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Sticks and Ropes Forest School Sheffield
Week 1 : Documenting and recording different types of wild-life.
We went on an adventure walk, our new members explored and discovered the plant and animal life that is abundant in the forest around us. We documented using digital and charcoal methods to record information, and we finished with setting up a wildlife camera near a badger sett.
Gathered around the fire circle we learned how to whittle an owl. The creations were as interesting as the learning process.
Week 2 : Creating clay art using leaves/plant cuttings
This week we got the chance to see what our wildlife camera recorded. The badgers managed to avoid being captured on film. However we did manage to get a glimpse at a super fast squirrel. We are looking forward to seeing what we will record on camera next week. We continued to explore different types of plants and how we can use them to inspire art work on clay medallions.
Week 3 : Making rustic furniture
After putting up a tarpaulin to provide shelter from the coming rain (and killer acorns!) we went for an adventure walk, to find a suitable log for the morning activity. Then as a team we drilled holes into it using an auger, cut a branch into legs and fashioned our rustic stool, which unfortunately didn't survive the testing process!
As the rain came, we made a fire to provide us with warmth, and told each other camp fire stories. Later we checked on the wildlife footage, and were rewarded for our well thought out camera position last week, because we managed to capture some good videos of badgers, hares, mice and a fox. Let's see if the results are as good next week!
Week 4 : Learn how to recognise trees and create personalised tree cookies
This week we were happy to find out that some of our saplings have become established so we thought that it would be nice for each of us to adopt a tree. We looked at how we can identify our trees and we proceeded to create a tree cookie to be able to recognize and remember our trees. Children used a pyrography pen to write their names and create a personalised design to attach to their saplings. It was wonderful to watch how creative they were and for all of us to join in spontaneous games all together.
Week 5 : Crystal dragon egg pendants
After learning how to manipulate wood and clay we thought that an interesting progression would be metal. This week we stumbled over some dragon eggs and we used fire to melt pewter and create our pendants. While one child at a time embraced the highly risky procedure, forging their pendants using clay as a mould, the others organised themselves and managed to repair and improve one of our paths with loppers and sticks supervised by our volunteer, Sarah. Taking ownership over their work, they decided to name the path 'The Sticky Path'. A sign will soon follow!
Week 6 : Diwali autumn leaf lanterns and final session celebration
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We spent most of the morning making Diwali lanterns to celebrate the light within, and the group skillfully put these together without getting too much glue on their hands! Then, we decided to make a fire to dry our lanterns next to, and to roast some sweet chestnuts on. Just as everyone was getting comfortable, and telling camp fire jokes, the gentle patter of rain comes. We spent the rest of the session exploring the woods, playing games and telling each other stories. Then we said our good-byes and marked the end of our time with the woods and the mysterious 'other tribe', for now!
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