nature connection weekend
we had the pleasure of holding a 'nature connection/8 shields' weekend again at our site in april 2024 with anna richardson from the children's forest and jack durtnall. such a wondrous time was had ~ understanding the natural cycles of day night, the seasons across the year, human and plant life…
all hallows 21’
last october, we gathered for an alternative twist on 'halloween', exploring some of the deeper meanings of this time of year; the transition from the light to the dark phase of the year, energy becoming more internal and restful in preparation for winter’s dormany, honouring those who have passed, letting go of that which no longer serves us; by harking back to the ancient celtic, nature-based origins of this occasion of 'samhain’ (meaning ‘summers end’) among the trees with storytelling, live music, crafts, fire ceremony and festivities.
celebrating midsummer
with our monthly warriors group, we got to know elderflower and other plants through a sensory blindfold game where you could only use your sense of smell and touch. it brought the children into a quiet, mindful state and a natural flury of joyful exclamations and curious questions around the plants and little stories about their experience ensued once they regained their eyesight ~ this is nature connection in action.
trainee story ~ karen
i feel that forest schools should evolve into becoming the norm in our society worldwide and all children should have access to this as a basis to their education regardless of whether they are at school or home educated. i would like the opportunity to undertake this training because i want to be part of creating a positive future where connection to nature is nurtured from the beginning.
trainee story ~ toni
i’m hoping that this training with help me rebuild the confidence in my skillset and to develop other skills that i can then share with members of our community to help them to engage with the natural world with joy and respect.