What a fabulous end to the Forest School journey in Primary School Year 6 have had (I hope their outdoor journey and love for nature continues for a long time!)
We used Elder twice this term - when foraging, look for at least three signs (and never eat it unless you are really sure!). Smell the pant - Elder is very distinctive, the stems are opposite each other , it has white/yellowy petals and leaflets on each stem. The berries are poisonous to us but we can eat the flowers.
We remembered how to make a fire safely and we cooked elderflowers in batter and we also cooked stinging nettles in soy sauce and herbs. They turn to crisps in the hot pan!
Children also used Elder to create their own ideas. This plant is very soft in the middle and lends itself to craft. We had panpipes, necklaces, whistles and bracelets made. Well done!
Year 6 also learned how to read a leaf ID flow chart and learned how to identify some plants that grow in our area. It is great to see how children come up with their own projects and asked for tools out. Some use their imagination to make up their own games. We also played a couple of team games based on nature themes.
I really do hope that all of the children are taking something away from Forest School - be it nature connection, knowing how to build, use tools, make fires, knowing how to self regulate, communicate, persevere, have fun, take risks, be curious or just be themselves. You have been fabulous.
Mrs Pearman
Forest School Year 6 Term 5 2025-2026
