Building Dens and Shelters - children use natural materials like sticks, leaves, ropes and tarpaulins to construct shelters. This fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.

Bug Hunts and Wildlife Exploration – children use magnifying glasses or simply observe closely and explore insects, birds, and other creatures, learning about biodiversity and ecosystems.

Tool Use - under supervision, children use tools like knives, hammers, or palm drills for tasks such as carving wood, whittling, making crafts, or creating functional objects like wooden mallets.

Fire Lighting and Campfire Activities - guided by trained staff, children learn how to safely light and manage a small fire, followed by activities like cooking healthy food and boiling water.

Nature Art and Crafts - using natural objects like leaves, twigs, and stones, children create art pieces such as leaf prints, natural sculptures, or mandalas.

Climbing and Exploring - children climb trees, balance on logs, explore natural terrains and challenge themselves on rope equipment, developing physical coordination, balance, and confidence.

Storytelling and Imaginative Play - using the woodland setting, children create and act out stories and games, enhancing their creativity and collaborative skills.

Seasonal Activities – children explore how nature changes across seasons, such as collecting colourful autumn leaves, building snow sculptures in winter, or planting seeds and observing growth in spring.

Scavenger Hunts - staff set challenges for children to find specific natural items, such as acorns, feathers, or moss, encouraging observation and critical thinking.

Problem-Solving Challenges – children are given challenges like creating a bridge over a small (make-believe) stream using logs or figuring out how to transport water encourage teamwork and lateral thinking.

Environmental Stewardship – children are encouraged to take part in projects like planting bulbs, seeds and plants, clearing litter, or learning about sustainable practices to instil respect and care for the environment. At Oak Meadow, sessions are planned collaboratively by our Reception class teachers and our Forest School leader, Miss Thwaites, in response to the child’s needs and interests. Sessions are flexible and allow children to explore and develop skills in their own time.