On Pause

Working 'Term Time Only' doesn't mean I won't end up being around children at Half Term, nor does it mean I won't be surrounded by forest on my days off! 
With Covid still lurking it is safer - even if not demanded in all areas - to meet outside, and nowhere is better than amongst the trees! For those of you who have not attempted shinrin yoko, I can highly recommend a family stroll or a solo adventure through the woods!


A week's hiatus for Forest School, but still the chance to enjoy the woods and the trees, and the turn of the season! I will happily wander alone too. Wellies and waterproofs, fresh air and a chance to unwind!


I love Autumn, even the dull and grey bits! The wet and puddly bits are great if you're dressed for it, and damp weather pretty much guarantees you the space to yourself as others stay home! But if you haven't been out in the chilly air and returned home damp, then the hot shower, hot chocolate and huge sweater wasn't appreciated to the fullest! Last weekend it was a hot coffee in a pub that had it's log fire crackling. Today it was a take out cup of tea and a pumpkin trail to wander. 

But the best days are those with the sun low in the sky, golden light, long shadows, and glowing Autumn colours! Although frequently cooler than the damp days, these somehow seem more cheerful.
Dressing for these requires layers and layers of clothing. Frequently with waterproofs over the top. Nothing kills the mood quicker that cold toes! Good thick socks also stop wellies from rubbing, and if feet stay dry and warm it takes longer to feel cold all over.


Next week is the dawn of Term 2 in Kent and we have over 400 trees arriving! Scheduling their planting is going to be a bit of a juggling act! The physical digging will help to keep everyone warm and hopefully the damp season to come will keep them all well watered.

It's also a great time to look out for those wildlife details that Autumn reveals. Fungi suddenly starts appearing, loving the damp and the decaying leaves, acorns and chestnuts are still falling, and as trees lose their canopies the light gets through and you get to see more - if you look!





Autumn is glowing at Chartham too, and the trees we have now are changing into their Autumn colours. It's always a great time to introduce science into Outdoor Learning! Collecting a rainbow of leaves, checking out the 'seeds' that carpet the floor beneath trees, looking at the forest in a new way as things get sparse and hidden areas come out of hiding. 




Bird-watching is suddenly much easier, as are finding tracks in the mud, and enticing animals with food to visit our spaces. Keeping active and interested is the main defence against the weather! Outdoor Learning is about to be in short sharp bursts for our pupils with Forest School on pause till 2021. 
The children have enjoyed the Forest School they have had since September, but things are going to alter a little and work with the seasons. It would be wonderful to have campfires for every session during the cold months, but as there is only one Forest School Leader this limits all other activities! So we will keep moving and hopefully keep enjoying outdoors as much as possible as we move toward Christmas.

Of course Autumn will rapidly fade into Winter. The colours will vanish and the temperature will drop, but that process, that passing of time is amazing to watch and brings with it specific learning opportunities and experiences to enjoy. Watch this space to see what we do!

But for now, let's hold on to Autumn. 
There's more colour waiting to arrive. 
And more woods waiting to wander


Location: Canterbury, UK

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