Wild Kites - Home Ed Forest School sessions (ages 6-12), Ashridge - 02/07/2024

Wild Kites - Home Education for 6-12 years olds in a woodland setting

Details

We are thrilled to be working with the National Trust to offer a special series of Forest School sessions for home educated children in less-explored areas of beautiful Ashridge.

At these fully inclusive, small-group sessions, for children aged 6-12, we'll be getting to know the amazing trees, spotting signs of wildlife, learning to use tools for nature craft projects, cooking on the campfire and enjoying time in the woods. Parents can either stay for the session or drop off if preferred.

Sessions will be delivered by experienced, DBS-checked Forest School staff and will focus on boosting confidence, wellbeing and resilience through child-centred play.

20 per cent of all ticket sales will be donated to the National Trust so they can protect heritage and natural landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

Instructions

Location and session outline
Sessions will begin and end at the National Trust Ashridge Education Centre (what3words ///skippers.quality.crucially) in the small, enclosed site, surrounded by mighty ash and oak trees. Experienced Forest School staff will introduce a different nature theme and activities each week, with a nature walk and play through nearby woodland.

Timings
Please arrive between 9:30 and 9:45am. We'll meet at the private gated car park at the Ashridge Education Centre, Tom's Hill Road, HP23 5SE (known as Kiln Road on some map apps - what3words ///skippers.quality.crucially). We will close the car park and start our walk at around 10am, so it will not be possible to drop your child off after this time.

Parking
Parking here is limited- please book a parking space (free) if you intend to stay for the duration of the session. There is no need to do this if you are dropping off.

What to bring
Please remember to bring a named water bottle, backpack, extra layers and waterproofs. We will provide a warm drink and light snack for all, so please provide any dietary requirements on booking. If you would like to pack an extra snack for your child, please make sure it is nut-free.

Clothing
We recommend wearing long sleeves, long trousers, sturdy shoes suitable for uneven / muddy terrain, plus warm, waterproof layers as required. Sun cream and bug repellent may be needed in the summer months - please apply this before arrival.

Other important information:

• If you decide to stay for the session, you will be responsible for your child(ren) at all times.
• The session will begin and end in a private area of National Trust land; only those who have booked in advance can attend. The walk into Ashridge woods is on public accessible land, shared with other walkers, dog-walkers and horse-riders.
• The ground is uneven and may be muddy. Do get in touch if you have any questions about accessing this site.
• In the event of stormy weather/when it is unsafe to be in the woods, we are still able to run our sessions as we have access to indoor space for nature play, storytelling and games. In the event of Met Office weather warnings, we may still have to cancel if it is deemed unsafe to be travelling by road or due to risk of flooding.
• You can amend your booking 48 hours before the session, using the link in your confirmation email.

Our Forest School groups are for small numbers of children and are nurturing in their approach, with high ratios of adults / children. We follow the forest school ethos, giving the children the time and space they need to play, take supported risks and develop confidence, resilience and social skills in a woodland setting.

Tuesdays 9.30am - 12pm from April 16th

Ashridge Education Centre, Tom's Hill Road

Book here: Upcoming events - Booking by Bookwhen