Apple Grove Awakens!
At long last, a gentle warmth has kissed the land, and the sun has emerged, painting the Apple Grove in a golden hue. Oh, how we've revelled in its embrace! The air is alive with the sound of laughter and industrious activity, as our intrepid explorers transform the grove into a realm of their own making.
Tiny hands, working with remarkable determination, have woven intricate dens, creating secret havens amongst the trees. The mud kitchen, a bubbling cauldron of earthy concoctions, has seen a flurry of culinary creations, each more imaginative than the last. And now, a thrilling tyre path snakes its way through the grove, a testament to their ingenuity. Here, agility is tested, and imaginations run wild as they leap from tyre to tyre, navigating perilous lava flows and facing down imaginary gladiators.
But our young guardians are not just builders; they are custodians of the land. With a keen eye for detail, they've diligently tidied, collecting stray litter and ensuring the grove remains a safe haven for both children and the woodland creatures who call it home.
A sense of adventure has gripped our little archaeologists, as they've begun to delve into the earth, excavating hidden treasures. With each scoop of soil, they unearth fragments of the past: shards of pottery, smooth, ancient rocks, rusty tins, and other enigmatic relics. Who knows what stories these treasures hold?
Amidst the bustling activity, the trees offer a sanctuary, a quiet refuge where children can retreat to read, ponder, and simply be. The dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves creates a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for moments of peaceful contemplation.
Spring's vibrant tapestry is unfurling before our very eyes. The nettles and sticky weed, those tenacious heralds of warmer days, are pushing through the soil, while the blackthorn, a vision of delicate white blossoms, is bursting into life. The anticipation is palpable; the vernal equinox, marking the official arrival of spring, on the 20th of March, draws ever closer, promising a season of renewal and wonder.
As the vernal equinox approaches, a palpable sense of renewal permeates our woodland haven. The skeletal branches of the winter trees are now delicately adorned with swelling buds, promising a vibrant tapestry of green. Snowdrops, those delicate harbingers of spring, gracefully bow their heads, while the warming sun casts a golden glow across the forest floor.
Our ambitious project to create a new pond has been a central focus this month. A strategic decision was made to relocate the pond within the heart of our nature reserve. This move offers several advantages: the pond will benefit from ample sunlight, crucial for aquatic biodiversity, and it will also enjoy a natural water source from the winterbourne stream that meanders through the back of the woods, rising in a secluded corner.
However, the capricious British weather has presented us with a considerable challenge. The recent deluge of heavy rain has transformed our designated pond area into a muddy quagmire. Embracing this 'muddly magnificence', the children have enthusiastically plunged into the task, their spades and wellies becoming willing victims to the tenacious mud. We’ve witnessed the occasional wellington boot being swallowed whole and a few valiant spades disappearing into the depths, but the sheer joy and camaraderie have made every muddy mishap worthwhile.
Despite the damp conditions, our Forest School fires have been a comforting and convivial highlight. The crackling flames have provided warmth and a focal point for shared stories and laughter. We’ve delighted in toasting golden marshmallows and popping corn kernels over the embers, creating sweet treats that warmed both hands and hearts.
Our young explorers have also been busy with a plethora of other activities. Tree climbing remains a popular pursuit, fostering confidence and physical dexterity. New dens have sprung up, each a testament to the children’s creativity and collaborative spirit. We also observed a moment of profound empathy and respect when a group of children discovered a deceased blue tit. They carefully crafted a small grave, demonstrating a deep understanding of the cycle of life and death within the natural world.
The transition to spring is a time of exciting change, and we eagerly anticipate the unfolding of new discoveries and adventures in the weeks to come.
Just wanted to give you a quick update on why I've been absent from Botley School lately. As some of you may know, I'm a big fan of spending time outdoors, both at school and at home. Well, my love of gardening has unfortunately led to a bit of a mishap! I've managed to injure my back while getting a little too enthusiastic in the garden. Let's just say, the weeds won this round.
I'm really disappointed to be away from school, especially because I was so excited about building the new pond. I'm missing all the fun and learning, and I'm particularly sad to miss out on our Forest School adventures.
I'm doing my best to recover quickly and following my doctor's instructions carefully. I can't wait to get back to Botley and see everyone. I'll keep you all updated on my progress, and hopefully, I'll be back in the woods with you all before you know it!
Thanks for all your well wishes – they mean a lot.
See you soon,
- Mr Evans-Lee
Our cherished Botley School, a place where learning and play flourish, needed a little care. Chestnut Class, embodying the spirit of Forest School, took the initiative with "The Great Big Botley School Clear Up!" This was more than just a tidy-up; it was a practical demonstration of environmental stewardship, rooted in our Forest School principles.
Working collaboratively in teams, our resourceful pupils undertook a thorough exploration and clean-up of the school grounds. They ventured behind the BOSHC Building, navigated the seasonal changes in the Apple Grove, delved into the natural haven of the Woods, traversed the expansive upper and lower fields, and diligently cleared the playground.
Their enthusiasm, fostered by their time in Forest School, was remarkable. They demonstrated resilience in tackling the task, independence in their teamwork, and a clear sense of self-awareness regarding their impact on the environment. The result? Four heavily laden refuse sacks, filled with litter.
But the work doesn’t stop there! In true Forest School style, we're taking a holistic approach. We'll be weighing the collected rubbish to understand the scale of our impact, and then, we'll undertake a detailed analysis of its contents. This investigative process, reminiscent of the exploration and discovery central to Forest School, will help us identify patterns and develop sustainable waste reduction strategies.
This initiative was a tangible example of fostering connection to nature. By directly engaging with their environment, the children developed a deeper understanding of their role within it. They learned about the impact of litter on the natural world, reinforcing the Forest School principle of environmental awareness.
Through this hands-on experience, Chestnut Class not only cleaned up our school but also cultivated a strong sense of responsibility and community. They have shown us that even small actions, when guided by the principles of Forest School, can make a significant and lasting difference. They have truly embodied the Forest School spirit, proving that we are all caretakers of our environment.
This winter term, we embarked on an ambitious project: creating a new pond in the woods. We decided to remove the OP Hawthorn Playhouse which had suffered in the recent storms; to make space for a larger pond, which will help manage the water flow in the woods and create a thriving habitat for wildlife.
The children have been involved in every step of the process, from dismantling the OP Hawthorn playhouse stage to designing the shape and size of the new pond. They've even figured out how to divert water from the nearby stream to fill the pond. It's a long-term project, but the children are excited to see it through and contribute to creating something lasting in their Forest School.
The woods have also been teeming with fascinating fungi this winter. The children have been captivated by the variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, and they've been learning about the vital role fungi play in the ecosystem. They've enjoyed identifying different species, creating spore prints, and drawing detailed pictures of their finds.
This period has been filled with adventure, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world. The children have embraced the changing seasons, learned new skills, and made lasting memories in the Forest School.
Winter in the woods has its own unique magic. The bare trees allow us to see deep into the woods, revealing hidden bird nests and offering glimpses of woodland creatures. Of course, winter also brings mud, glorious mud! The children have been making the most of it, creating mud pies, building mud castles, and even making mud angels.
One crisp winter day, we ventured out to make ivy crowns. The children carefully selected ivy vines and wove them into beautiful headwear, feeling a connection to the natural world around them. To our surprise, we even discovered some late-ripening blackberries, a sweet treat to enjoy on a chilly afternoon.
As the sun began to set, we gathered around a crackling campfire. The children watched in fascination as the flames danced and listened to the crackling wood. We then popped some corn over the fire, enjoying the smoky flavour and the warmth of the flames. It was a magical experience that brought us together and fostered a sense of community
Autumn brought a flurry of activity to the Forest School. We welcomed a new group of children, eager to explore the woods and all its wonders. One of the first things they discovered was our resident robin, affectionately nicknamed "Poopy" due to his rather unfortunate habit of, well, pooping while we're gathered around the fire circle!
The children have been incredibly creative this term, making all sorts of wonderful things with clay. It's been lovely to see how this activity helps them settle and find a sense of peace in the woods. Some of their creations include intricate animal figures, delicate pots, and expressive faces. Working with clay provides a wonderful sensory experience and helps develop their fine motor skills and self-expression.
Over in the Apple Grove, the children constructed a "skydiving" platform! They took turns leaping from this platform onto a safe cushion below. It was a fantastic way to encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and risk assessment, all while having a thrilling time. The platform itself was a testament to their ingenuity, built using natural materials found in the woods.
The Apple Grove also became a haven for musical exploration. The children formed a band using an assortment of drums, wood, pots, and pans, creating a joyful cacophony of sound. It was wonderful to witness their spontaneous collaboration and the sheer joy they found in making music together.
Forest School Calendar Update
We're excited to announce a revised Forest School calendar, effective from 30th September 2024. Following feedback and observing the enthusiastic participation of our pupils, we've decided to expand our Forest School session offerings.
To provide even more opportunities for our children to immerse themselves in the enriching experiences of outdoor learning, we are now offering Forest School sessions in both the morning and afternoon. This adjustment allows for greater flexibility and ensures that more children can benefit from the unique developmental advantages of our Forest School programme.
Why the change? We've witnessed first-hand the positive impact Forest School has on our pupils. From fostering resilience and problem-solving skills to nurturing creativity and a deep connection with nature, the benefits are undeniable. By increasing the frequency of sessions, we aim to maximise these advantages for all our children.
This revised schedule also allows us to take better advantage of seasonal changes and varying weather conditions. For instance, morning sessions might be ideal for observing dew-covered spiderwebs and early bird activity, while afternoon sessions could allow for woodland craft projects and fire-lighting activities (where appropriate).
We understand that scheduling is important, so we've made sure to provide a clear and updated calendar on our website. You can find all the details, including session times and dates, on the Forest School Calendar page:
www.botleyschool.org.uk/forest-school-calendar/
We encourage you to take a look and see how your child can benefit from these expanded Forest School opportunities. We believe this change will enhance their learning journey and provide them with invaluable experiences in the natural world.