by Gareth Davies | 2 Mar, 2017 | Case Study, Guidance Note, Research
The FSA is a growing repository for practitioner-research, with the intention of building a body of evidence that can contribute to our developing understanding of Forest School. Please see the following document, which explains the research rational behind this:...
by Gareth Davies | 2 Mar, 2017 | Activity Idea, Practical skills, Shelter building
This is a useful free standing den design for sites that may be limited in naturally occurring den resources. Be aware! You may find yourself choosing your own Christmas tree based on how well it keeps its needles with a mind to filling in a den wall rather than...
by Gareth Davies | 2 Mar, 2017 | Guidance Note, Hand tools, Practical skills
When using hand tools it is important to ensure the work is securely clamped or braced, so that it is not necessary for the tool user (or helper) hands to be close to where the tool action is taking place. It is also important that the work is up off the ground, so...
by Gareth Davies | 2 Mar, 2017 | Guidance Note, Hand tools, Practical skills
It is the Forest School Leader`s responsibility to develop their own tool use to be confident, competent and safe when working with traditional tools and to be able to pass on that knowledge and skill to enable Forest School participants if and when ready, to develop...
by Gareth Davies | 2 Mar, 2017 | Campfire Cooking, Fire lighting and management, Guidance Note, Practical skills
Fires of all different kinds may form part of Forest School provision – all the way from little 5-minutes fires to large-scale roasting fires. They might occur every session, rarely or never. The irregularity of fire use in many Forest School programmes means that...
by Gareth Davies | 2 Mar, 2017 | Activity Idea, Fire lighting and management, Practical skills
Birch bark naturally has resinous oils within it, making it a fantastic resource for firelighting. The burning bark is also reasonably effective as an insect repellent. Collection – Birch naturally sheds its outer bark in papery strips. Look for a tree that is...
by Gareth Davies | 2 Mar, 2017 | Activity Idea, Fire lighting and management, Practical skills
Forest school largely focusses on developing the individual. This can be achieved through informal activities eg. free play time, or through organised group activities. One example of the latter is group involvement in entertainment around a campfire (with or without...
by Gareth Davies | 2 Mar, 2017 | Activity Idea, Craft Skills, Practical skills
Skulk of foxes. Skulk of foxes Difficulty level ; Medium Full instructions- www.kindlingplayandtraining.co.uk/forest-school/skulk-of-foxes-a-whittling-project/ Fungi Difficulty level ; Medium Full...
by Gareth Davies | 2 Mar, 2017 | Activity Idea, Craft Skills, Practical skills
Who doesn’t like mud!?! I sometimes chat about how you make mud and whether soil has clay, or sand or plant matter in it. As soon as the children have started to stir the soil/water I go around and ask to see their hands. They proudly show clean hands and I...
by Gareth Davies | 2 Mar, 2017 | Activity Idea, Craft Skills, Practical skills
In the winter months, evergreens are traditionally brought inside as symbols of the continuity of life, and symbols of hope and endurance through the dark season. Circular wreaths symbolise the wheel of the year, and continuity of life. Each evergreen species has a...
