October Half Term Pumpkin Autumn Fun (5-13 years)

A unique, child-led outdoor "drop and go" Autumnal & Pumpkin themed session where children are nutured by nature. Delivered by Qualified Forest School Leaders, our activities are planned to support and encourage holistic development including our Mud Kitchen, Digging, Climbing, Balancing, Nature Art and Craft, Tree Climbing, fire lighting and open fire cooking, Gathering Circle songs, stories and games, nature education and exploration! A chance for children  to relax, play and explore in a natural environment whilst connecing with nature - and enjoying the beauty of Autumn and being creative with pumpkins!

Location:The Birchbrook Nature Reserve can be accessed via either, Houseman Road, Birchett Road or Blunden Hall. As part of our environmental ethos, we encourage you to walk, cycle, jog, skip or scoot to our site, where possible!

Birchett Road: (best for parking) Follow Birchett Road (Gu14 8RG) around, and follow the small track between house numbers 71 and 73, which takes you to the allotments. You may park here. The nature reserve is on the left in front of you.

If parking here, please ensure you park considerately, leaving plenty of space for emergency vehicle access to the gate.

Houseman Road: Walk/park along Houseman Road (GU148QF), cross Cove Brook, using the wooden bridge. Continue straight forward, passing the wooden gate and the reserve entrance is on the right.

Blunden Hall: Walk on foot, by following the Cove Brook path, from Blunden Hall—where you may also park— until you reach the wooden bridge. Turn left, pass through the wooden gate and the reserve entrance is on the right.

Arrival: you will be welcomed at the Nature Reserve entrance by our Forest School Leader. Here your name and enrolment information will be checked. Your child/ren remain your full responsibility until they pass over the metal grid. Please be vigilant of vehicles which may be moving in the allotment area, and considerate of other members of the public.

In wet weather the metal grid can become slippery, our Forest School Leader will be there to monitor and support safe entry as required.

What to wear:

Our sessions are held outside, in all weather! During the Autumn, you need to be prepared for the unpredictable British Autumnal weather - glorious sun or torrential rain. Be dressed for mud and mess! Therefore, please ensure your child is wearing layers, including:

Long sleeved T-shirt 

Jumper or Fleece

Long jogging bottoms/leggings/ trousers   (jeans are not recommended. No shorts)

Sturdy, waterproof wellies/boots/trainers

Thick socks (ideally with trousers or leggings tucked into them)

Waterproof coat & waterproof trousers

Hat, Scarf & Gloves

Please ensure long hair is tied back.

This adheres to our Health and Safety policies. We reserve the right to refuse attendance if we deem the clothing to not be appropriate for the conditions.

What to bring:

- any snacks and drinks you and your child may want during the session. Please ensure these are nut free; chocolate free; no fizzy drinks and not overly sugary (they attract wasps); no lollypops on sticks.  We promote healthy options. We do not 'stop' for an official snack time, unless we are cooking or preparing food as part of the session, as we do not want to interrupt the children's play and learning.

- any medication that may be required (as listed on the enrolment form).

Toileting:

There are no toilets at our site. We keep all our sessions to under 3 hours to support this.

Please ensure your child has been to the toilet before arrival.

During sessions, if required we 'wild wee', and if necessary, we create a dug latrine.  A member of staff will advise & support the child/you where an appropriate location is.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Forest School. If you have any questions, please ask. Remember to complete the enrolment form.

With Thanks

Julie Dear

Forest School Leader