At the Easter 2024 Family Forest School sessions there was a lovely sense of community, with younger and older children supporting one another to follow a nature trail through the woods, complete wildlife picture rubbings and observe creatures living under logs near the pond. The variety of activities enabled the children and young people to explore their interests and curiosity about the natural world.
Parents and carers joined in, helping the children to build dens and learn how to start a fire with flint and steel. A highlight of the sessions was the springtime ‘matchbox challenge’, collecting small natural treasures to fit into matchboxes, and everyone enjoyed making hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows around the campfire.
The Go Wild at Hudnall Team also ran Easter Forest School sessions for young people aged 13 and over, giving them the opportunity to relax and recharge in preparation for the return to school or home learning after the holidays. Around the campfire, they made new friends while practising their knife whittling skills, creating bows and arrows and wooden sculptures. The sessions offered a safe environment to share their experiences and talk about things that are important to them, developing their confidence and sense of belonging.
The positive feedback highlights the impact the experiences have had on the wellbeing of both children and adults who took part.
Feedback from parents who attended the Go Wild at Hudnall Family Forest School with their children:
“They absolutely loved every minute, from the tyre rolling in the woods to hunting for newts, toasting marshmallows and den building. My son commented, ‘That was the best day ever mum!’ This was such a valuable experience for both my children and myself, for our mental health, wellbeing and communication skills.”
“I took my daughter and her friend… It was absolutely fantastic! We loved every minute of it! …The girls enjoyed making a fire and cooking popcorn, getting utterly muddy and completely relaxing in the great outdoors. Not a screen in sight! I was so thrilled to see them having so much fun outside! All children need this experience, it is vital to the mental wellbeing of our younger generation.
“The SfYP People and Wildlife Officers were exceptional in their knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for wildlife and nature and the vast variety of activities engaged a wide age range of children…”
Go Wild will be running more events during the 2024 May half term and summer holidays. For information, to book a session or refer a young person, visit:
Go Wild at Hudnall is delivered by Services for Young People in partnership with Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
