Making the most of summer at Forest School

Sunshine & Fun: Making the Most of Summer at Forest School!

Summer’s here, and at Forest School, that means longer days, warmer weather, and a vibrant burst of life all around us! While it might be tempting to just kick back and soak up the rays, the summer months offer a fantastic opportunity for both exciting new adventures and essential upkeep of our beloved woodland haven.

Whether you’re a seasoned Forest Schooler or new to the wonders of outdoor learning, there’s always something to keep you busy, engaged, and connected with nature. So, grab a cuppa and let’s dive into some ideas for making the most of summer at your UK Forest School!

Five Fantastic Forest School Summer Activities!

Summer brings unique possibilities for play and exploration. Here are five easy-to-do activities perfect for sunny days:

1. Mini-Beast Safaris & Bug Hotels: With the warmer weather, the creepy crawlies are out in full force! Arm yourselves with magnifying glasses and identification charts (or even just keen eyes!) and go on a hunt for beetles, spiders, butterflies, and more. Why not take it a step further and construct a “bug hotel” from old pallets, bamboo canes, and pine cones to give them a luxurious place to stay?
2. Nature Art & ephemeral Creations: The Forest School is brimming with natural art supplies! Collect fallen leaves, petals, twigs, and pebbles to create stunning nature mandalas, pictures, or even sculptures directly on the forest floor. The beauty of ephemeral art is its temporary nature – a reminder of the ever-changing natural world.
3. Water Play & Mud Kitchen Mania: On a warm day, a bit of water can go a long way! Set up a simple water play station with buckets, scoops, and natural materials like leaves and small stones. And of course, no summer Forest School is complete without a fully operational mud kitchen! Encourage concocting elaborate mud pies, potions, and even “dinosaur soup.”
4. Shadow Play & Sundials: As the sun arcs across the sky, observe the fascinating dance of shadows. Challenge children to make shadow puppets with their bodies or found objects. For older children, try creating a simple sundial using a stick and some stones, marking the hours as the sun moves. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn about time and the Earth’s rotation.
5. Storytelling & Den Building in Shady Spots: Find a cool, shady spot under a canopy of trees and let imaginations run wild with storytelling. Encourage children to build simple dens or shelters using natural materials like fallen branches and tarpaulins. These cozy nooks are perfect for quiet reflection, reading, or sharing tales of woodland adventures.

Six Essential Summer Maintenance Tasks for Your UK Forest School

While we’re having fun, summer is also a crucial time for giving our Forest School site a bit of TLC. Here are six maintenance tasks that are particularly important during the warmer months in the UK:

1. Path & Access Way Clearing: With lush summer growth, paths can quickly become overgrown. Clear any encroaching vegetation to ensure safe and easy access for everyone, reducing trip hazards.
2. Tool Maintenance & Storage: The summer months are ideal for a thorough check of all your Forest School tools. Clean, sharpen, and oil any bladed tools. Ensure all tools are stored safely and securely, protected from the elements.
3. Den/Shelter Integrity Checks: Inspect any permanent or semi-permanent dens and shelters for damage from winter storms or animal activity. Make any necessary repairs to ensure they remain safe and weatherproof.
4. Water Management (Ponds & Rainwater Harvesters): If you have a pond, monitor water levels and clear any excessive algae or plant growth. If you have rainwater harvesting systems, check gutters and filters to ensure they are clear and functioning efficiently.
5. Fire Circle Area Upkeep: Give your fire circle area a good tidy up. Remove any ash, ensure the surrounding area is clear of flammable materials, and check the seating for stability and safety.
6. Vegetation Management (Nettles, Brambles etc.): Summer growth can mean an explosion of stinging nettles and thorny brambles. Identify areas where these might pose a hazard and carefully manage their growth, perhaps by cutting them back or designating them as “no-go” zones.

Summer at Forest School is a truly magical time. By blending exciting activities with essential maintenance, we can ensure our woodland sanctuary remains a vibrant, safe, and inspiring place for exploration and learning for years to come.