Forest School (Ages 5-12 years)

Join us for a fun Forest School at Shapwick Heath NNR! Explore nature, enjoy outdoor play, crafts, and learn about wildlife – perfect for 5-12 year olds!

Activities

Enjoy hands-on Forest School activities including bead-making inspired by Old Norse tales and runes, natural leaf-printing, boat-building and decorating, and den building.

Cost

Tickets cost £12 per child and includes 1 free accompanying adult. Additional adults cost £5 per ticket.

About the Day

This session will be held outdoors at Shapwick Heath NNR. Adults must accompany their children through the session. It will involve walking to and from the Forest School area on the Shapwick Heath NNR over flat but uneven ground.

• Meeting Point: Main courtyard, Avalon Marshes Centre
• Start Time: 2pm
• End Time: 4.30pm
• Activity length: 2.5 hours
• Cost: £12 per child including 1 free adult ticket, additional adults cost £5 each

What to Bring

Ensure you and your child are equipped and clothed appropriately for the day’s activities. This includes:

• Long-sleeved clothes and suitable shoes
• Sun hats or raincoats, depending on the weather
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Packed lunch and water bottles (lunch is not provided)

What is a Forest School?

A Forest School is an outdoor education programme that encourages child-led learning through exploration, play, and hands-on activities in a natural environment. Children engage in activities like building shelters, identifying plants and wildlife, crafting with natural materials, and learning survival skills, all while developing confidence, creativity, and a connection to nature.

About the Organiser

This event is organised by Natural England and led by Tom Ridout, a qualified Forest School Leader. Since 2017, Tom has run You-Do Forest School, delivering outdoor education sessions for schools and community groups across Somerset. Alongside his work with Natural England, Tom has also partnered with Forestry England to support a mental health group for fathers.