Forest School - Half Term - Manor Woods
Natural Networks (Community Interest Company)
A summary
Explore, Learn, and Play for 8-12 year olds. Younger siblings aged 5-7 also welcome.
Funded by Quartet -BYCA Grant, Join us this May half-term at Manor Woods Valley.
Engage with the environment creatively—build natural dens, swing from the trees, hammocks and play netting.
Enjoy a variety of activities including wood craft, organised games and outdoor cooking too.
We hope to see you there.
Tickets
Forest School/Play
Forest School/Play
Need to know
Drop off and Collection:
Headley Park Church, St Peter's Rise, Bristol BS13 7LZ. Drop off 11am, collection 2pm
Clothing:
Please dress according to the weather. Bring extra layers in a bag, including long sleeved tops and bottoms. Waterproofs if it is raining.
No sandals/open toe shoes as these can be difficult for children to walk in on uneven terrain.
Are families welcome to stay:
Yes. Children between 8-12 can be dropped off, but if parents and siblings would like to stay and join in with the fun you are more than welcome to.
Sun cream:
If hot, ensure your child applies sun cream in before session, and pack some for the day and wear a hat.
What else will my child need to bring?
We will have drinking water and nibbles, but feel free to pack a water bottle and snacks. Any essential medication such as inhalers, please also pack.
Toilets:
We will have a toilet on site.
Snacks:
All nibbles we prepare will take in account dietary, cultural and religious requirements.
Understanding risk
Understanding Risk at Forest School:
Forest School is all about learning through exploration, play and challenge. Activities may include adventure play, tree climbing, den building, loose parts play, whittling, outdoor cooking, campfires, nature exploration and environmental activities.
All activities are supervised by staff and delivered in accordance with our risk assessments and insurance requirements. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained where appropriate.
Unlike many indoor environments, Forest School encourages children to recognise, assess and manage appropriate levels of risk for themselves. This is an important part of developing confidence, resilience, independence and sound judgement.
Children have access to loose parts and open-ended play materials that they can move, build with and adapt during play. They may choose to construct dens, balance structures, obstacle courses or put up hammocks. While staff supervise throughout and intervene where necessary, children are encouraged to make decisions, assess risks and learn from the outcomes of those decisions within clearly defined safety boundaries.
Minor slips, trips, bumps, scrapes, splinters or falls can occur during adventurous play.
Adventure play equipment and loose parts are selected and set up within agreed safety limits, including consideration of fall heights. Staff continually monitor activities and adapt or stop them where necessary to maintain everyone's safety and wellbeing.
We believe these managed risks are an important part of children's learning and help develop confidence, resilience, problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
Outdoor Environment
As sessions take place in natural environments, children may encounter:
Uneven ground, mud, slopes and tree roots
Nettles, brambles and low branches
Insects including bees, wasps, mosquitoes and ticks
Changing weather conditions
We recommend checking your child for ticks after each session.
Clothing:
Please dress your child appropriately for the weather. We spend most of the day outdoors, so suitable clothing is essential.
Long sleeves and long trousers are recommended to help protect against scratches, nettles, insects and ticks.
Bring spare clothes and extra warm layers in a bag.
Waterproofs are recommended in wet weather.
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear must be worn. Please do not send children in sandals, Crocs or open-toed shoes.
In hot weather, please apply sun cream before the session, pack additional sun cream if needed, and ensure your child wears a sun hat.
Medication and Welfare:
Please ensure your child brings any essential medication, such as inhalers, EpiPens or other prescribed medication.
What else should my child bring?
We provide drinking water and food where advertised.
Children are welcome to bring:
A labelled water bottle
Extra snacks (please no nuts, due to allergies)
Please avoid bringing valuable items
Questions?
If you have any questions about the activities, risks or how we support children's safety and wellbeing, please get in touch.
If you would like to stay for part or all of a session to see how activities are delivered or help decide whether the provision is suitable for your child, you are very welcome to do so
SEND accessibility checklist
1:1 care
2:1 care
Qualified to administer medication
Epilepsy trained
Secure environment
Accessible toilet
Assist with personal care and toileting
Hoist and changing bench
Wheelchair accessible site
Autism awareness trained
Sensory or quiet spaces
Makaton trained
Epi Pen trained
PECS trained
Please note:
If you see a question mark, please contact the Mentor to discuss your specific needs regarding this item.
About your mentor
Natural Networks (Community Interest Company)
Natural Networks (Community Interest Company)
At Natural Networks we seek to strengthen the connection between people and the natural world, creating fun, outdoor and nature-based experiences that nurture well-being, physical health, social inclusion, community spirit, personal growth, and a deeper appreciation for the environment. By fostering connections between people and their local green spaces, we strive to create lasting, positive change in the lives of those we work with. Join us as we work to build more connected, inclusive, and thriving communities, one outdoor experience at a time. The Group is made up entirely of volunteers who run conservation activities such as clearing encroaching Brambles, sowing and planting wildflowers, coppicing and tree planting. We also organise events such as family nature activities, guided walks and talks.
Learning aims
Aim 1
Aim 2
Aim 3
Location
What's provided
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Basic DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
Safeguarding Training
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit
Smoke Detector
Please note:
It is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the measures provided above and any other details represented in this listing. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed.
Cancellation policy
If you are unable to attend please let us know.
My experience is an educational activity, and the ‘14-day cooling period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 therefore applies. After the 14 day period my standard policy will apply.
