Eequ · After school. In place of school. Beyond school.

Forest explorers for home-education

Learn in nature's classroom - the forest!

Mentored by

Out to the Woods CIC

Location address: Bicknor, ME9
Chosen age group:

For ages: 1 - 12 years

Available tickets:
First Child £15 per sessionFirst Sibling £12.50 per sessionAdditional siblings £11.50 per session +5 more
Next date: Monday 2nd Oct,
A summary
Out to the Woods, is set in Admiral woods a beautiful ancient woodland nestled in the Kent AONB. Our forest school base camp is a safe, welcoming space for home educated families to meet their friends, explore the forest, develop woodland skills, create nature crafts and learn all about the flora and fauna of our ancient woodland. Through child-led discovery, children will have the opportunity to develop their interests, confidence, and navigate their way through working on their own and as part of a group. This group is all year around, so come prepared as the weather gets colder! If you and your children are dressed in warm layers, good warm waterproof boots then you all will have the best experience. ​
About your mentor
Out to the Woods CIC
Connect with nature
I am a firm believer in the Forest School ethos and I want to reconnect people to nature. I am a qualified primary school teacher (20 years+) and Level 3 Forest School leader (2 years). Having taught in a classroom for over 20 years - it's refreshing to get outside and give children the freedom (within boundaries) to explore and discover nature. I trained with Earthcraft UK during 2020 and have witnessed the restorative effects of forest school on participants. Getting outdoors is important for our physical and mental wellbeing - there is ample evidence to support the benefits of forest school including research by the Forestry Commission, Professor Richardson of the University of Derby and many other academics. "Forest School is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve, develop confidence and self-esteem, through hands on learning experiences in a local woodland or natural environment with trees.” Forest School is a specialised approach that sits within and compliments the wider context of outdoor and woodland learning - each session. Once children start attending forest school, they will not want to stop. There is so much to discover and learn and a key element is that it is participant led so if your child shows a keen interest in learning more about mini beasts, trees or birds then I will plan sessions to incorporate their interests. I will also provide opportunities to learn how to use safely cook over a fire and use tools to make crafts out of wood. Given the current climate crisis, it is vital that children understand the importance of woodlands in storing carbon and for supporting biodiversity. There will be opportunities to learn about the flora and fauna in the woodland and as we are in an ancient woodland, to learn more about ancient woodland indicators. Out to the Woods CIC is in a unique position because we are set within an ancient woodland within the beautiful Kent Area for Outstanding Natural Beauty - the woodland is owned by The Cromarty Trust and was specifically bought to ensure that it remains a commiunity woodland. "Every child in every country is owed the teaching of natural history, to be introduced to the awe and wonder of the natural world, and to appreciate how it contributes to our lives" Professor Dasgupta, 2021
What to bring
You will need drinks and snacks for the session but we will also provide drinks and there will the chance to cook a snack over the fire. Medication - if needed Suitable clothing/ footwear - see list below: Long trousers/jeans Please no shorts Long sleeved tops including fleece/cardigan trainers/walking boots sun hat Layers in case it gets cold water proof jacket Socks that cover ankles Apply sun cream and insect repellent and have available to reapply during the session.
Learning aims
Aim 1
To experience being out in nature
Aim 3
To learn new skills - eg whittling, nature crafts
Aim 5
To learn how to identify and manage risks
Aim 7
Our first session is funded by Defra/Kent AONB. You will learn all about what an ancient woodland is and why it is so important.
Aim 2
To support well being
Aim 4
To develop gross and fine motor skills through mud play, den - building, lifting, carrying
Aim 6
To develop social, emotional and language skills through self-directed play, group play and forest leader suggested activities.
Important
Parking on site is limited so if you are able to car-share please do so. Please note we need a minimum of 6 families in order to be able to run the sessions (min of 10 children).
Pricing information
Ticket nameFirst Child
Price£15
Ticket nameFirst Sibling
Price£12.50
Ticket nameAdditional siblings
Price£11.50
Information
Ticket nameChild
Price£0
Ticket nameBaby 0 -14
Price£0
Ticket nameAdult
Price£0
Ticket nameTrial child
Price£2.50
InformationValid for 1 session. Please purchase 1 ticket per child.
Ticket nameTrial adult
Price£5
InformationThis ticket is valid for 1 trial session
PHOTO GALLERY
Where we'll be
near Bicknor Lane, Bicknor, Kent, ME9
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Drinks
Snacks
Equipment
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
Safeguarding Training
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit
Coronavirus Safety Policy

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy
Cancel within 48 hours for a full refund.Mentor can cancel a session if a weather warning is in place and severe weather has made the forest school unsafe. A full refund will be given in this case.

My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.