The Forest School Podcast

Myths of Outdoor Play and Learning.: Breaking down barriers that keep parents and teachers indoors  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B091F5QT8W/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_QQFTGBMP69QCJRN79BMP Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Merch: www.teespring.com/en-GB/stores/cotf Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/...

Myths of Outdoor Play and Learning.: Breaking down barriers that keep parents and teachers indoors  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B091F5QT8W/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_QQFTGBMP69QCJRN79BMP Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Merch: www.teespring.com/en-GB/stores/cotf Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/...

Book Review - Primitive Technology by John Plant

Myths of Outdoor Play and Learning.: Breaking down barriers that keep parents and teachers indoors  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B091F5QT8W/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_QQFTGBMP69QCJRN79BMP Children of the Forest Links; Bookings & Training: www.children-of-the-forest.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/childrenoftheforest Merch: www.teespring.com/en-GB/stores/cotf Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/...

In this warm, reflective episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma unravel the porous boundary between work and rest for outdoor educators. From woodland weightlifting and YouTube speedruns to cold water swimming and secret tree friendships, the conversation explores how play, ritual, and recharge intersect across personal and professional lives. They discuss the struggle to truly &quo...

In this rich and reflective episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma dive deep into Experience and Education by John Dewey. Originally published in 1938, the book becomes a springboard for a vibrant discussion on progressive education, child-led learning, the value of experience, and how educators balance freedom and guidance. Through laughter, strong opinions, and candid stories, the...

In this episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma sit in the sunshine with hayfever and hand tools to dive deep into the world of woodwork in Forest School . From GCSE trauma and personal stick spirituality to big projects, scrap boxes, and cultural baggage, this episode explores what woodwork can offer children and facilitators alike. Together, they reflect on how woodworking compares...

In this very meta episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma finally manage to record their reflections on The Declarative Language Handbook by Linda K. Murphy... after a string of failed attempts involving lost audio, barking dogs, children, Wi-Fi, weather, and philosophical tangents. Fortunately, it was worth the wait. The discussion explores declarative vs imperative language, the im...

In this spacious and exploratory episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis shares his reflections on Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Recorded after a morning of administrative deep-dive, the conversation meanders thoughtfully through themes of reciprocity, indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the rituals that shape our relationships with the land. With Gemma asking insightful...

In this rich and grounded episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma sit down with James and Lea from The Woodland Classroom to explore the art and practice of foraging. From beginner tips and seasonal wisdom to confidence-building and risk management, this episode goes deep into how adults and children alike can build meaningful relationships with wild plants. James and Lea share refle...

In this rich and reflective episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma sit down with Vicki from El Bosc de Montseny in Catalonia to explore Forest School life in rural Spain. From roaming cork oak woodlands to foraging shepherd’s cherries and crafting lavender bundles, this conversation dives into parenting, pedagogy, and place-based learning beyond the UK. Vicki shares how her project...

Trigger warning: mentions of teenage suicide. In this urgent and heartfelt episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma dive into the overlooked realities of children's mental health provision in the UK. Sparked by their recent involvement with the All Party Parliamentary Group on a Fit and Healthy Childhood, they reflect on the promises of the 2017 green paper and the concerning omis...

In this thoughtful, wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma dig into a powerful research summary by Dr Miles Richardson: What Best Explains Children’s Connection with Nature? From hospital visits and journalling revelations to witches, epigenetics and smartphone addiction, this episode is a winding exploration of how, when and why children connect to nature—and what we c...

In this thoughtful and often humorous episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma dive into the messy, joyful world of maths at Forest School . Beginning with tangents on back-cracking, folk music, and gratitude journaling, the conversation soon weaves into a rich tapestry of observation, pedagogy, and curriculum critique. They explore how maths shows up organically in outdoor play—throu...

In this warmly meandering episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma begin with three fires, a rocket stove experiment, and a bin fire that wasn’t quite planned. Amid mouldy mugs and missing coffee, they explore the themes raised in the article Education Outside the Fishbowl by unschooling writer Carol Black. What unfolds is a rich and personal conversation about observation, validation...

In this relaxed but thought-provoking episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma record from indoors during a national lockdown and reflect on the rhythms of winter, social dynamics in education, gender politics, and gratitude. They discuss lockdown resilience, the myth of perfect nature provision, and how Forest School leaders can deepen their relationship with the woods during seasona...

Certainly. Here are your podcast show notes in the requested format and style, with no more than 10 chapter timing points : In this wild and wonderful New Year’s special of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma are joined by a brilliant international lineup of Forest School and playwork legends: Lily Horseman (Kindling Training, UK), Jen and Narelle (Birdwings Forest School, Australia), and l...

In this soulful, story-rich episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma sit down with Jen from Nourish Woodlanders and Woodland Journeys to explore the deep rhythms of land connection, seasonal rituals, and community. They discuss dragon lore, solstice drumming, nettle cakes, the balance between reverence and irreverence, and the legacy of ceremonies that shape our inner and outer landsc...

In this loose and laughter-filled episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma begin with caffeine-fuelled chaos (and a new puppy) before diving deep into a side of Forest School that's rarely discussed: regulation, inspection, and the mental load of compliance. Prompted by a recent Ofsted inspection, the duo open up about the emotional labour of maintaining standards, navigating grey...

In this lively, insightful episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma dive into the work of Dr Ross Greene, the clinical psychologist behind The Explosive Child and Lost & Found . They explore his compassionate, actionable approach to supporting children with challenging behaviour – not through control or rewards, but through collaboration, reflective conversation, and a deep respec...

In this dynamic and deeply reflective episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma welcome Artemis Darnell from The Garden in Bristol – a self-directed, consent-based learning community. They dive into the tensions and triumphs of education that centres autonomy, explores sociocratic processes, and values emotional safety as highly as tool use or academics. From letting go of “democratic”...

In this lively, expansive episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma unpack the power and complexity of wide games in Forest School. From smuggling pebbles and chasing rabbits to navigating age-mixed play, they explore the hidden pedagogies inside high-energy group games. The episode examines how wild play can mirror ancient human behaviours, enable role-based empathy, and unlock social...

In this rich, free-flowing episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma take a walk around the woods to explore the thorny and often misunderstood concept of procrastination. Is it really just wasting time, or is there something deeper at play? With links to executive function, emotional safety, and social learning, this conversation weaves through YouTube theories, Venn diagrams, rainy d...

In this awe-filled episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma speak with biologist, author, and researcher Merlin Sheldrake, author of Entangled Life . Together, they explore the astonishing and often mind-bending world of fungi: from underground networks and forest symbiosis to medicinal mushrooms, ancient knowledge, and cultural metaphors. The conversation is wide-ranging, touching on...

🎙 In this warm and reflective Practitioner Spotlight episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Gemma speak with Fran from The Woodland Pack , an outdoor educator based on the Wales–England border. Fran shares her honest journey through self-employment, shifting school contracts, and seasonal transitions in her practice. They explore the emotional and logistical challenges of maintaining a fo...