Adult Forest School at Adel Dam – why should kids have all the fun?

Campaigns Assistant, Dee, recently joined Project Officer in the West, Sarah, for one of her Adult Forest School sessions at Adel Dam in Leeds. Read on to find out why we should all do Forest School!

Tranquillity envelops the air around Adel Dam nature reserve in Leeds, on a crisp winter morning in January. As I make my way in, I am encompassed by a symphony of birdsong, coupled with the peaceful soundscape of Adel Beck, trickling through the reserve.

My mood instantly feels lighter and brighter, and I inhale a deep breath of fresh Yorkshire air, before embarking on my day in the forest.

Having had flu for my recent Birthday and being cooped up indoors for ten days, this was the perfect wellbeing tonic needed!

I was on my way to Adult Forest School, led by Sarah Shorter, YWT’s Project Officer in the West - because why should kids have all the fun!

The principals of Forest School evolve around looking after yourself, looking after each other and looking after nature. This is magically woven around exploring, discovery, skill learning, playing games, crafting, sharing, building, snacking and nature connection in all kinds of ways that are not always obvious. The sessions are set up over 6 weeks, so you can really get to know a bit of woodland over some time.

Wood carving of a kingfisher. It is taller than a person and sits at the entrance to a nature reserve. There is a piece of card resting under a stone near the base of the sculpture containing a task.

Wood carving of a kingfisher. In front is a person holding out the card with a task on saying draw three lines on your hand and connect them in two places. Then look for this pattern in nature as you walk through the woods.

My journey began at the kingfisher, where Sarah had left a task in an envelope for us to complete/ponder over, as we walked through the reserve to “Base Camp”.

This was a real thought-provoking task to really look at and notice the shapes and patterns of nature’s tapestry.

Simple, but so effective!

A woman holding her left hand out palm facing up with the 3 lines drawn on her hand, sttanding comparing to a similar pattern she has found in the woods.

On arriving at camp, I joined my fellow Forest-Schoolers, grounding myself around the campfire, under the colourful canopy they had draped between trees.

Sarah was joined by Inspiring People Officer (West), Steph, who talked us through some health and safety on the tools we were going to be using, before we set off as a group to cut some small branches for whittling and crafting.

We learnt about different types of trees and wood used for whittling and carving, before getting hands on and having a go ourselves.

Man lopping a branch of wood in a forest

Two women crouched down on the ground, one is holding a long branch whilst the other cuts through it

Two women stood in the middle of a willow tree where it's winter branches are splayed out across the forest floor, one is holding a long branch whilst the other cuts through it. They are coppicing a branch.

Three people crouched down on the woodland floor two at either end of a branch holding it steady and one in the middle cutting. One person is stood up monitoring safety.

Back at camp, we learnt how to whittle and made some tent pegs. I have a new found respect for wood carvers, it is such a talent, plus it's very addictive and therapeutic – we all asked where we could buy a whittling knife from after the session!

We cooked chocolate bananas around the campfire and had some reflective time on our own. I spent mine staring dreamily up through the woodland canopy, cocooned in the hammock with a herbal berry tea - bliss!

View from a person sat in a hammock in the woods, you can see their legs and rainbow wellies and some of the forest

“What we are noticing over winter, is that while we may think it’s dark and gloomy, actually if you pause, really look and listen you can feel the life all around you with colour sound and smells which has surprised even me!
As a group out in nature I can physically see everyone breathe, slow down and relax a little and it warms my heart. We should all do forest school! It’s the tonic to adults’ chaotic lives and it’s an adventure to be had!”

Sarah Shorter, Project Officer - West

It’s safe to say I can absolutely vouch for this whole-heartedly, 1000%!

Being in an office-based role, it’s important for me to spend time with nature for my mental health and wellbeing. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust really care about this and it makes a huge difference having such a mindful employer.

Sitting whittling under the woodland canopy, I could literally feel my soul calming down. A real soothing experience, whilst learning new skills and really connecting with nature. I would truly recommend Forest School to everyone!