Our Program

Seasons in the Cotswolds: 

​

Starting Monday, March 2nd, 2025

This breakdown provides a brief weekly plan for our Forest School programs. Each week offers focused themes and hands-on activities tied to seasonal changes and local Gloucestershire wildlife, encouraging observation, creativity, and environmental stewardship. Activities will differ between provisions. 

​

Spring: Weeks 1 – 12

Theme: Awakening and New Beginnings

​

Week 1 – "Welcome to Spring"

• Focus: Introduction to the program and the signs of spring.

• Activities: Guided nature walk, initial nature journaling, and a discussion about what “awakening” means in nature.

Week 2 – "Budding Trees and Early Blooms"

• Focus: Observing budding trees and the first wildflowers (e.g., daffodils, bluebells).

• Activities: Scavenger hunt for buds and blooms; sketching and discussion.

Week 3 – "The Sound of Spring"

• Focus: Using all senses—listening to birds and noticing early insect activity.

• Activities: Sound-mapping exercise and recording bird calls.

Week 4 – "Exploring the Understory"

• Focus: Investigation of lower vegetation and leaf litter.

• Activities: Hands-on exploration, texture and color recording in journals.

Week 5 – "Insect Awakening"

• Focus: Discover emerging insects and discuss their roles.

• Activities: Insect observation and simple identification using magnifying glasses.

Week 6 – "Fungal Foray"

• Focus: Observing early fungi and their role in decomposition.

• Activities: Guided walk to spot mushrooms; discussion on nutrient cycles.

Week 7 – "Gardening with Nature"

• Focus: Learning about plant propagation and the basics of pollination.

• Activities: Simple seed-sowing and planting activity.

Week 8 – "Weather and Nature"

• Focus: Exploring how spring weather influences the environment.

• Activities: Recording weather changes and linking them to nature’s behavior.

Week 9 – "Wildlife Awakening"

• Focus: Noticing signs of animal activity as they emerge from winter.

• Activities: Track and scat identification; discussion on local mammals and birds.

Week 10 – "Creative Nature Art"

• Focus: Using natural materials to create art.

• Activities: Collecting petals, leaves, and twigs to form a nature collage.

Week 11 – "Sensory Discovery"

• Focus: Engaging all senses to explore new growth and fresh scents.

• Activities: Sensory walk and creation of texture rubbings and scent journals.

Week 12 – "Reflecting on Spring"

• Focus: Reviewing the changes and growth experienced during the season.

• Activities: Group sharing session, reviewing journals and art, and discussing key learnings.

• ​

Summer: Weeks 13 – 26

​

Theme: Life in Full Bloom

​

Week 13 – "Welcome Summer: The Buzz Begins"

• Focus: Transition into summer with a focus on energy and vibrancy.

• Activities: Introduction walk noting buzzing insects; setting up summer journals.

Week 14 – "Pollinator Power"

• Focus: Understanding the role of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Activities: Construct simple insect hotels; guided pollinator walk.

Week 15 – "Pond Explorations"

• Focus: Investigating aquatic life and water habitats.

• Activities: Pond dipping, aquatic invertebrate observation, and water testing.

Week 16 – "Woodland Wanderings"

• Focus: Exploring deeper woodland areas and microhabitats.

• Activities: Extended nature walk; leaf and bark texture studies.

Week 17 – "Tree Talk"

• Focus: Identifying local tree species and understanding their importance.

• Activities: Tree identification walk; creating a “tree diary” page.

Week 18 – "Art in Nature: Leaf Printing"

• Focus: Creative expression using natural elements.

• Activities: Collecting leaves for printing; experimenting with natural dyes.

Week 19 – "Wildlife on the Move"

• Focus: Observing small mammals (like squirrels) and their behaviors.

• Activities: Tracking exercises and creating simple animal footprint rubbings.

Week 20 – "Insect Investigations"

• Focus: Detailed study of butterfly and insect life cycles.

• Activities: Observing caterpillars/chrysalises (if available) and creating an insect life cycle chart.

Week 21 – "Sensory Summer"

• Focus: Capturing the unique sounds and scents of a summer forest.

• Activities: Sound recording sessions and scent mapping using natural elements.

Week 22 – "Designing a Mini Garden"

• Focus: Learning about habitat creation and pollinator-friendly planting.

• Activities: Designing and planning a mini butterfly garden using found objects.

Week 23 – "The Play of Light and Shadow"

• Focus: Understanding how sunlight creates patterns in the forest.

• Activities: Shadow tracing and discussion of the importance of light for plants.

Week 24 – "Community Nature Art"

• Focus: Collaborative art using collected natural materials.

• Activities: Group mural or sculpture using twigs, leaves, and stones.

Week 25 – "Natural Recycling"

• Focus: Exploring decomposition and the cycle of life.

• Activities: Discussing composting; simple experiments with decomposition (e.g., leaf mold).

Week 26 – "Reflecting on Summer"

• Focus: Sharing summer experiences and discoveries.

• Activities: Group reflection circle; reviewing summer journals and artwork.

​

Autumn: Weeks 27 – 38

Theme: Transformation and Harvest

​

Week 27 – "Welcome Autumn"

• Focus: Introduction to autumn and observing the first hints of change.

• Activities: Walk to observe color changes; group discussion on seasonal shifts.

Week 28 – "Leaf Identification"

• Focus: Learning about different tree species through their leaves.

• Activities: Collecting leaves; using field guides to identify species.

Week 29 – "Creative Leaf Art"

• Focus: Transforming leaves into art.

• Activities: Leaf rubbings, collages, and creative projects with collected leaves.

Week 30 – "Wildlife on the Move"

• Focus: Observing how animals prepare for winter.

• Activities: Tracking squirrel activity and noting bird behaviors; discussion on hibernation.

Week 31 – "Acorn Adventures"

• Focus: Exploring seed dispersal and plant regeneration.

• Activities: Acorn collection, craft projects using acorns, and discussions on tree reproduction.

Week 32 – "Fungal Foray"

• Focus: Investigating mushrooms and fungi in autumn.

• Activities: Guided search for fungi; discussion on decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Week 33 – "Autumn Weather Watch"

• Focus: Observing the impact of weather on the forest.

• Activities: Recording weather changes, wind patterns, and their effects on leaves and wildlife.

Week 34 – "Soil and Decomposition"

• Focus: Understanding how decay enriches the forest floor.

• Activities: Examining leaf litter and rotting logs; interactive experiments with soil composition.

Week 35 – "Harvest Time"

• Focus: Discovering foraging and the bounty of autumn.

• Activities: Responsible foraging of seasonal fruits/nuts (if appropriate); discussing sustainable practices.

Week 36 – "Bird Migration"

• Focus: Learning about migratory patterns of birds.

• Activities: Observing local bird species; using binoculars and discussing why birds migrate.

Week 37 – "Autumn Soundscape"

• Focus: Capturing the unique sounds of autumn.

• Activities: Recording and comparing autumn soundscapes; creating a sound map of the forest.

Week 38 – "Reflecting on Autumn"

• Focus: Sharing experiences and lessons learned during autumn.

• Activities: Group discussion; reviewing journals and art; creating a collective autumn collage.

​

Winter: Weeks 39 – 45

Theme: Quiet Resilience and Preparation

​

Week 39 – "Welcome Winter"

• Focus: Introduction to winter’s quiet environment.

• Activities: Nature walk focusing on bare trees, frost, and the stillness of winter; discussion on changes from autumn.

Week 40 – "Animal Tracks and Traces"

• Focus: Exploring signs of wildlife in winter.

• Activities: Tracking and identifying animal footprints; discussion on hibernation and survival strategies.

Week 41 – "Evergreen Exploration"

• Focus: Investigating evergreens and their adaptation to winter.

• Activities: Observing and comparing evergreens; collecting cones and discussing their role.

Week 42 – "Bird Feeder Workshop"

• Focus: Supporting local bird life during cold months.

• Activities: Building and installing bird feeders; monitoring visits and discussing bird survival in winter.

Week 43 – "Winter Storytelling"

• Focus: Using narrative to explore winter themes of dormancy and resilience.

• Activities: Creative storytelling session, incorporating personal observations from the winter environment.

Week 44 – "Survival Skills in Winter"

• Focus: Learning about adaptations and survival strategies in harsh conditions.

• Activities: Simulated shelter-building activity; discussions on how animals and plants cope with winter.

Week 45 – "Reflecting on the Year"

• Focus: Reviewing the full seasonal journey and celebrating growth.

• Activities: Final group reflection, collaborative creation of a nature collage representing the year, sharing highlights from journals and artwork.

Each week is designed to build on previous learning, fostering a deep and evolving connection with the natural world of the Cotswolds. This structured yet flexible plan allows for exploration, creativity, and continuous discovery throughout the 45-week journey. Enjoy the adventure and let the seasons guide your learning!