Traditional Forest School
What is this service?
Our Traditional Forest School for kids provides an inspirational and long term approach to education, health, and wellbeing through deep nature connection core activities set in a woodland environment.
Who are the sessions run by?
All sessions are run by Claire Samways and her team of Honeybees – see Who We Are.
What kids will learn
It is a magical process of learning, and the kids will develop the core skills of deep nature connection. This includes activities such as shelter building, nature games, scavenger hunts, art, woodland crafts, whittling wood, playing with ropes, making rope swings, hammock time, learn survival skills such as lighting fires and cooking on fires, tree climbing, free play and sensory activities.
“Wild and free like the Honeybee”
– GALLERY –
Some images from our Honeybees Forest School sessions
SEASONAL TIMETABLE
For 7-12 year olds
Autumn Series 2022: 5 Fridays (3:30-5:30pm) :
23 Sept – 21 Oct 2022
Winter Series 2022: 5 Fridays (3:30-5:30pm) :
11 Nov – 9 Dec 2022
Spring Series 2023: 5 Fridays (3:30-5:30pm) :
3 Feb – 3 March 2023 and 24 March – 28 April 2023
Summer Series 2023: 5 Fridays (3:30-5:30pm) :
12 May – 9 June 2023 and 30th June – 28th July 2023
FAQ‘s
Getting there
Glasswater Wood is situated off the main road between Crossgar and Downpatrick and is well signposted.
The address is: 55-69 Glasswater Rd, Downpatrick BT30 9JA
The link for google maps is: https://goo.gl/maps/JrhBTbV1pvKiGe6c8
Park in the carpark provided.
Drop off/Collection Point
There is a road to cross to get to the main entrance of the woodland from the carpark so please ensure that you take care in leaving your children to the main woodland entrance.
We will meet you at the main entrance of the woodland at 3.30 and take the kids to the Forest School site and leave the kids back to main gate for collection at 5.30.
Please arrive on time to so we can make the most out of our time in the woods and arrive promptly for collection time.
How will children be kept safe?
There will be a high practitioner to participant ratio of 1 practitioner to 8 children. Claire is an OCN level 3 qualified Forest School practitioner and will be delivering the sessions with 2 Forest School assistants. Claire has qualifications in outdoor first aid.
We have worked with the Woodland Trust Site manager to seek permission to run the Forest School sessions, have been vetted and Access NI cleared, and the site and activities have all been risk assessed.
Dealing with the pandemic – please follow current government guidelines. The site has a risk assessment in place for working in the outdoors and dealing with the pandemic. Hand washing facilities will be on site.
What to wear
Dress for the seasons and the outdoors. This is part of selfcare and keeping the kids safe.
For Winter/Autumn:
We would suggest lots of layers, hats, gloves, waterproofs (jacket and trousers) and wear wellies or outdoor shoes. A head torch and hi-vis jacket.
For Spring/Summer:
Lighter clothing but as our weather is unpredictable may need warm layers and waterproofs. If the sun is out a sunhat and sun cream may be needed.
You may also want them to bring a day sac to carry spare clothing, hats, and a snack/drink.
Cancellation Policy
We will endeavour to run the session whatever the weather but will need to postpone if there are severe weather conditions that could create a Health and Safety issue.
The session may also need to be cancelled in the case of staff illness or factors outside of our control related to the pandemic or other external factors. We will notify you as soon as possible if this is the case, and the cost of the session will be refunded.
Book a place...
As we will be working outdoors and want to keep everyone safe, we need to get a few details from you beforehand.
Click HERE to fill out your information and book.
– BOOK –