The Forest School Podcast

Wem Southerden & Lewis Ames have run Forest School and training centre Children of the Forest since 2017. The Forest School Podcast was born when they wondered if their daily wafflechats and reflections about pedagogy, play and nature connection might be of interest to others. The podcast aims to inform and support educators, parents, outdoor and play practitioners and anyone interested in nature and the outdoors. Through book reviews – interviews with experts, practitioners and authors – sharing our experience as educators and business owners – deep dives on fascinating topics –

Chatting Almanacs with author Lia Leendertz

Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest⁠ 🌲🎧. --- Join our vibrant community on Facebook Group at ⁠www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783⁠ 🌳📚. --- Elevate your skills with virtual consultancy and in-person training at ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💼. --- Looking to ignite your culinary adventures in nature? 🌳🔥 Check out Forest School Cooking at ⁠https://amzn.to/3pEFQ4A⁠ for a sizzling experience! --- For bookings

10-21
43:19

The concrete has failed! Do we know how to design outdoor schools?

Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest⁠ 🌲🎧. --- Join our vibrant community on Facebook Group at ⁠www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783⁠ 🌳📚. --- Elevate your skills with virtual consultancy and in-person training at ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💼. --- Looking to ignite your culinary adventures in nature? 🌳🔥 Check out Forest School Cooking at ⁠https://amzn.to/3pEFQ4A⁠ for a sizzling experience! --- For bookings, training, and more, visit ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💻. ---  

09-16
21:39

I need more than my 'fair share'. Resources Part 2.

Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest⁠ 🌲🎧. --- Join our vibrant community on Facebook Group at ⁠www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783⁠ 🌳📚. --- Elevate your skills with virtual consultancy and in-person training at ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💼. --- Looking to ignite your culinary adventures in nature? 🌳🔥 Check out Forest School Cooking at ⁠https://amzn.to/3pEFQ4A⁠ for a sizzling experience! --- For bookings, training, and more, visit ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💻. ---  

09-10
51:51

Should you let kids break equipment in the name of play?

Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest⁠ 🌲🎧. --- Join our vibrant community on Facebook Group at ⁠www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783⁠ 🌳📚. --- Elevate your skills with virtual consultancy and in-person training at ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💼. --- Looking to ignite your culinary adventures in nature? 🌳🔥 Check out Forest School Cooking at ⁠https://amzn.to/3pEFQ4A⁠ for a sizzling experience! --- For bookings, training, and more, visit ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💻. ---  

09-04
57:15

Ep 173: Renaturing School Playgrounds: The Challenges and Opportunities Engaging Children with Nature in Urban Areas with Nina Lovelace

Get your Forest School Confessions in at www.theforestschoolpodcast.com Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠ www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠ 🌲🎧. Leave this episode a review on your podcast player! Sponsors: Carbonfarmers.world for Tawi Stoves! Guest Info: https://www.hackneyoutdoors.co.uk/services Summary In this episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis Ames and Wem Sutherland discuss urban forest school with guest Nina Lovelace. They explore the challenges and opportunities of bringing nature and forest school principles to urban environments. Nina shares her experience of re-naturing school playgrounds and engaging children and families in nature connection. They also discuss the importance of relationships with nature-connected adults and the value of a holistic approach to education. In this conversation, Nina talks about her experience with urban forest school and the challenges and opportunities it presents. She discusses the importance of engaging children with the natural environment and how she encourages them to see the playground differently. Nina also addresses the issue of limited resources in urban areas and the need to be creative in providing nature-based experiences. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with parents and staff to navigate the challenges of integrating forest school principles into a school setting. Nina also highlights the significance of considering microclimates and climate resilience in urban forest school projects. Keywords urban forest school, nature connection, re-naturing, school playgrounds, holistic education, urban forest school, engaging children, natural environment, playground, limited resources, creativity, relationships, parents, staff, microclimates, climate resilience Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:22 Defining Urban Forest School 05:35 Renaturing Urban Spaces: The William Patten School Project 08:37 Corporate Partnerships and Fundraising 12:08 Applying Skills from a Corporate Background 13:11 The Value of Urban Forest School in Education 18:05 Challenges and Insights of Designing Small Spaces 23:06 The Social Aspects of Forest School 31:35 Creating Nature-Rich Spaces in Urban Environments 36:43 Engaging Parents and Teachers in Urban Forest School Initiatives 40:41 Climate Resilience in Urban Forest School 45:31 The Value of Herbs and Native Plants in Urban Forest School 49:29 Storytelling and Learning in Urban Forest School

05-03
01:01:48

Ep 171: Matrescence and Forest School with Lucy Jones

Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠ www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠ 🌲🎧. Leave this episode a review on your podcast player! Find out about our sessions and Forest School Leader Training in Devon, UK at www.children-of-the-forest.com — Guest Info: https://lucyfjones.com/  — Sponsors:Carbonfarmers.world for Tawi Stoves! Lucy Jones, author of the book Matressence, joins the Forest School Podcast to discuss the journey of becoming a mother and the lack of cultural representation and support for motherhood. Lucy shares her personal experience of feeling isolated and overwhelmed as a new mother and how the word 'matressence' provided a sense of validation. She explores the historical and cultural reasons behind the lack of focus on motherhood and childbirth in society. Lucy also discusses the importance of rituals and celebrations to honor and acknowledge the transformative experience of becoming a mother. The conversation explores the shame and stigma surrounding the challenges of becoming a parent, as well as the power of gathering and sharing stories. The guest emphasizes the importance of including dads and partners in the conversation and highlights the need for everyone to be part of the solution. They discuss the concept of matrescence and its ongoing impact throughout different stages of parenting. The guest also explains the inclusion of ecological vignettes in the book, which serve as metaphors and provide solace in the face of change and challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:58 Exploring the Reasons Behind the Denial of the Maternal Experience 34:22 Breaking the Taboos: Addressing the Shame and Stigma of Parenthood 52:51 Nature as a Source of Grounding and Normalizing the Experience of Motherhood 59:44 Towards New Ways of Thinking and Storytelling: Prioritizing Care and the Natural World Keywords motherhood, childbirth, matressence, cultural representation, support, isolation, rituals, celebrations, parenting, shame, stigma, challenges, gathering, sharing stories, dads, partners, matrescence, stages of parenting, ecological vignettes, metaphors, solace

04-16
01:08:37

Ep 170: Measuring a Springboard's Success

Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠⁠ 🌲🎧. Leave this episode a review on your podcast player! Find out about our sessions and Forest School Leader Training in Devon, UK at www.children-of-the-forest.com — Sponsors: www.Carbonfarmers.world for Tawi Stoves! Summary In this episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem discuss the concept of springboards in forest school sessions. They explore the idea of springboards as intentional offerings or ideas that springboard a group into action. They discuss the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of springboards and how they can vary in terms of engagement and success. They also highlight the significance of creating a safe learning community where everyone's ideas and springboards are valued and respected. The conversation emphasizes the importance of modeling pro-social behavior and being open to trying new things. The conversation explores the concept of springboards in Forest School sessions and discusses various aspects related to their effectiveness and implementation. The hosts discuss the importance of flexibility and adaptability in springboards, as well as the impact of personal biases on defining successful springboards. They also touch on the role of engagement and the measurement of success in springboards. The conversation delves into the factors that influence the choice and design of springboards, such as the age of the learners, the ease of input, and the individual flavor or style of the practitioner. The hosts also discuss the balance between over-planning and being responsive to the group's needs, as well as the importance of being able to modify or end a springboard if it's not working. They highlight the uniqueness of each practitioner's approach and the impact it has on the overall forest school experience. Takeaways Springboards are intentional offerings or ideas that springboard a group into action in forest school sessions. The effectiveness of springboards can vary in terms of engagement and success, and it's important to evaluate their impact. Creating a safe learning community where everyone's ideas and springboards are valued and respected is crucial. Modeling pro-social behavior and being open to trying new things can foster a positive learning environment. Springboards can be adapted and personalized by individuals within the group, allowing for individual interests and comfort levels. Springboards in Forest School sessions should be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs and interests of the learners. Engagement is a key factor in the success of a springboard, and it is important to consider the individual preferences and learning styles of the group. The age of the learners and the specific site can influence the choice and design of springboards. Practitioners should find a balance between over-planning and being responsive to the group's needs, and should be able to modify or end a springboard if necessary. Each practitioner brings their own unique flavor or style to their springboards, which contributes to the overall forest school experience. Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Concept of Springboards 16:25 Creating a Safe Learning Community 39:01 Ease of Input and Springboard Design 49:25 Finding the Balance: Over-Planning vs. Responsiveness 59:45 Unique Springboards for Unique Experiences

04-14
01:06:44

'Do we make kids move too much?' and 'Are we encouraging aggression at Forest School?'

Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠⁠www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest⁠⁠ 🌲🎧. --- Join our vibrant community on Facebook Group at ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783⁠⁠ 🌳📚. --- Elevate your skills with virtual consultancy and in-person training at ⁠⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠⁠ 🌿💼. --- Looking to ignite your culinary adventures in nature? 🌳🔥 Check out Forest School Cooking at ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3pEFQ4A⁠⁠ for a sizzling experience! --- For bookings, training, and more, visit ⁠⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠⁠ 🌿💻. ---

08-01
01:12:04

Play is More Playful When it is Age-Mixed - by Peter Gray

https://petergray.substack.com/p/12-age-mixed-play-iii-play-is-more Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest⁠ 🌲🎧. --- Join our vibrant community on Facebook Group at ⁠www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783⁠ 🌳📚. --- Elevate your skills with virtual consultancy and in-person training at ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💼. --- Looking to ignite your culinary adventures in nature? 🌳🔥 Check out Forest School Cooking at ⁠https://amzn.to/3pEFQ4A⁠ for a sizzling experience! --- For bookings, training, and more, visit ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💻. ---

07-11
53:45

'The Autistic Guide to Adventure' with Allie Mason

https://uk.jkp.com/products/the-autistic-guide-to-adventure Support The Forest School Podcast on Patreon for bonus episodes and ad-free episodes at ⁠www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest⁠ 🌲🎧. --- Join our vibrant community on Facebook Group at ⁠www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783⁠ 🌳📚. --- Elevate your skills with virtual consultancy and in-person training at ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💼. --- Looking to ignite your culinary adventures in nature? 🌳🔥 Check out Forest School Cooking at ⁠https://amzn.to/3pEFQ4A⁠ for a sizzling experience! --- For bookings, training, and more, visit ⁠www.children-of-the-forest.com⁠ 🌿💻. ---  

06-25
56:32

Rituals and Ceremonies with Isla Macleod

www.Islamacleod.com Forest School Cooking: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Cooking-Mundane-Marshmallows/dp/B09LGW644R Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & training: www.children-of-the-forest.com Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theforestschoolpodcast Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783 Virtual Consultancy and In-person Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com/consultancy-development

06-19
01:05:13

Should you say 'Sorry'? - Social Conditioning vs Socialisation

Myths of Outdoor Play and Learning.: Breaking down barriers that keep parents and teachers indoors https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B091F5QT8W/ Forest School Cooking:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Cooking-Mundane-Marshmallows/dp/B09LGW644R Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Merch: www.teespring.com/en-GB/stores/cotf Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783 Virtual Consultancy and In-person Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com/consultancy-development

06-19
58:22

"Do you HAVE to help cook, or can you just eat it?"

Forest School Cooking: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Cooking-Mundane-Marshmallows/dp/B09LGW644R Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & training: www.children-of-the-forest.com   Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theforestschoolpodcast Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783 Virtual Consultancy and In-person Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com/consultancy-development

05-27
49:06

The Educator's Experience of PDA with author Laura Kerbey

Forest School Cooking: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Cooking-Mundane-Marshmallows/dp/B09LGW644R Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & training: www.children-of-the-forest.com   Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theforestschoolpodcast Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783 Virtual Consultancy and In-person Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com/consultancy-development

05-19
01:00:33

The Co-Regulation Handbook by Linda K. Murphy

Forest School Cooking: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Cooking-Mundane-Marshmallows/dp/B09LGW644R Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & training: www.children-of-the-forest.com   Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theforestschoolpodcast Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783 Virtual Consultancy and In-person Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com/consultancy-development

05-07
01:08:07

Does Forest School support Attention Restoration Theory?

Forest School Cooking: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Cooking-Mundane-Marshmallows/dp/B09LGW644R Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & training: www.children-of-the-forest.com   Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theforestschoolpodcast Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783 Virtual Consultancy and In-person Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com/consultancy-development

04-17
01:04:49

Do you have to do nature connection seperately from socialising?

Forest School Cooking: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Cooking-Mundane-Marshmallows/dp/B09LGW644R Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & training: www.children-of-the-forest.com   Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theforestschoolpodcast Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783 Virtual Consultancy and In-person Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com/consultancy-development

03-28
56:47

"Cowstails and Cobras II" - An Obstacle Course Curriculum?

Forest School Cooking: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Cooking-Mundane-Marshmallows/dp/B09LGW644R Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & training: www.children-of-the-forest.com   Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theforestschoolpodcast Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783 Virtual Consultancy and In-person Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com/consultancy-development

03-24
01:09:04

"15 minute parenting" guides. Game changers or Gimmicks?

Forest School Cooking:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Cooking-Mundane-Marshmallows/dp/B09LGW644R Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & training: www.children-of-the-forest.com  Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theforestschoolpodcast Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783 Virtual Consultancy and In-person Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com/consultancy-development

02-25
01:10:13

Do Boardgames have a place at Forest School? w/ Cat's Little Geeks

https://www.facebook.com/catslittlegeeks Forest School Cooking:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forest-School-Cooking-Mundane-Marshmallows/dp/B09LGW644R Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & training: www.children-of-the-forest.com  Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theforestschoolpodcast Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/384058572484783 Virtual Consultancy and In-person Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com/consultancy-development

02-07
01:09:01

Recommend Channels