Will I / my child be warm enough (in colder months)?
Layers are important on top and bottom, and children should bring a warm change of clothes so there are no worries about warmth if they get over involved in stream play! In general in the colder months it is best to have welly boots or walking boots (old trainers if not) that can easily fit in extra warm socks. If feet are restricted they don’t stay warm. Hats, gloves, jumpers, waterproof coats and waterproof trousers all add up to a warm happy child ready to let loose in the woods!
What about clothing in summer?
Long sleeved t-shirts and trousers, with wellies or old trainers should always be worn. Ticks are less likely to be a problem if skin is covered, and long sleeves/ legs are also indicated by our fire and tool safety policies. In the woods it is a few degrees cooler than out in the sunshine as there is permanent shade, so still bring a jumper / coat even if they are just kept in a backpack for when needed.
What about cuts and grazes?
Please cover existing cuts and grazes with a plaster as appropriate and let us know if it is a recent injury. If a child has broken skin it may not be appropriate for them to play in the stream. Please ask us if you have any concerns.
Are toilets available?
When we are in Greyfield Woods there are no toilet facilities and the “wild wee/poo” or “tree wee/poo” is encouraged. We can help those children too small to do this alone. We will designate an area for those wild wee/poo and dig a hole if necessary.
Is eating in the woods hygienic?
Before eating we rinse hands in soapy water and then in cold running water. Food is bought, stored and prepared in line with Food Safety Guidelines, and we bring a trolley to assist us with the serving and preparing of food.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is an inspirational process, that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees.
Read more about Forest School on the Forest School Association website.
What is Ecotherapy?
The name often given to the green agenda for mental health whereby people are engaged in greenspace-based activities as part of their treatment programme. One study found that for 90 per cent of people involved in a green exercise programme the combination of nature and exercise was the most important factor in determining how they felt. However true Ecotherapy is more specific; trained ecotherapists working to support wholeness, healing and growth through deep reconnection with the living world. Reciprocal healing for humans and earth systems.