Mama Beech

We all get the idea that going outside for a walk is good for us. Fresh air, moving muscles, blood pumping... Physically it is great for toning muscles and even losing weight, but the overwhelming evidence demonstrates that it does far more for our wellbeing than just boosting our bodies! As Mental Health Awareness Week is coming up, it seems a good time to look at all the proven benefits of being outdoors. Both for children and for adults. I'm sure I'm preaching to the converted here, but I will include links that help prove the point for those of you who need to convince others elsewhere For Children the benfits come from fresh air in developing lungs, immune-system building microbes from soil, resilience due to seasons and weather, space to move, and endless things to discover which feed their minds and grow their curiosity! It sets the tone for being active for life , and stimulates their need to explore and investigate for themselves - learning. It builds confidence. .....

Amongst Forest School Leaders and Outdoor Practitioners, there is always a conversation going on somewhere regarding clothing. What is the most durable?  The most value for money?  The warmest?  The most waterproof?  The BEST!? A lot of this will boil down to preference, and I think we all muddle through with a mix of new and old, top-class and trusted items that we know work for us! But when it comes to children it's a different matter. If we're supplying overalls we want the most hard-wearing clothing, capable of sliding down muddle banks without ripping and totally waterproof to protect whatever is underneath... and that comes at a price, especially when you need to buy in bulk. Usually, there is a compromise somewhere, maybe not the most expensive range but a mid-price version we hope will last a few years. Sometimes the remit to provide suitable attire will fall on parents and carers. This is something many will have considered before signing up to a Forest Scho...