The Forest School Podcast

In this warm and wonderfully meandering episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem dive into The Joys and Shapes of Autistic Play by Max Alexander. Nestled among tangents about shouting sparrowhawks, jewel-encrusted slugs, and beloved sticks, they explore how Max's taxonomy of autistic play shapes offers both validation and practical insights for outdoor educators. Together, they unpa...

In this deep-dive episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined by Dr Jo Hume to explore the rich and expanding world of Forest School research. Starting with nettle seeds and caffeine journeys, the conversation quickly flows into Jo’s unique academic path—from early years teaching to leading-edge post-humanist research. Together, they unpack how Forest School practice can be expl...

In this deep and meandering episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis, Wem, and storyteller Danny English explore the layered meanings behind the phrase “Leave No Trace.” What begins as a discussion on outdoor ethics soon becomes a rich meditation on ecological grief, language, pedagogy, woodland relationships, and what it means to belong to a place. Together, they question the cultural norms of...

In this richly reflective and gently irreverent episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined once again by artist and activist Ruth Webb of The Lost Giants. From slug cohabitation to giant curlews, this episode weaves together humour, art, neurodivergence, community ritual, and the slippery intersections between protest and play. Together, the trio explore how masks and costumes...

In this joyful and wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem sit down with artist, activist and Forest School leader Ruth Webb. Known for her giant puppets, folk beasts and street processions, Ruth shares the rich history and creative power of giant-making in the UK. The conversation explores how these large-scale creations connect communities, invite activism, and spark pla...

In this lively and tangential episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma reflect on an evening spent seeing Robin Ince speak about neurodivergence, ADHD, and the importance of passion. From rogue pygmy shrews to ultraviolet birds and eccentric geniuses, the conversation weaves in and out of the evening’s takeaways, unravelling what it means to be unashamedly interested in the world. The...

In this jam-packed episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem are joined by ecologist Tilly Tilbrook to unpack the truth behind the controversial Planning and Infrastructure Bill and its implications for UK wildlife. Tilly brings decades of ecological fieldwork, policy experience, and field stories—from dormice in torpor to Pringles-tube water voles—to help listeners understand what’s rea...

In this joyful, wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem reunite to reflect on everything from folk rituals and land access to academic shifts and experimental puppetry. They share stories of Devon’s eccentric festivals, the power of whimsy, and the Supreme Court decision that restored the right to wild camp on Dartmoor. The conversation weaves through giant puppets, PhD pl...

In this episode, Lewis and Wem dig deep into the concept of consistency —a term often upheld as sacred in education and parenting, but is it all it’s cracked up to be? They explore the tension between consistency of routine vs consistency of relationship , how being overly consistent can lead to masking (for both adults and children), and why the pressure to deliver the same experience every time...

In this episode, Lewis and Wem are joined by Justine from Curious and Kind Nature Play in Florida. The conversation began when all three spoke at a webinar hosted by Peter Gray and quickly turned into a shared curiosity around the tensions of tidying up in play-based education. This is not a how-to guide. It is a rich exploration of roles, expectations, neurodivergence, community care, and the inv...

🌿 What Is Clean Language & Should You Use It Outdoors? In this introspective solo episode, Lewis reflects on Contempt to Curiosity by Caitlin Walker—an exploration of Clean Language, group metaphors, and truly non-judgemental communication. What begins as a quiet Friday morning in the woods becomes a deeply personal and practical unpacking of: What Clean Language actually is and where it came...

🌳 Forest School vs the Panopticon: Who’s Watching the Children? In this solo episode, Lewis dives deep into the haunting metaphor of the Panopticon —a 1700s prison designed for total surveillance—and how its legacy lives on in modern classrooms , school playgrounds, and even parenting styles. ⚖️ From architectural control to digital surveillance, Lewis explores: What “total observation” does to a...

This week, Lewis is solo in the woods reflecting on a big question: what makes a Forest School site feel alive with history?  🌿 He explores the difference between groups that share memories  and communities that carry history , drawing on stories, objects, rituals, and routines from nearly a decade of outdoor learning. This episode is packed with practical reflections for Forest School leaders: H...

🎭 Are You Triggered by Play? Why It Matters. Ever watched children playing and felt uneasy about what was happening? Whether it’s rough-and-tumble, rule-breaking, or risky play, adults have deep-seated responses to certain types of play—often without realising it. But is our discomfort helping or hindering children’s learning? 🌳 Key topics in this episode: What does it mean to be “triggered” by...

Ever dreamed of buying your own woodland? 🌲 In this episode, we dive into Sandi Toksvig’s Great British Woodland Revival and what it really takes to restore a forest. From unexpected costs (£500 for EVERYTHING?!) to the emotional connection of managing land, we break down what this show got right—and what it left out. 🎒 Key topics in this episode: The realities of woodland management (spoiler: i...

🎙️ Folklore, Ritual & Art: A Chat with Ben Edge This week, we're joined by the incredible Ben Edge , artist, filmmaker, and author of Folklore Rising , for a deep dive into British folklore, ritual, and the role of art in preserving tradition. 🌿🎭 From Morris dancing in trainers to building new traditions , we explore how folklore shapes identity, community, and creativity. And yes, we get in...

🌿 Nature Saturation: Can You Have TOO Much Nature? In this episode, we dive into the idea of Nature Saturation – can there be too much nature in outdoor learning? 🤔 From Forest School names to nature-themed everything, when does immersive nature connection become too much of a good thing ? 🌲 Key topics in this episode: What is Nature Saturation , and is it a real issue? 🌳 The balance between n...

This week, we sit down with Dr Naomi Fisher , psychologist and co-author of The Teenager’s Guide to Burnout , to discuss how modern schooling, social media, and pressure to achieve are pushing teens towards burnout. 😰 🎒 Key topics in this episode: What burnout really is & how it differs from anxiety or depression Why teenagers are more stressed than ever before 😩 The red flags of burnout ev...

Welcome back to The Forest School Podcast ! In this episode, we dive into the realities of lone working in outdoor education, the unexpected (and hilarious) responsibilities of a Forest School leader, and the importance of connection in a role that can often feel isolating. 🌲 Key topics in this episode: The highs and lows of returning to work after illness. Why Forest School leaders need mental h...

Episode Summary In this lively and wide-ranging episode, Lewis sits down with Lily Horseman (Kindling Playwork) to explore how transparent you should be when planning Forest School sessions. They discuss the balance between being honest with children, parents, and fellow educators while preserving the magic of play and spontaneity. You’ll hear fascinating insights into building trust, navigating t...

Welcome back to the Forest School Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the intriguing ideas from Rory Sutherland's book Alchemy and explore how they can transform your Forest School practice. From the power of creative chaos to the impact of trust and training, this episode offers fresh perspectives for Forest School leaders, educators, and nature enthusiasts alike. 🌿 Join Lewis as he unpacks t...

↓Click here for Limited Edition 'Magic in the Mud' merch! ↓ www.children-of-the-forest.com/forestsschoolpodcastshop What does it mean to truly know a tree? In this episode of the Forest School Podcast , we’re joined by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson, hosts of the Completely Arbortrary  podcast, to explore the fascinating tension between knowing trees as species and connecting with them as individual...

Dive into the chaos, creativity, and comedy that is Song Wars ! In this special episode, we’ve compiled all the musical gems from past episodes, including the hilariously self-indulgent chats that led to their creation. From heartfelt ballads about tagging games to unexpectedly funky anthems about bin juice and wet ropes, this is a Forest School Podcast experience like no other. Whether you’re her...

↓Click here for Limited Edition 'Magic in the Mud' merch! ↓ www.children-of-the-forest.com/forestsschoolpodcastshop Summary: In this milestone 200th episode, hosts Lewis and Wem reflect on their podcasting journey, discussing the evolution of their content, memorable guest interviews, and the growth of the Forest School movement. They explore the integration of technology in outdoor education, the...

When is it okay to step into a child's play? In this episode, we explore the delicate art of intervening in play cycles, discussing when to annihilate or contain play, how to navigate safety concerns, and ways to maintain emotional and physical balance. Join us for actionable insights, real-life scenarios, and strategies for reflective practice that will help you confidently manage play in your Fo...