:00 – Introducing Dr Richard Buggs and his work at Kew and Queen Mary03:24 – Naming a birch tree: Betula buggsii and the story behind it06:06 – From weed science to ash genome sequencing09:49 – How tree genomes are sequenced: glowing letters and supercomputers14:12 – Ash trees, biodiversity, and co-evolution with fungi15:59 – What ash dieback is and how it kills trees18:30 – Why some ash trees survive and the role of natural regeneration23:00 – Faster-than-expected evolution and what it reveals28:00 – How DNA research helps where traditional trials cannot35:05 – Darwin’s abominable mystery, flowering plants, and sacred questions🌲 Keywords:Ash dieback, forest pathogens, DNA sequencing, Richard Buggs, Kew Gardens, tree genomics, Darwin’s abominable mystery, tree evolution, natural regeneration, plant biosecurity, broadleaf trees, Forest School safety, invasive species, Victorian botany, sacred mystery, forest ecology🔖 Hashtags:#AshDieback #TreeGenomics #ForestSchoolPodcast #KewGardens #BroadleafBiodiversity #PlantScience #OutdoorLearning #DNASequencing #NaturalRegeneration #ForestEcology #SacredMystery #OutdoorEducation #ForestSchoolSafety #Biosecurity #AbominableMystery🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at ⁠www.theforestschoolpodcast.com**⁠Support the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast**⁠For questions, feedback, or collaboration: ⁠[email protected]

In this warm and wonderfully meandering episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem dive into The Joys and Shapes of Autistic Play by Max Alexander. Nestled among tangents about shouting sparrowhawks, jewel-encrusted slugs, and beloved sticks, they explore how Max's taxonomy of autistic play shapes offers both validation and practical insights for outdoor educators. Together, they unpack play types like pancake stacking, relational mapping, and object harmonising, and reflect on how this lens supports more inclusive, curious, and non-judgemental practice. The conversation touches on inner worlds, the limits of Bob Hughes’ taxonomy, and the value of reframing behaviours through a neurodivergent-affirming perspective. With humour, honesty, and deep respect for Max’s work, this episode is a love letter to the strange, sincere, and silly world of play.🎁 Sponsored by Tentsile and Chris HollandEnjoy 10% off Tentsile tree tents with the code ForestChildren10 – perfect for immersive outdoor sessions.Get Chris Holland’s 54-page plant guide at a discounted rate using the code on his site:https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast⏱ Chapter Timings00:00 – Shouting sparrowhawks and reptilian parent brains03:30 – Jeweled slugs and ceramic plant pot friends04:07 – Introducing The Joys and Shapes of Autistic Play by Max Alexander06:03 – Why it’s accessible, shareable, and belongs in your backpack06:58 – What the book is: eight play shapes and how to support them08:29 – Play shapes vs. play types: where Bob Hughes meets inner worlds10:44 – What counts as valid play, and what we sometimes dismiss15:14 – Pancake stacking, poisoned cakes, and joyful repetition22:30 – Relational mapping and understanding bodies as play resources32:21 – Voice as a sensory toy and reframing 'disruptive' behaviours40:31 – Object harmonising, companionship with sticks, and the story of a ruby-red brake light52:27 – Nesting as a verb, den conflicts, and design implications for Forest School spaces58:12 – Sincerity + silliness = play; where this book belongs in your CPD journey🌲 KeywordsAutistic play, Max Alexander, play shapes, Bob Hughes, Forest School, inclusive practice, neurodivergent affirmation, relational mapping, object harmonising, nesting, voice as a sensory toy, pancake stacking, playwork, non-judgemental education, play taxonomies, play diaries, observation🔖 Hashtags#ForestSchool #AutisticPlay #PlayShapes #InclusiveEducation #NeurodivergentAffirming #Playwork #ObjectHarmonising #VoiceAsSensoryToy #PancakeStacking #ForestSchoolPodcast #NatureBasedLearning #ChildLedPlay #OutdoorEducation #RelationalMapping #ReflectivePractice🌐 More Episodes & SupportListen to more and access resources at ⁠www.theforestschoolpodcast.com⁠Support the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠For questions, feedback, or collaboration: ⁠[email protected]

In this deep-dive episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined by Dr Jo Hume to explore the rich and expanding world of Forest School research. Starting with nettle seeds and caffeine journeys, the conversation quickly flows into Jo’s unique academic path—from early years teaching to leading-edge post-humanist research. Together, they unpack how Forest School practice can be explored through alternative lenses: from non-linear time and place memory to intra-action, post-humanism, and the oft-missed agency of trees, mud, and materials. Dr Hume shares her ‘three Fs of Forest School,’ talks about embodied research methods (including her embroidered GPS maps), and challenges listeners to think beyond human-centred perspectives. Whether you are an outdoor educator, curious academic, or passionate practitioner, this episode will expand your understanding of what makes Forest School profoundly different from other outdoor experiences—and why it truly stays with us even after we leave the woods.https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/our-staff/h/joanna-hume/⏱ Chapter Timings:00:00 – Nettle seeds, caffeine experiments, and energising toddler groups02:10 – Introducing Dr Jo Hume: early years teaching to academic research07:30 – Weekly woodland trips and the ripple effects on child independence13:45 – Bringing Forest School to teacher training: possibilities and limitations19:00 – The ‘three Fs of Forest School’: frequency, familiarity, freedom24:15 – Forest School as an alternative life-thread: time, memory, and identity33:35 – Understanding post-humanism and intra-action in outdoor learning41:15 – Animism, tree relationships, and de-centring the human perspective50:00 – Creative research methods: embroidered maps and sensory entanglement58:30 – The future of Forest School research and Dr Hume’s upcoming book🌲 Keywords: Forest School research, post-humanism, intra-action, place memory, three Fs of Forest School, non-linear time, animism, alternative pedagogies, early years education, embodied research methods, intra-relationship, reflective outdoor practice, Forest School academia, Jo Hume, teacher training and Forest School, post-humanist education🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #ForestSchoolPodcast #PostHumanism #IntraAction #ForestSchoolResearch #EarlyYears #ReflectivePractice #NaturePedagogy #ForestSchoolTraining #ChildLedLearning #AnimismInEducation #TeacherTraining #AlternativeEducation #CreativeResearch🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at ⁠www.theforestschoolpodcast.com⁠Support the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠For questions, feedback, or collaboration: ⁠[email protected]

In this deep and meandering episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis, Wem, and storyteller Danny English explore the layered meanings behind the phrase “Leave No Trace.” What begins as a discussion on outdoor ethics soon becomes a rich meditation on ecological grief, language, pedagogy, woodland relationships, and what it means to belong to a place. Together, they question the cultural norms of tidying up, consider the impact of den-building, and reflect on how story can shift behaviour more meaningfully than rules. Danny shares his roots in experiential education, the story behind his book Tales of the Timeless Forest, and how he works through conflict using narrative. From philosophical musings on deadwood and dominance, to practical provocations for forest school practice, this conversation offers no easy answers—but plenty of fertile ground for reflection.⏱ Chapter Timings:04:00 – Danny’s story: from Ramsbottom to experiential education in the US08:10 – Bridging the gap between outdoor and mainstream education10:42 – “Using nature” vs “being with nature” – why language matters15:48 – The origins of Leave No Trace and its cultural framing19:31 – Dens, deadwood, and how much trace is too much?25:25 – Woodland management dilemmas and practitioner responsibility32:16 – Story as a tool for navigating complex moments with children38:22 – Emotional reactions to monolith beech trees – trace, grief, and care47:33 – Is ‘permissive ecology’ a useful metaphor for outdoor practice?53:04 – Post-humanism, story-sharing, and the joy of seasonal tales🌲 Keywords:Forest School ethics, leave no trace, outdoor education dilemmas, woodland management, ecological grief, forest school culture, language in practice, experiential education, deadwood ecology, storytelling for behaviour, deep ecology, gentle pedagogy, posthumanism, tree monoliths, forest school reflection🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #LeaveNoTrace #DeepEcology #NatureConnection #ForestSchoolPodcast #WoodlandManagement #ChildLedLearning #StorytellingInNature #ReflectivePractice #EcologicalGrief #ForestSchoolCommunity #NaturePedagogy #PostHumanism🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at ⁠www.theforestschoolpodcast.com⁠Support the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠For questions, feedback, or collaboration: ⁠[email protected]

In this richly reflective and gently irreverent episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined once again by artist and activist Ruth Webb of The Lost Giants. From slug cohabitation to giant curlews, this episode weaves together humour, art, neurodivergence, community ritual, and the slippery intersections between protest and play. Together, the trio explore how masks and costumes can invite unmasking, how children become wild elements in the woods, and how activism might flourish through joy rather than solemnity. They also dive into the role of “fooling,” go-betweens, and teasers in processions, and examine how these ancient roles can create safety, connection, and transformation. As they near the end, a moving conversation about hopelessness, beauty, and finding meaning in collective creation becomes a quiet ritual of its own.⏱ Chapter Timings:00:00 – Slugs, pets, and cross-species adoption01:41 – Giants, Ghost Woods, and the mysterious new slug beast06:00 – Masking, unmasking, and slipping into forest school skins09:25 – Becoming more-than-human through imaginative embodiment13:15 – How communities prepare to meet a giant15:05 – Dancers, go-betweens, and the art of fooling22:00 – Activism, humour, and the risks of misreading the tone26:21 – Protest, presence, and the potential of artistic action32:35 – Giant curlews, media coverage, and public perception36:49 – Community, celebration, and the quiet resistance of joy🌲 Keywords: Forest School activism, masking and unmasking, fooling, teasers, Lost Giants, protest art, creative resistance, neurodivergence, child-led play, giant puppets, ritual and joy, community connection, visual storytelling, wild embodiment, playful protest🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #ProtestArt #CreativeActivism #LostGiants #ChildLedLearning #RitualAndPlay #NatureConnection #MoreThanHuman #ForestSchoolPodcast #CommunityCreativity #WildEmbodiment #Fooling #GiantPuppets #HopeThroughArt🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at ⁠www.theforestschoolpodcast.com⁠Support the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠For questions, feedback, or collaboration: ⁠[email protected]

In this joyful and wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem sit down with artist, activist and Forest School leader Ruth Webb. Known for her giant puppets, folk beasts and street processions, Ruth shares the rich history and creative power of giant-making in the UK. The conversation explores how these large-scale creations connect communities, invite activism, and spark playful engagement with the land. Ruth explains the cultural roots of British giants, the story behind Dartmoor’s legendary Crocken, and the making of the Rewilderbeest – a plant-loving folk beast built from local, foraged materials. Together they unpack the role of masks, puppets, and participation in outdoor education, activism and folklore. From the politics of taking up space in the streets to the logistics of giant storage, this episode will leave you inspired to dream big, build bigger, and involve your whole community in the creative process.⏱ Chapter Timings:00:00 – Hot BluTAC debates and meeting Ruth01:10 – Ruth’s journey: theatre, activism, Forest School and giant-making03:45 – The folk history of British giants and their political roots06:30 – Symbolism, community presence, and reclaiming public space11:10 – Introducing the Rewilderbeest: folk traditions, materials and land connection16:20 – Playful plant identification with the Rewilderbeest and engaging children21:40 – Masks, puppets and why words matter: breaking the third wall in folk performance29:45 – Crocken: Dartmoor legend, Right to Roam activism, and building community identity36:15 – Tips for community builds: low-skill entry points and meaningful materials41:10 – Storage solutions and keeping giants alive across the years🌲 Keywords: Forest School arts, community processions, British folk traditions, giant making, Dartmoor folklore, environmental activism, Rewilderbeest, Crocken, Right to Roam, outdoor theatre, creative community projects, folk puppetry, participatory art, mask-making, land connection, Forest School storytelling, outdoor education arts, child-led creativity🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #CommunityArt #GiantMaking #FolkTraditions #EnvironmentalActivism #ForestSchoolPodcast #Rewilderbeest #DartmoorGiants #RightToRoam #ChildLedLearning #OutdoorTheatre #ProcessionalArt #ForestSchoolCreativity #StorytellingInNature🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]

In this lively and tangential episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma reflect on an evening spent seeing Robin Ince speak about neurodivergence, ADHD, and the importance of passion. From rogue pygmy shrews to ultraviolet birds and eccentric geniuses, the conversation weaves in and out of the evening’s takeaways, unravelling what it means to be unashamedly interested in the world. They explore the power of identity through diagnosis, why tangents are a feature not a bug, and how environments can welcome authenticity. The episode also touches on hierarchical values in outdoor spaces, the performative pressure of being “an expert,” and why imperfect passion beats polished performance. If you’ve ever loved something deeply and been told to tone it down—this one’s for you.🌿 Sponsor Shout-Out:This episode is sponsored by TENTSILE, the original tree tent. Get 10% off any order with the code ForestChildren10 at www.tentsile.comWe’re also proudly supported by Chris Holland, author of A Kaleidoscope of Plants. Get 10% off his beautiful 54-page guide when you use code ForestSchoolPodcast at this link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast⏱ Chapter Timings:00:00 – Pygmy shrew panic and under-the-table guests01:47 – Shrews taste bad: prey, predators, and side quests03:20 – Ultraviolet vision and birds seeing wee trails05:08 – “Like birds do”: comedy stories and water spitting06:22 – Reflections on Robin Ince’s talk and ADHD diagnosis08:01 – Two sides of the coin: forgetfulness and brilliance09:45 – The beauty of subjective, honest storytelling12:54 – Vulnerability, unmasking, and joy without shame15:01 – Hierarchies of value: washing up vs wonder21:26 – The transactional myth of brilliance and acceptance🌲 Keywords: ADHD, neurodivergence, Robin Ince, authentic passion, Forest School values, child-led learning, identity through diagnosis, intersectionality, nature-based education, humour in education, embracing tangents, pedagogy and personality, outdoor learning philosophy, invisible struggles, joy and vulnerability🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #Neurodivergence #AuthenticLearning #OutdoorEducation #ChildLedLearning #RobinInce #Neurodiversity #Unmasking #JoyInLearning #ImperfectPassion #EducationWithoutJudgement #ForestSchoolPodcast #InclusiveEducation #NatureBasedLearning🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at ⁠www.theforestschoolpodcast.com**⁠Support the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast**⁠For questions, feedback, or collaboration: ⁠[email protected]

In this jam-packed episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined by ecologist Tilly Tilbrook to unpack the truth behind the controversial Planning and Infrastructure Bill and its implications for UK wildlife. Tilly brings decades of ecological fieldwork, policy experience, and field stories—from dormice in torpor to Pringles-tube water voles—to help listeners understand what’s really happening on the ground. The episode explores what ‘protected species’ legally means, how ecology impacts (or doesn’t) the planning process, and the ripple effects of changes to legislation. With clarity, humour, and urgency, Tilly shares why conservation matters, how Forest School leaders can connect children to real local data, and why the narrative around bats, tunnels, and housebuilding needs serious rethinking. A vital listen for anyone who works outdoors, loves wildlife, or wants to understand the deeper systems shaping our landscapes.🎧 Chapter Timings:00:00 – Dormice, water voles, and squirrel heists: Tilly's journey into ecology03:39 – Favourite animal encounters and what ecologists actually do on-site10:03 – What species are protected in the UK—and how?14:18 – Legal definitions of protection, licenses, and enforcement challenges21:40 – Have protections worked? Otters, pesticides, mink, and water voles30:48 – The “bat tunnel” myth and scapegoating conservation35:57 – What the Planning and Infrastructure Bill really proposes38:08 – Mitigation hierarchy vs “cash to trash”: skipping straight to offsetting43:46 – Campaigns, lobbying, and the hope for changes in the House of Lords46:41 – What Forest Schools can do to support local habitats49:37 – Bug hotels, dead hedges, and the truth about “eco” gardening gear🌲 Keywords: Planning and Infrastructure Bill, protected species, UK wildlife law, ecologist role, Forest School habitats, biodiversity, environmental justice, mitigation hierarchy, nature connection, citizen science, conservation careers, water voles, dormice, bats, squirrels, offsetting, habitat creation, bug hotels, environmental education🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #EcologyExplained #WildlifeProtection #NatureConservation #PlanningBill #EnvironmentalJustice #ChildLedLearning #HabitatCreation #BugHotelTruth #NatureRecovery #UKWildlife #ForestSchoolPodcast #BatsNotScapegoats #ScruffyGardens🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.comSupport the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcastFor questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]

In this joyful, wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem reunite to reflect on everything from folk rituals and land access to academic shifts and experimental puppetry. They share stories of Devon’s eccentric festivals, the power of whimsy, and the Supreme Court decision that restored the right to wild camp on Dartmoor. The conversation weaves through giant puppets, PhD plans, hosting badges, and the realities of holding space for community ritual while honouring individual autonomy. Lewis also discusses wearing a utility kilt in the woods—what inspired it, how it’s been received, and why it’s become more than just a fashion choice. Packed with laughter, cultural insight, and reflections on change, this episode is a celebration of curiosity, connection, and embracing the unpredictable.🎧 Chapter Timings:00:00 – Podcast returns: chaotic intros and nostalgic deep dives04:00 – Wem’s big news: starting a PhD in play at Forest School07:17 – Filling your cup: Lewis’ folk festival field trips08:57 – The Hunting of the Earl of Rhone and Devon’s wild traditions16:17 – Dartmoor rights: camping bans, community resistance, and the Supreme Court win26:05 – Giant puppets, rituals, and planning a white stag procession29:44 – Autonomy vs community: can you co-create and still be child-led?36:14 – Lewis’ kilt experiment: climate, agency, and unexpected advocacy43:54 – The hostess badge, patching crotches, and forest fashion48:00 – Books on the horizon and the future of the podcast🌲 Keywords: Dartmoor right to roam, Forest School podcast, folk traditions, Hunting the Earl of Rhone, giant puppets, child-led learning, community ritual, autonomy in education, whimsy and play, PhD research in play, forest fashion, utility kilt, patching clothes, woodland learning🔖 Hashtags:#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #RightToRoam #Dartmoor #ChildLedLearning #WhimsyMatters #CommunityRitual #ForestSchoolPodcast #GiantPuppets #PlayBasedLearning #LandAccess #NatureBasedEducation #FolkTraditions #EducationalAutonomy #UtilityKilt🌐 More Episodes & Support:Listen to more and access resources at ⁠www.theforestschoolpodcast.com⁠Support the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠For questions, feedback, or collaboration: ⁠[email protected]⁠

In this episode, Lewis and Wem dig deep into the concept of consistency—a term often upheld as sacred in education and parenting, but is it all it’s cracked up to be?They explore the tension between consistency of routine vs consistency of relationship, how being overly consistent can lead to masking (for both adults and children), and why the pressure to deliver the same experience every time is unrealistic—and possibly unhelpful.From donkeys at the sanctuary to dopamine in disrupted routines, this is a wide-ranging, honest conversation about autonomy, vulnerability, and the stories we tell ourselves about being “good” educators.Whether you’re new to Forest School or 10 years in, this one might just shift how you think about planning, presence, and being truly learner-centred.🧭 Topics Covered:Consistency of output vs consistency of intentionHow routine can become oppressiveThe moral undertones of “being consistent”Attachment, co-regulation & modelling emotional honestyWhy inconsistency can be a giftCultural pressures to be habit-forming machinesHow we frame expectations for ourselves and our learnersSoft skills, autonomy, and agency in outdoor educationReal talk about what consistency demands in unpaid labour🔗 Listen Here:🌲 Spotify → Forest School Podcast on Spotify🍏 Apple → Forest School Podcast on Apple🌐 Web → www.forestschoolpodcast.com📺 YouTube → Watch the episode on YouTube📬 Get In Touch:💬 Instagram: @forestschoolpodcast📧 Email: [email protected]📌 Tags & Keywords:#forestschool #outdooreducation #childledlearning #consistencyvsintention #processoverproduct #relationshipfirst #softskills #emotionalintelligence #naturebasedlearning #educationphilosophy #forestschoolleaders #neurodiversityaffirming #coachingnotcompliance #autonomyineducation #honestteaching #vulnerabilityineducation

In this episode, Lewis and Wem are joined by Justine from Curious and Kind Nature Play in Florida. The conversation began when all three spoke at a webinar hosted by Peter Gray and quickly turned into a shared curiosity around the tensions of tidying up in play-based education.This is not a how-to guide. It is a rich exploration of roles, expectations, neurodivergence, community care, and the invisible moral weight we place on children when it comes to cleaning up. Whether you model tidying, mandate it, ignore it entirely, or wrestle with it daily, this episode invites you to reflect deeply on what your approach communicates about power, responsibility, and play.🟩 Chapter timings00:00 Welcome and pizza oven distractions01:00 How Lewis and Justine connected02:00 Justine introduces Curious and Kind Nature Play05:00 Florida’s funding for home educators06:30 Structures that support flexibility and autonomy10:00 Opening the conversation on tidying12:00 Justine’s approach to winding down and cleaning up14:00 Community care and shared spaces16:00 When tidying up becomes adult-directed20:00 Individualism and shared responsibility22:00 Executive function and play endings25:00 Shifting roles as facilitators27:00 Play residue and resource placement30:00 Who defines tidy33:00 Visual cues and neurodivergence36:00 Long sessions and timing pressures38:00 Tidying as moral pressure or community practice40:00 Role of the facilitator and equity in expectations43:00 The notice and do approach48:00 When tidying inhibits play and creativity50:00 Regret, repair, and adult reflection53:00 Adult overwhelm and honest communication59:00 Pine needles and closing thoughts60:00 Where to find Justine and Curious and Kind

🌿 What Is Clean Language & Should You Use It Outdoors?In this introspective solo episode, Lewis reflects on Contempt to Curiosity by Caitlin Walker—an exploration of Clean Language, group metaphors, and truly non-judgemental communication.What begins as a quiet Friday morning in the woods becomes a deeply personal and practical unpacking of:What Clean Language actually is and where it came from 👂Why exploring someone’s “inner world” is powerful—and riskyHow metaphor can unify (or divide) groups 🌀Practical uses of Clean Language in Forest SchoolWhether this approach is clunky-but-useful—or core practice💬 Plus, Lewis shares a raw personal story of being on the receiving end of Clean Language coaching… and the surprising discomfort that followed.🌟 Sponsors: TENTSILE & Chris Holland🌲 TENTSILE – Create magical canopy spaces with TENTSILE’s world-famous hammock tents. Use code ForestChildren10 for 10% off at www.tentsile.com🍃 Chris Holland – Discover Nature Connection & the 54-Plant Guide—perfect for Forest School leaders. Use code FORESTPOD for 15% off at👉 https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast⏳ Episode Chapters00:00 – Intro, birdsong, forest stillness 🌳02:00 – Feeling isolated as a leader04:00 – Housekeeping & community shout-out06:00 – What is Clean Language? Who created it?08:30 – Metaphors, coaching & autonomy10:00 – The “clunky but useful” language tools13:00 – Forest School Association anecdote20:00 – What “Smell. Soil.” taught Lewis27:00 – What Clean Language missed in his response30:00 – Can metaphors create better group cohesion?33:00 – Why Forest School needs shared metaphors36:00 – Facilitating feelings, not just activities40:00 – Cocktail bars & metaphor-building 🍸44:00 – When “mycelial network” isn’t enough 🍄47:00 – Clean Language as a practice addon—not a necessity50:00 – Is this book for beginners or advanced practice?📚 Mentioned in This EpisodeContempt to Curiosity by Caitlin WalkerDavid Grove’s Clean LanguageNonviolent Communication (NVC)Forest School Association Strategy WeekendDeclarative language in outdoor education“Mycelial Network” (metaphor bingo!) 🍄💬 Join the Discussion🌱 What metaphor would your Forest School group use to describe itself?Do you already use metaphors in your practice—or avoid them entirely?We’d love to hear YOUR stories. Drop us a message on social media or email [email protected]🎧 Listen now:🎙️ Spotify: shorturl.at/4WdyI📺 YouTube: shorturl.at/3qOUs📻 Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/FxfMF💻 RSS: shorturl.at/A0kx9

🌳 Forest School vs the Panopticon: Who’s Watching the Children?In this solo episode, Lewis dives deep into the haunting metaphor of the Panopticon—a 1700s prison designed for total surveillance—and how its legacy lives on in modern classrooms, school playgrounds, and even parenting styles.⚖️ From architectural control to digital surveillance, Lewis explores:What “total observation” does to a child’s sense of self 👁️Why today’s children may be observed from wake to sleepThe impact of surveillance on risk-taking, identity, and creativity 🎭How Forest School sites can either replicate or resist the PanopticonPractical ways to foster pockets of privacy in outdoor settings 🌲This is a big-thinking episode, inviting Forest School leaders, educators, and parents to ask:💭 How much observation is too much? And what happens when we let go?🌲 TENTSILE – Transform your site with TENTSILE’s innovative hammock tents. Perfect for Forest School adventures. Use code ForestChildren10 for 10% off at www.tentsile.com🍃 Chris Holland – Discover Chris Holland’s 54-page Plant Guide – a practical tool for outdoor learning. Get 15% off using code FORESTPOD at our affiliate link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast00:00 – Intro & glorious sunshine ☀️02:00 – What is the Panopticon? History & design06:00 – Cuba, Castro & 3000 silences08:30 – How schools mirror prison architecture11:30 – Modern childhood as constant surveillance14:00 – Should children be allowed privacy?16:30 – When observation is helpful 👀18:30 – Teachers feeling watched too21:00 – Forest School vs classroom surveillance24:00 – Instagram vs authenticity in outdoor play 📸27:00 – Why privacy matters for relationships30:00 – Class sizes, hedges & playground control33:30 – What we give up in outdoor education35:00 – Personal reflection & closing thoughtsJeremy Bentham’s PanopticonThe Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read – Philippa Perry (referenced in context)Sarah Ockwell-Smith episode on digital surveillanceTENTSILE Hammock TentsChris Holland’s Plant Guide💡 Do children need privacy to grow? Or does supervision help them feel safe?Let us know your thoughts—comment on Spotify, YouTube or email us at [email protected].🎧 Find us everywhere:🎙️ Spotify: shorturl.at/4WdyI📺 YouTube: shorturl.at/3qOUs📻 Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/FxfMF💻 RSS: shorturl.at/A0kx9#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #ChildhoodSurveillance #Panopticon #NatureConnection #ForestSchoolPodcast #ChildLedLearning #EducationalPhilosophy #PlayPrivacy #SlowEducation #AlternativeEducation #SafeRisk #ForestSchoolDesign🌟 Sponsors: TENTSILE & Chris Holland⏳ Episode Chapters📚 Mentioned in This Episode💬 Join the Conversation

This week, Lewis is solo in the woods reflecting on a big question: what makes a Forest School site feel alive with history? 🌿He explores the difference between groups that share memories and communities that carry history, drawing on stories, objects, rituals, and routines from nearly a decade of outdoor learning.This episode is packed with practical reflections for Forest School leaders:How to foster a living sense of community through storytellingThe power of leaving evidence of past playWhy your site doesn’t need to be “tidy” to be effectiveHow to embrace rituals that evolve, rather than enforceWhat it means to co-create history with childrenWhether you're building a new site or decades into your Forest School journey, this episode offers ideas to deepen your space’s soul. 🪵✨🌟 Sponsored by TENTSILE & Chris Holland🌲 TENTSILE – Hammock tents that transform your Forest School site into an unforgettable adventure. Durable, practical, and perfect for the outdoors. Use code ForestChildren10 for 10% off at www.tentsile.com.🍃 Chris Holland – Enhance your nature knowledge with Chris Holland’s 54-page Plant Guide—a treasure trove for Forest School educators. Use code FORESTPOD for 15% off at our affiliate link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast00:00 – Wonky intros & mic experiments 🎤02:00 – Rocking chairs, baby names & volunteer honouring04:00 – School sites vs embedded Forest School sites08:00 – The difference between group memories and community history12:30 – Inheriting play, space markers, and unsaid rituals18:00 – Nest building as evolving ritual 🌸23:00 – What counts as ‘true’ history in a play space?26:00 – Peer storytelling, deer legends & golden apples 🦌30:00 – Objects as story prompts: woodworking tables, tree carvings34:00 – Funerals for swings & retiring equipment37:00 – History as inclusion: offering belonging through time41:00 – The safety of being one story among many43:00 – Co-creating history, not enforcing itTENTSILE Hammock Tents – Use code ForestChildren10Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – Use code FORESTPODBen Edge episode on rituals (search “rituals” in our back catalogue)💬 Share your thoughts on social media or email [email protected]🗣️ Send us a voice note via Instagram or Facebook!Find us everywhere:🎙️ Spotify: shorturl.at/4WdyI📺 YouTube: shorturl.at/3qOUs📻 Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/FxfMF💻 RSS: shorturl.at/A0kx9#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #ForestSchoolPodcast #NaturePlay #GroupToCommunity #NatureConnection #CoCreatingHistory #StorytellingInTheWoods #PlayBasedLearning⏳ Episode Chapters📚 Mentioned in This Episode🎧 Like what you heard?

🎭 Are You Triggered by Play? Why It Matters.Ever watched children playing and felt uneasy about what was happening? Whether it’s rough-and-tumble, rule-breaking, or risky play, adults have deep-seated responses to certain types of play—often without realising it. But is our discomfort helping or hindering children’s learning?🌳 Key topics in this episode:What does it mean to be “triggered” by play? 🧠Why adults react emotionally to certain play types 🔥Rough play, risky play, and rule-breaking: the big three ⚖️How our own childhood experiences shape our responses 🎒Tools for staying grounded and supporting all play 🌱This episode explores how Forest School leaders, teachers, and parents can manage their instincts and create a space where play can thrive.🌲 TENTSILE – Take your outdoor adventures to the next level with TENTSILE's innovative hammock tents! Designed for Forest School leaders & outdoor educators, these tree tents create magical outdoor experiences. Use code ForestChildren10 for 10% off at www.tentsile.com.🍃 Chris Holland – Love nature? Get Chris Holland’s 54-page Plant Guide, packed with essential plant ID tips. Use code FORESTPOD for 15% off via our exclusive affiliate link: chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast.🎤 00:00 – Intro: Where’s Wem? (And course updates!)🌱 04:00 – The Facebook video that sparked this discussion🛑 08:00 – Why adults “shut down” certain play types⚖️ 12:30 – The difference between pro-social & anti-social play🚀 18:00 – How our own childhood shapes our play responses🔄 22:00 – The power of “forecasting” vs. “overreacting”🎭 30:00 – How to check yourself & avoid shutting down play🌳 40:00 – Building a Forest School space where all play is valid🌍 TENTSILE Hammock Tents – Use ForestChildren10 for 10% off at www.tentsile.com🍃 Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – Use FORESTPOD for 15% off at chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast📖 Kindling Playwork – A deep dive into playwork & self-reflection🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: [Insert Link]💡 What type of play makes YOU uncomfortable? Have you ever stepped in too soon? Tell us in the comments or email [email protected]!🎧 Listen & subscribe:🎙️ Spotify: shorturl.at/4WdyI📺 YouTube: shorturl.at/3qOUs📻 Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/FxfMF💻 RSS: shorturl.at/A0kx9#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #ChildLedLearning #RiskyPlay #NaturePlay #ForestSchoolPodcast #AlternativeEducation #SelfDirectedLearning #Playwork🌟 Sponsored by TENTSILE & Chris Holland⏳ Episode Chapters & Timings📚 Resources & Links Mentioned💬 Join the Conversation!

Ever dreamed of buying your own woodland? 🌲 In this episode, we dive into Sandi Toksvig’s Great British Woodland Revival and what it really takes to restore a forest. From unexpected costs (£500 for EVERYTHING?!) to the emotional connection of managing land, we break down what this show got right—and what it left out.🎒 Key topics in this episode:The realities of woodland management (spoiler: it’s expensive!) 💰Why Sandi’s journey isn’t just for TV—it’s an education in itself 📺How experts like ‘Pete the Pond’ and tree surgeons bring woodlands back to life 🌊🪵The emotional connection of land stewardship & why it matters ❤️Should humans be kept out of woodlands for conservation? 🤔If you’ve ever thought about owning or managing a woodland, this episode is for you! 🌿🌟 Sponsored by TENTSILE & Chris Holland🌲 TENTSILE – Transform your outdoor adventures with TENTSILE's incredible hammock tents! Perfect for Forest School leaders & outdoor educators. Use code ForestChildren10 for 10% off at www.tentsile.com.🍃 Chris Holland – Want to connect with nature? Get Chris Holland’s 54-page Plant Guide, packed with essential plant ID tips. Use code FORESTPOD for 15% off via our exclusive affiliate link: chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast.⏳ Episode Chapters & Timings🎤 00:00 – Janky recording setups & rocking chair podcasting 🎙️📺 02:00 – What is Sandi Toksvig’s woodland show really about?🌳 05:00 – Buying a woodland: dream vs. reality💰 10:00 – Why does every woodland project cost £500?!🦉 15:30 – Meet the experts: pond builders, tree surgeons & bat ecologists🌿 22:00 – Should humans be kept out of woodlands for conservation?🏡 30:00 – What to know before buying or managing land🤔 40:00 – Would we have done things differently in our own woodland?📚 Resources & Links Mentioned📺 Sandi Toksvig’s Great British Woodland Revival (Channel 4)🌍 TENTSILE Hammock Tents – Use ForestChildren10 for 10% off at www.tentsile.com🍃 Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – Use FORESTPOD for 15% off at https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=lwilouig🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube:💬 Join the Conversation!💡 Would YOU buy a woodland? What’s your dream restoration project? Tell us in the comments or email us at [email protected]!🎧 Listen & subscribe:🎙️ Spotify: shorturl.at/4WdyI📺 YouTube: shorturl.at/3qOUs📻 Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/FxfMF💻 RSS: shorturl.at/A0kx9#WoodlandRestoration #ForestSchoolPodcast #NatureConnection #OutdoorEducation #SandiToksvig #GreatBritishWoodland #WoodlandManagement #Rewilding

🎙️ Folklore, Ritual & Art: A Chat with Ben EdgeThis week, we're joined by the incredible Ben Edge, artist, filmmaker, and author of Folklore Rising, for a deep dive into British folklore, ritual, and the role of art in preserving tradition. 🌿🎭From Morris dancing in trainers to building new traditions, we explore how folklore shapes identity, community, and creativity. And yes, we get into the wildest traditions, including Padstow’s Obby Oss, the Garland King, and a Swiss festival of Pretty, Ugly, and Pretty-Ugly creatures. 🦴🐎✔️ Folklore Revival or Renaissance? Why folk traditions are more alive than ever 🔥✔️ Who 'owns' a tradition? How communities shape and reshape rituals 🤹✔️ The Role of Art – Is capturing a tradition the same as being part of it? 🎨✔️ Reinventing the Past – What happens when a ‘centuries-old’ tradition is actually Victorian marketing? 🤯✔️ Morris Dancing & New Traditions – Wem joins a side, learns ‘Gingerbread’, and uncovers surprisingly modern origins 🕺✔️ The Black Shuck Festival – How a modern event became instantly legendary 🐺⚡✔️ Right to Roam & Common Ground – Land access, folklore activism, and reclaiming connection to place 🏞️✔️ The Role of ‘Pretty, Ugly & Pretty-Ugly’ in Swiss Folklore – And why it speaks to all of us 😈🌸Ben also shares stories from his upcoming London exhibition at Fitzrovia Chapel in November 2025, and his newly curated ‘Common Ground’ exhibition in Cheltenham – tackling land access, art, and our relationship to nature. 🎭🏕️🔥 TENTSILE – The ultimate tree tents for outdoor educators & adventurers. Use ForestChildren10 for 10% off at www.tentsile.com.🌱 Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – Get 15% off this essential nature ID guide using FORESTPOD via our exclusive affiliate link.🔗 Follow Ben Edge: Instagram (@BenEdgeArt) & Website🏛️ Common Ground Exhibition (Cheltenham, The Wilson Collection) – Opening Feb 21, 2025🎨 Fitzrovia Chapel Solo Show (London, Nov 2025) – More details coming soon!🎭 Black Shuck Festival – Suffolk’s newest old tradition 🐺📖 Folklore Rising – Available in print, eBook & Audible⏳ 00:00 – Intro: Trainers, traditions & sticky notes everywhere🎭 05:00 – What is folklore ‘Renaissance’?🌿 12:00 – Padstow’s Obby Oss: Madness or meaning?🕺 18:00 – Morris Dancing: Ancient or invented?🐺 25:00 – The Black Shuck Festival: The birth of a new tradition🎨 35:00 – The role of art in folklore🔥 45:00 – How do we start or revive traditions?🎭 55:00 – Ben’s upcoming exhibitions & projects🌿 What folk traditions do YOU love? Have you started or revived one? Let us know at [email protected] or drop a comment!🎧 Listen & subscribe on:🎙️ Spotify: shorturl.at/4WdyI📺 YouTube: shorturl.at/3qOUs📻 Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/FxfMF💻 RSS: shorturl.at/A0kx9#Folklore #BritishTraditions #Rituals #FolkArt #MorrisDancing #Padstow #ForestSchoolPodcast #AlternativeEducation #SelfDirectedLearning🌲 Key Topics in This Episode:🛠️ Sponsors & Discounts📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:⏳ Episode Chapters & Timings:💬 Join the Conversation!

🌿 Nature Saturation: Can You Have TOO Much Nature?In this episode, we dive into the idea ofNature Saturation – can there betoo much nature in outdoor learning? 🤔 From Forest School names to nature-themed everything, when does immersive nature connection becometoo much of a good thing?🌲Key topics in this episode:What isNature Saturation, and is it a real issue? 🌳The balance betweennature connection & personal interests 🎮📖Are some Forest School settingstoo rigidly nature-focused?Howsocial play & personal identity shape outdoor learning 🏕️Can kids self-direct in nature, or do we over-curate? 🤯We also readhilarious real-life Forest School job descriptions, including:🦿Squirrel Funeral Director (yes, really!)💇Woodland Hairstylist – tree sap in the fringe is no joke!Plus, we take on anotherSurprise Student challenge:Could we run a Forest School session for Pikachu & Thor? ⚡⚒️🌲TENTSILE – Take your outdoor adventures to the next level with TENTSILE's incredible hammock tents! Perfect for Forest School leaders & outdoor educators. Usecode ForestChildren10 for10% off atwww.tentsile.com.🍃Chris Holland – Love nature? Get Chris Holland’s54-page Plant Guide, packed with essential plant ID tips. Usecode FORESTPOD for15% off via our exclusiveaffiliate link.🎤 00:00 –Intro: Chaos, weird toast combos & nooch on everything🌿 05:00 –What is ‘Nature Saturation’ & does it exist?🐿️ 12:00 –Listener submission: Squirrel Funeral Director?!💇 18:00 –The unexpected struggles of a Woodland Hairstylist🔥 25:00 –Nature as a background vs. nature as the whole experience⚡ 35:00 –Surprise Student: Could Pikachu & Thor thrive at Forest School?🎶 45:00 –Do nature names, songs & rituals help or hinder learning?📢 55:00 –Call to action: Have we got Nature Saturation all wrong?🌍TENTSILE Hammock Tents – UseForestChildren10 for 10% off🍃Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – UseFORESTPOD for 15% off🎥Watch this episode on YouTube: [Insert Link]💡Do you think there’s such a thing as ‘too much nature’? 🌳 Drop a comment below or email us [email protected]!🎧 Listen & subscribe on:🎙️ Spotify: shorturl.at/4WdyI📺 YouTube: shorturl.at/3qOUs📻 Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/FxfMF💻 RSS: shorturl.at/A0kx9#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #NaturePlay #WildLearning #ForestSchoolPodcast #AlternativeEducation #SelfDirectedLearning #ChildLedLearning🌟 Sponsored by TENTSILE & Chris Holland⏳ Episode Chapters & Timings📚 Resources & Links Mentioned💬 Join the Conversation!

This week, we sit down withDr Naomi Fisher, psychologist and co-author ofThe Teenager’s Guide to Burnout, to discuss how modern schooling, social media, and pressure to achieve are pushing teens towards burnout. 😰🎒Key topics in this episode:What burnoutreally is & how it differs from anxiety or depressionWhy teenagers are more stressed than ever before 😩Thered flags of burnout every parent & educator should know 🚨Howschool pressure, social media, and lack of choice fuel burnout 🔥Practicalways teens can take back control of their learning & wellbeing 💡This episode isa must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about teenage mental health. 🌱🌲TENTSILE – Take your outdoor adventures to the next level with TENTSILE's incredible hammock tents! Perfect for Forest School leaders & outdoor educators. Usecode ForestChildren10 for10% off atwww.tentsile.com.🍃Chris Holland – Love nature? Get Chris Holland’s54-page Plant Guide, packed with essential plant ID tips. Usecode FORESTPOD for15% off via our exclusiveaffiliate link.🎤 00:00 –Intro: Haunted cats & season updates 🐱👻📚 02:00 –Introducing Naomi Fisher & her book on teenage burnout🔥 05:00 –What burnout actually is & why teens are at risk🏫 10:00 –School pressure vs. mental health: what needs to change?📱 15:30 –The role of social media & online communities in burnout🧠 22:00 –How parents & educators can support burnt-out teens🚀 30:00 –Why quitting can be a good thing (and how to do it!)🌳 40:00 –Forest School, agency & alternative education solutions📖The Teenager’s Guide to Burnout by Naomi Fisher & Eliza Fricker🌍TENTSILE Hammock Tents – UseForestChildren10 for 10% off🍃Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – UseFORESTPOD for 15% off🎥Watch this episode on YouTube: [Insert Link]💡Ever felt burnt out as a teen? Or know a young person struggling with stress?Drop a comment below or email us [email protected]!🎧 Listen & subscribe on:🎙️Spotify📺YouTube📻Apple Podcasts💻RSS#TeenageBurnout #ForestSchool #MentalHealthMatters #OutdoorEducation #AlternativeEducation #ForestSchoolPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #SelfDirectedLearning #NatureConnection🌟 Sponsored by TENTSILE & Chris Holland⏳ Episode Chapters & Timings📚 Resources & Links Mentioned💬 Join the Conversation!548K29zSKq6zM552SeqQ

Welcome back to The Forest School Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the realities of lone working in outdoor education, the unexpected (and hilarious) responsibilities of a Forest School leader, and the importance of connection in a role that can often feel isolating. 🌲 Key topics in this episode: The highs and lows of returning to work after illness. Why Forest School leaders need mental health policies for lone working. Listener-submitted job descriptions, including ‘Animal Hostage Negotiator’ and ‘Fart Consultant’! The role of play and improvisation in outdoor education. Introducing ‘Surprise Student’ – a new game where we design a Forest School session for famous figures. Join us as we reflect, laugh, and explore how we can better support outdoor educators. 🌿 🌟 Sponsored by TENTSILE & Chris Holland 🌲 TENTSILE – Take your outdoor adventures to the next level with TENTSILE's incredible hammock tents! Designed for comfort, durability, and a unique Forest School experience, these tree tents are a game-changer. Use code ForestChildren10 for 10% off your purchase at www.tentsile.com. 🍃 Chris Holland – Want to deepen your nature connection? Get your hands on Chris Holland’s 54-page Plant Guide, an essential resource for Forest School leaders and nature enthusiasts. Use code FORESTPOD for 15% off via our exclusive affiliate link. ⏳ Episode Chapters & Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 03:58 Reflections on Productivity and Mental Health 09:12 The Importance of Connection and Support 13:10 Nature Connection and Personal Growth 17:13 Engaging with Nature and Crafting 21:15 Productivity Insights and New Practices 26:45 Fun and Games in Forest School 30:42 Animal Encounters and Job Descriptions 31:16 Emergency Privacy Screen Holder: A Forest School Job 34:35 Christmas Fart Consultant: The Humor of Forest School 37:49 Fart Consultancy: A Necessary Skill 42:20 Surprise Student: A Fun Game for Learning 44:49 Paddington Bear: A Forest School Intervention 51:01 Season Two: New Beginnings and Exciting Changes📚 Resources & Links Mentioned 🌍 TENTSILE Hammock Tents – Use ForestChildren10 for 10% off. 🍃 Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – Use FORESTPOD for 15% off. 🎶 Song Mentioned: ‘Summer is Icumen In’ – the oldest secular English song. 🦉 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @ForestSchoolPodcast 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? If you loved this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow Forest School leaders and outdoor educators! 🌿 Your support helps us grow and bring more valuable discussions to the community. ⭐ Listen & subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Your Favourite Podcast App. Have a weird job title from your Forest School experience? Send it to us at [email protected]! Happy exploring! 🌳✨

Episode SummaryIn this lively and wide-ranging episode, Lewis sits down with Lily Horseman (Kindling Playwork) to explore how transparent you should be when planning Forest School sessions. They discuss the balance between being honest with children, parents, and fellow educators while preserving the magic of play and spontaneity. You’ll hear fascinating insights into building trust, navigating tangents, and making space for child-led exploration. Expect plenty of unexpected side quests, real-life anecdotes, and practical tips for Forest School leaders, early years practitioners, and nature enthusiasts. 🌲 Sponsor Shout-Out: TENTSILEThis episode is proudly sponsored by TENTSILE, creators of innovative hammock tents perfect for outdoor adventures.Use code ForestChildren10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.Explore their range at www.tentsile.com. 🍃 Special Thanks: Chris HollandBig thanks to Chris Holland, author of the 54-page Plant Guide for nature enthusiasts.Discover this invaluable resource at Chris’s Affiliate Link and use code FORESTPOD for a 15% discount. The reality behind what looks like effortless sessions. How to turn last-minute planning into intentional learning experiences. Strategies for pivoting your session mid-flow. Why responding to challenges with openness builds trust. The delicate balance between honesty and oversharing. Real-world consequences of revealing your entire plan to participants. A powerful reflection technique to unearth deeper learning journeys. How reflecting on your own practice boosts self-confidence and group engagement. Mentioned Resources & Links Kindling Playwork (Lily’s Projects): Kindling Playwork Website Forest School Training Courses: Check local listings or professional bodies for accredited providers. TENTSILE: www.tentsile.com — Code: ForestChildren10 Chris Holland’s Plant Guide: Use code FORESTPOD Enjoyed the show? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow educators and Forest School friends. Every review helps us reach more people looking to connect with nature, build community, and nurture child-led learning. Stay wonky, stay curious, and see you in the next episode! Chapters 00:00 The Thin Veneer of Professionalism 08:21 Adrenaline and Last-Minute Planning 11:00 Transparency in Educational Planning 14:16 The Spectrum of Learner-Centered Planning 19:01 Trust and Transparency in Education 21:55 The Balance of Transparency and Trust 24:57 Punitive Transparency in Education 27:57 The Role of Parents in Transparency 31:03 Justifying the Value of Forest School 34:00 Pedagogical Peep Show 36:11 Unveiling the Flow State 38:29 Navigating Team Dynamics 41:41 The Art of Connection 43:44 Reflective Practices in Education 46:37 Transparency and Vulnerability 49:55 The Role of Authenticity in Education 52:53 Branding and Community Engagement 56:50 Experimenting with Transparency 59:52 The North Star of Connection 01:02:28 Exploring the Conversation's Journey 01:02:57 Engagement and Future Plans

Welcome back to the Forest School Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the intriguing ideas from Rory Sutherland's book Alchemy and explore how they can transform your Forest School practice. From the power of creative chaos to the impact of trust and training, this episode offers fresh perspectives for Forest School leaders, educators, and nature enthusiasts alike. 🌿 Join Lewis as he unpacks the concept of "scenting the soap," the role of placebos in Forest School, and the importance of heuristics in developing intuition and resilience in natural learning environments. Discover actionable insights and practical tips for enhancing your sessions and deepening connections with your participants. 🌲 Sponsorship Segment This episode is proudly brought to you by our amazing sponsors: TENTSILE: Transform your outdoor adventures with TENTSILE’s innovative hammock tents. Perfect for Forest School leaders and nature enthusiasts, these tents combine comfort, durability, and sustainability. Use code ForestChildren10 for a 10% discount on your next purchase. Explore their range at www.tentsile.com. 🌳 Chris Holland: Discover Chris Holland’s 54-page Plant Guide, an invaluable resource for identifying and celebrating nature’s flora. Get your copy at Chris’s Affiliate Link and use code FORESTPOD for a 15% discount. 🍃 ⏱ Chapter Timings Introduction and Updates (00:00 - 04:42): Lewis shares podcast updates, including new guests and Patreon exclusives. Creative Chaos and Forest School (09:11 - 11:36): Embracing unpredictability and nature’s role in fostering creativity. Placebos and Scenting the Soap (23:03 - 25:29): How small details, like blankets and rituals, shape participant experiences. Trust, Training, and Marketing (14:00 - 16:21): The importance of signalling commitment and building reputation in Forest School. Developing Heuristics through Play (27:54 - 30:14): Encouraging intuition and flexible thinking in natural learning environments. Closing Thoughts (37:16 - 39:00): Reflections on balancing science and storytelling in Forest School. 📚 Resources Mentioned Alchemy by Rory Sutherland: Find it on Amazon TENTSILE Hammock Tents Chris Holland’s Plant Guide 🌟 Support the Podcast Enjoying the Forest School Podcast? Here’s how you can help us grow: Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Available on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. 🎧 Review: Leave a 5-star review to help others discover the podcast. ⭐ Share: Spread the word on social media and with your Forest School community. 🦉 Patreon: Join our Patreon for exclusive content, including early access to episodes and CPD resources. Gift subscriptions now available for the holiday season! 🎁 👉 Visit www.forestschoolpodcast.com for more details.

↓Click here for Limited Edition 'Magic in the Mud' merch! ↓ www.children-of-the-forest.com/forestsschoolpodcastshop What does it mean to truly know a tree? In this episode of the Forest School Podcast, we’re joined by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson, hosts of the Completely Arbortrary podcast, to explore the fascinating tension between knowing trees as species and connecting with them as individuals. With Casey’s arborist expertise and Alex’s creative perspective, this conversation is full of surprising insights and heartwarming anecdotes that will forever change the way you see the trees around you. From personal stories of childhood tree connections (00:46:00) to the science of epicormic growth as a survival strategy (00:13:00), and even the heroic tale of the 250-year-old Overlook Oak saved from development (00:47:00), this episode is a deep dive into the magic of trees. Key moments include Casey’s explanation of how naming a tree can deepen our connection by opening doors to patterns in nature (00:24:00), and Alex’s take on how trees can serve as archetypes, representing broader narratives that connect us to the natural world (00:21:00). We also discuss the role of community in forming collective bonds with specific trees, like the symbolic Robin Hood Tree, and the fascinating cultural significance of heritage trees across the globe (00:32:00). A standout quote from Casey: “When you get to know a tree’s name, it’s like seeing an old friend—you recognize its story and place in the world.” Listeners will walk away with actionable takeaways, including how to introduce children to tree identification, use storytelling to foster emotional connections with nature, and see trees as metaphors for resilience and growth. Resources and tools mentioned include Casey’s upcoming book on urban tree identification, the inspiring story of Australia’s tree billboards, and a nod to Tolkien’s deeply rooted (pun intended) fascination with individual trees. If you’ve ever wondered how trees connect us to the world around us, this is the episode for you! Listen now to be inspired by the stories, science, and symbolism of trees. Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with your community, and leave a review to support our work. Find us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and via our RSS feed: 🎙️ Spotify 📺 YouTube 📻 Apple Podcasts 💻 RSS.

Dive into the chaos, creativity, and comedy that is Song Wars! In this special episode, we’ve compiled all the musical gems from past episodes, including the hilariously self-indulgent chats that led to their creation. From heartfelt ballads about tagging games to unexpectedly funky anthems about bin juice and wet ropes, this is a Forest School Podcast experience like no other. Whether you’re here for a laugh or want a glimpse into the unfiltered madness of our musical endeavours, you’re in for a treat. What’s Inside (with Timestamps): [00:10] The Birth of Song Wars: Why we started writing these ridiculous songs. [02:08] "Sideways Rain": A love-hate ode to the challenges of outdoor life in the rain. [09:13] "Wind Speed": A manic yet relatable anthem for forest school leaders battling unpredictable weather. [17:06] "Run, Run" – A playful tagging game song capturing the exhaustion and humor of chasing children. [19:06] "Tag, You’re It" – A rap-inspired track from the perspective of a competitive tag player. [23:04] "Bin Juice Blues" – A sensory overload ballad about compost cleanup nightmares. [29:49] "Wet Rope" – A pirate-tinged dance number inspired by the frustrations of knot-tying. [39:32] "The January Blues Song" – A darkly comedic folk track reminding us that winter isn’t over yet. [43:22] Corvid Taxonomy Song: A listener-submitted poetic roast on bird misidentification.

↓Click here for Limited Edition 'Magic in the Mud' merch! ↓ www.children-of-the-forest.com/forestsschoolpodcastshop Summary: In this milestone 200th episode, hosts Lewis and Wem reflect on their podcasting journey, discussing the evolution of their content, memorable guest interviews, and the growth of the Forest School movement. They explore the integration of technology in outdoor education, the importance of inclusivity, and share personal anecdotes that have shaped their perspectives. Timestamps: 00:01 – 00:09: Celebrating 200 episodes and the podcast's evolution. 08:50 – 09:30: Memorable guest insights, including Naomi Fisher and Merlin Sheldrake. 13:21 – 14:08: Transition from activity-focused content to deeper discussions. 14:12 – 14:40: Dream field trips to unique outdoor education settings. 21:12 – 22:39: Debate on the role of technology in Forest School. 27:14 – 28:56: Wishlist of future podcast guests, from philosophers to modern educators. 28:40 – 28:54: Philosophical musings on play and education. 18:44 – 19:28: Gratitude to listeners and aspirations for future episodes. Resources Mentioned: Naomi Fisher's Work: Dr. Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, autism, and alternative learning methods. Explore her publications and insights on her official website: Naomi Fisher Merlin Sheldrake's Research: Merlin Sheldrake is a biologist and author known for his work on fungi and mycorrhizal networks. Learn more about his research and publications here: Merlin Sheldrake Nonviolent Communication: Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication process developed by Marshall Rosenberg. It focuses on empathetic listening and expressing needs without judgment. Find more information at the Center for Nonviolent Communication: For the Wild The Art of Holding Space: This concept involves supporting others without judgment, maintaining an open and empathetic presence. For a comprehensive guide, refer to Heather Plett's work: Subscribe to the Forest School Podcast on your preferred platform to stay updated with our latest episodes. Leave a review to share your thoughts and help others discover the show. Follow us on social media for updates and discussions: Forest School, outdoor education, podcasting journey, inclusivity in education, technology in outdoor learning, nonviolent communication, play-based learning.

When is it okay to step into a child's play? In this episode, we explore the delicate art of intervening in play cycles, discussing when to annihilate or contain play, how to navigate safety concerns, and ways to maintain emotional and physical balance. Join us for actionable insights, real-life scenarios, and strategies for reflective practice that will help you confidently manage play in your Forest School. Perfect for leaders, educators, and playworkers looking to refine their approach! 0:00 – Introduction: Why this episode is essential for Forest School leaders 1:15 – Overview of play cycles and key terms (annihilation, adulteration, containment) 6:00 – When and why to intervene in play cycles 8:30 – Balancing physical and emotional safety during risky play 12:00 – Practical techniques for reflective interventions 18:00 – Containment vs. adulteration: Avoiding adult agendas 19:50 – How to read nonverbal cues to guide interventions 23:00 – Collaborative play observation and group dynamics 26:25 – Strategies for managing hierarchies and power structures in play 30:00 – Wrap-up: Key takeaways and reflection exercises Play Types by Bob Hughes: Learn more here The Play Cycle Handbook by Perry Else and Gordon Sturrock: Purchase here Forest Pedagogy by Jon Cree and Marina Robb: Explore the book Articles on reflective playwork practices: Visit this resource 🌟 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to: Subscribe to our podcast on your favourite platform Leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review to help more listeners find us Join the conversation on social media! Share your thoughts, questions, and stories with us on Instagram and Facebook. Find us everywhere:🎙️ Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyI📺 YouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUs📻 Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/FxfMF💻 RSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9 The full transcript for this episode is available here. “Intervening in play isn’t about control—it’s about safeguarding the child’s ability to continue playing safely and joyfully.” “Sometimes, the most impactful intervention is subtle containment: adding or removing a resource to guide play without breaking the flow.” “Reflective practice isn’t just about stopping play; it’s about understanding when to step in and when to step back.”

Summary:In this episode, we explore the purpose of Forest School as a space for children to engage in free play, build social connections, and experience the joy of childhood without the pressures of traditional, outcome-driven education. Discover why Forest School stands as a community resource, supports mental health, and challenges the idea of “resume-building” for children. Episode Highlights: Free Play vs. Structured Learning: How unstructured play in Forest School supports mental health and holistic growth. Forest School as a Community Resource: The ripple effects of Forest School on families and communities, fostering environmental stewardship and shared values. Beyond Resume-Building: The limitations of an achievement-focused childhood and how Forest School offers a different path. The Mental Health Benefits of Nature-Based Learning: Why time spent in nature is essential for children’s well-being and resilience. Embracing “Pissing About”: The value of unstructured, joyful exploration and why it’s a radical act in today’s productivity-focused world. Timestamps: [00:05] Introduction to the theme: Free play and its role in childhood [05:05] Why treating childhood as resume-building affects mental health [11:51] Forest School as a community asset and environmental stewardship [13:24] The importance of unstructured time in Forest School [18:18] Encouraging outdoor leaders to preserve free play Resources Mentioned: Peter Gray’s Research – Gray’s studies on free play, childhood mental health, and inequality “Free to Learn” by Peter Gray – Gray’s book on childhood play and education Forest School Community Hub – Resources and connections for Forest School leaders Key Quotes: “Forest School isn’t about preparing kids for the future; it’s about giving them the space to experience joy and curiosity right now.” “In a world of metrics and outcomes, Forest School stands as a rare place where children can simply be.” Join the Conversation: How do you incorporate free play into your sessions? Join us on social media and share your thoughts! Find us everywhere:🎙️ Spotify📺 YouTube📻 Apple Podcasts💻 RSS Feed Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with fellow educators to help spread the message of free play and nature-based learning!

Summary In this episode, Lewis explores the biases surrounding verbal and nonverbal communication within the context of forest school training. He discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing these biases to create a more inclusive environment for participants. The conversation delves into various aspects of communication, including play cues, emotional expressions, and the impact of verbal hierarchies. Lewis emphasizes the need for forest school leaders to value nonverbal communication and consider its role in fostering connections among participants. Takeaways The forest school training emphasizes intentional decision-making. Verbal and nonverbal communication biases can impact participant interactions. Non-judgmental approaches are essential in forest school settings. Communication barriers can arise from emotional overwhelm or language differences. Play cues often involve nonverbal communication that should be recognized. Apologies can take many forms beyond verbal expressions. Verbal hierarchies can create barriers in communication with children. Nonverbal communication is a key aspect of forest school leadership. Forest school leaders are uniquely positioned to value nonverbal cues. Reflecting on communication practices can enhance inclusivity. Chapters 00:00 Unpacking Intentional Communication 05:41 Exploring Language Bias in Communication 09:00 The Role of Nonverbal Cues 14:37 Play Cues and Communication Dynamics 17:26 Apologies and Emotional Expressions 20:19 Verbal Hierarchies and Participation 23:42 Nonverbal Communication in Nature 26:39 Reflecting on Practice and Inclusivity 42:13 Exploring Bias in Communication 42:44 Engagement with Participants 43:11 Community and Reflective Practices 43:22 podcast clips rooster.mp3