A Space for Exploration, Growth, Resilience, and Reflection
Botley School is exceptionally fortunate to possess such expansive fields, a valuable resource that provides ample space for dynamic Forest School activities, a deep connection with the wider environment, and opportunities for quiet contemplation. These fields are not merely open spaces; they are integral to our Forest School ethos, fostering physical development, teamwork, resilience, an appreciation for the natural world, and emotional well-being.
Energetic Play and Team Building: Laying the Foundation for Learning
The vastness of the upper and lower fields allows for large-scale, energetic Forest School games that promote physical activity, coordination, and social interaction. Games like "Spiders & Flies" encourage strategic thinking and agility, while "Screaming Game" provides a safe and fun outlet for releasing energy and building confidence. "Echo" fosters listening skills and awareness of the surrounding environment, and even the playful "Welly Wanging" (wellington boot throwing) can be used to explore concepts of distance, force, and trajectory.
Forest School sessions often begin with a collaborative game designed to energise the children, build teamwork skills, and foster a sense of community before venturing into our more specific Forest School sites. This shared experience prepares them for the deeper learning and exploration that awaits.
A Living Hedgerow: A Habitat for Biodiversity and Learning
The fields are bordered by a diverse hedgerow, a vital ecosystem in its own right. Species such as hawthorn, field maple, and blackthorn provide essential food and shelter for a variety of animals and insects, creating a rich habitat for observation and learning. In the spring of 2022, the children, with enthusiasm and a sense of environmental stewardship, planted over 400 saplings donated by the Woodland Trust.
This new hedgerow, comprised of crab apple, rowan, elder, hazel, and dog rose, was intended to further enhance the biodiversity of the area and provide a valuable resource for future generations. Sadly, the unprecedented heatwave of summer 2022 presented a harsh challenge, and despite our best efforts, we lost these young trees. This experience, while disappointing, provided a valuable lesson in the realities of climate change and the importance of resilience. We are currently carefully reassessing our plans for the 2023/24 academic year, learning from this experience and considering alternative strategies before ordering more saplings, demonstrating to the children the importance of adaptation and perseverance in the face of environmental challenges.
The Jubilee Orchard: A Symbol of Hope and Renewal
In March 2022, as part of the Queen's Green Canopy initiative celebrating her Platinum Jubilee, the children, with a sense of civic pride, helped plant approximately 20 mixed-variety fruit trees next to the Apple Grove. This new orchard, named the Jubilee Orchard, was envisioned as our newest Forest School area, a place where children could learn about fruit cultivation, biodiversity, and the importance of planting for the future. The trees were generously provided by a local plant nursery and funded by a generous donation, highlighting the importance of community involvement in environmental projects.
Unfortunately, the extreme weather of summer 2022 also impacted the Jubilee Orchard, resulting in the loss of nine of these young trees. Upon closer inspection the following winter, it was clear that while the trees had established their root systems well, the intense and prolonged heat had simply been too much for them to withstand. This experience, though disheartening, offered a valuable opportunity to discuss the impact of climate change and the importance of adapting our planting strategies. Undeterred by this setback, we sourced more resilient fruit trees, and the children, demonstrating their commitment and resilience, replanted these as part of their Forest School sessions in preparation for spring 2023. The Jubilee Orchard now stands as a symbol of hope and renewal, a testament to the children's dedication to creating a sustainable environment for the future. It embodies the Forest School principles of perseverance, learning from experience, and fostering a deep connection with the natural world.
A Cretan Labyrinth: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Looking ahead to 2025, an exciting new project is in development for the lower field: the design and construction of a Cretan labyrinth. This ancient symbol, with its single, winding path leading to the centre, will offer children a unique space for reflection, mindfulness, and self-discovery. Walking the labyrinth can be a calming and meditative experience, promoting emotional well-being and providing a space for quiet contemplation amidst the activity of the fields. It can also be used to explore themes of journey, resilience, and problem-solving, offering a metaphorical representation of life's challenges and the path to finding one's centre.
The labyrinth will further enhance the rich and diverse learning opportunities offered by the fields, providing a space for both active play and quiet reflection, in line with the holistic principles of Forest School.