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Let’s celebrate National Tree Week 2019!   National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration beginning the start of the winter tree planting season. We are from a woodland culture!     What is a tree? An oxygen maker, A flood abater, a carbon absorber, A climate recorder, a healthy aspect, a place to reflect, A nest for an owl, where gruffalos growl, a climbing frame, The fuel for a flame, a soil stabiliser, a

Happy Outdoor Classroom Day 2019! On Outdoor Classroom Day we bring you ideas of how to get children outdoors in line with the new Ofsted Education Inspection Framework guidelines. Below are extracts from Reports, Papers and the Education Inspection Framework. In 2014 the growing weight of evidence was finally recognised by Nicky Morgan, the Secretary of State for Education at the time, who stated that England was to become a “global leader” in teaching character, resilience

Forest Bathing: Retreat into Nature Forest Bathing is an enjoyable and restorative practice which involves connecting with nature for health and well-being. With its roots in Japan, Forest Bathing is a gentle and restorative practice which involves bathing our senses and our whole being in the atmosphere of the forest. It brings together the beauty, healing and wisdom of nature with simple ‘invitations’ which facilitate deep relaxation and connection to both self and the natural world.

Breathing Life into Literacy By Louise Hack Education and lives have changed hugely over the last 50 years. We now live in a fast world- fast food, fast internet access, firing off a quick email to numerous people and flicking between many screens. Our brains have developed into high speed trains which somehow are able to cope with constant quick episodes of conversation, information and interactions without moving from the comfort of our seats. Education

Earthwalks and Nature Connection By Jon Cree “Come forth into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher” William Wordsworth (The Major Works) “Surely any outdoor learning is a good thing and is creating nature connection, at least we’re getting them out there, nature teaches all the time”. This is a mantra I often hear from outdoor and indeed environmental educators. Having been involved in the EE (environmental education) /OE (outdoor education) movement for

A year long course for women: our wisdom, connection, nourishment and belonging visualised and celebrated. Led by Marina Robb and Eleanor Darley Listen to the Earth speak. Meeting by the fire, in the woods, listening and tending to our well-being, deep in connection, ceremony, plant knowledge, ceremonial practices, laughter and reflection. This offering is a year course to energise, nourish and celebrate you as a woman; acknowledging your physical and natural connection to the Earth,

I used to find the school holidays quite a stressful time. Looking for interesting things to do and places to go, budgeting for the costs of parking and cafe stops and endless snacks, organising play dates and holiday clubs.   Searching for a place where children could be free to play; without the demand of spending more money and without the overwhelming stress of noise, and the sensory intensity akin to that of going to