What a fantastic celebration of Spring we had! As the sun cast shafts of light into the heart of the WoWo woods, Ross Symond began the day by reminding us of the power and potential of following a nature-based calendar. Of how, by observing the changes around us, we can deepen the connection to nature’s cycles ourselves and in our practice.
Suitably primed, the attendees dispersed to various workshops dappled throughout the woods. Some stayed with Ross to explore further ways to use Spring to understand and regulate. Others found themselves immediately immersed into the minute world of the emerging woodland flora, with Luke Manders sharing his insights, knowledge and useful tips on what, why and how to responsibly forage at this time of the year.
Another group joined Emily Longhurst who orchestrated uplifting nature themed songs, demonstrating the joy of the collective voice as it circled and spread about us. Again showing the potential of the voice, Sharon Tyas led a workshop on how to gain more confidence in telling stories and how to use them to engage children and adults alike. Nestled in another glade, Claire Robilliard shared how we can make deliciously fragrant potions from a wide range of floral essential oils with the emphasis on selfcare and sensory awareness.
Also offering an extensive range of flora, Fiona Eastwood showed how it is possible to make stunning creations by dying cloth and paper through the combination and interaction of plants, heat and various metals.
Not using florals but using clay and wood, both Sam Cross and Tom Ford demonstrated how using natural materials, knowledge and specific tools can be a such an immersive experience. Sam’s experiment into the processing and firing of natural clay ran throughout the day as she encouraged attendees to explore with her the processing, manipulation and firing of clay objects. One glade away, Tom had us making beautiful feathered flowers with a shaving horse as well as most usefully showed us how to sharpen and maintain tools.
In addition to all these workshops, Tina shared her extensive bird knowledge with those who wanted to know about UK birds and their activities in the Springtime. Tina, like Sam, is a committee member who offered to run a workshop to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with others. This was very much the theme of the day, embracing the Forest School ethos of sharing knowledge to deepen our experience and understanding of our natural world through seasonal changes.
