A CPD full of workshops, skill-sharing, talks, networking and campfire chats for both qualified and trainee Forest School Practitioners.
March 21st is the Spring Equinox, the first day of astronomical spring. Equinox means 'equal night' in Latin: at this date the day and night are of pretty much equal duration all over the planet. From this day on, each day will bring us more light than dark. How exciting is that!
To celebrate this special time of year, we will have workshops, skill-shares and talks, exploring how we can use simple seasonal rituals, routines, stories, songs and nature study to facilitate the development of deeper connection with the natural world.
Opening circle:
For our opening talk, Ross Symonds; founder of AtoBee Ecology, will be exploring seasonal and nature based calendars; Why working with cycles, balance, and change can support children’s wellbeing, regulation, and sense of connection within FS practice.
Closing circle: Emily Longhurst; founder of the Natural Voice Network, will close the circle with a reflection on the joys of the coming season that the Spring Solstice brings, and on the importance of our roles as FS practitioners in nature connection and nature recovery.
PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS (all drop in, although some do have a beginning, middle and end!)
"Cycle of Seasons' Workshop provider: Ross Symonds; A practical session on simple seasonal stories, routines, and rituals that help children mark change through the year in inclusive, grounded ways. (am and pm)https://atobeeecology.wordpress.com
'Spring Foraging'. Workshop provider: Luke Manders; A chance to slow down and observe want is abundant in this very special season. (am and pm)
https://www.campesina.co.uk
'Simple Nature Songs and How to Teach Them to your Group'; Workshop provider: Emily Longhurst
naturalvoicenet/choir/gathering-light-choir
'Storytelling Ideas for the Nervous Storyteller'. Workshop provider: Sharon Tyas (am only)
'Twitching with Tina' Workshop provider: Tina Hutchinson; Birding for beginners - tuning into your woodland's sounds. (pm only)
'Aromatherapy: Workshop provider Claire Robilliard; Ignite the Senses and bring aroma to your FS sessions through self care potion making' (am and pm)
'Natural Dyes'. Workshop provider: Fiona Eastwood. Explore the potential of seasonally foraged dye plants.
'Tool Maintenance'. Skill share provider Tom Ford. Have tools that need some TLC? Tom will be on hand all day to give tool care demonstrations and advice (and maybe even sharpen a tool or two for you in quieter moments).
'An Experiment into Processing and Firing Natural Clay'. Sam Cross, a FSL leader from West Sussex, will be spending much of the day experimenting with natural clay. She will be bringing clay dug from her site, and practice how to clean it and process it into a usable clay. She is then going to experiment with firing it on an open fire and in a dutch oven. She's never done this before- so come and learn with her. If you have done this, she would love you to share what you have learnt. (all day!)
CRAFT TARP: Forest School (FS) Craft Idea Exchange
We invite you to bring along one or more of your simple 'go to' woodland crafts to display. We are after the ones that you return to again and again; something that children can make using natural or recycled materials and basic tools. From leaf weaving to stick figures, clay creatures to bark boats, every craft tells a story of nature and imagination. We can spread out our creations on the communal tarp, exchange ideas, and discover new ways to spark creativity in our FS sessions. If you are able, bring along a few resources and/or a' how to' guides to share, so the idea can be made either by a fellow practitioner on the day, or take the instructions home to include in their practice. If you would like to, are most welcome to set up a skill-share of your own nearby, a spare blanket, and cushions to sit on will be available.
BRING AND BUY
Do you have any FS equipment/books/other resources that you no longer need?
Why not bring them along and sell them at our Forest School Market?
HOW? Set up your ' tarpaulin stall', as small as you like, no bigger than 2m, clearly label the prices of your items for potential FS punters to browse . WHEN? Man your stall during the hour lunchtime break, and sell your wares. Please ensure any unsold items are taken home with you when you go.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE GAME TO SHARE? There will be an allocated space to teach and learn a FS game or two.
FIND YOUR TRIBE
Sussex is a big place. After lunch we will dedicate some time for us all to gather with Forest Schoolers who are living and working nearby. There will be opportunities to connect, build links, offer support and make meet up plans with those in your area. You can also join the FSA Sussex Local WhatsApp Groups, if you haven't already.
Whether you are a green Forest School trainee or well seasoned practitioner, you will be so very welcome to join us for a day of inspiration, learning and self care at this most treasured day in the FS calendar.
