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The Forest School Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Lewis Ames and Wem Southerden
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- 1 weeks ago1h 1m
Ep 245 - Folklore and Neo-Enclosure w/ Nik Elvy
In this podcast, Nik Elvy, an artist, outdoor educator, and researcher, shares insights on neo-enclosure, folk traditions, and the impact of history on contemporary society. We explored themes of land access, cultural heritage, and social justice, offering a deep dive into how history and folklore shape our present and future.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes01:18 Nick Elvie's Background and Recent Work03:01 Understanding Neo-Enclosure: Definitions and Examples04:59 Green Spaces, Parking, and Neo-Enclosure06:48 Community Spaces and Exclusion09:01 Meeting with the Secretary of State on Poverty11:55 Poverty, Epigenetics, and Family History15:56 Historical Land Rights and Enclosure Movements20:02 Folklore, Folk Practices, and Cultural Heritage29:54 The Folk Renaissance and Cultural Appropriation39:57 Community Engagement and Folk Traditions50:05 Contemporary Challenges: Gentrification and Cultural Loss57:58 The Role of Outdoor Education and Land Access01:00:00 Closing Remarks and ResourcesFolklorican on Substack - https://folklorican.substack.com/Folkloric on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/folkloric
- 2 weeks ago44 min
Ep 244 - Sustainable Soil Alliance
Unlocking the Secrets of Soil: An Interview with Ellen Fay from the Sustainable Soils AllianceDiscover the fascinating world beneath our feet with Ellen Fay, a passionate advocate for soil health and biodiversity. In this episode, we delve into what soil really is, why it's vital for our planet, and how we can all contribute to its preservation.Main Topics:The fundamental composition and diversity of soil across different landscapesThe significance of soil as a living ecosystem and its role in climate change mitigationThreats to soil health including erosion, contamination, compaction, and land usePractical ways for schools and individuals to support soil conservationThe importance of policy and research gaps in soil protection effortsKey Insights:Soil is a complex living ecosystem made up of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and a vast diversity of microorganisms and fauna.There are over 750 recognized soil types in the UK, each requiring specific management practices.Soil degradation poses significant threats to biodiversity, water management, and climate regulation.Protecting leaf litter, avoiding soil compaction, and understanding local soil types are critical practices for environmental stewardship.National soil monitoring and policies need nurturing to safeguard soil for future generations.Small everyday actions, such as avoiding peat and engaging kids in soil exploration, can make a substantial impact.Timestamps:00:44 - Introduction to Ellen Fay and her journey into soil advocacy01:33 - The importance of soil knowledge and the role of the Sustainable Soils Alliance05:23 - Simplified explanation of what soil is and its components09:36 - Diversity of soil types across the UK and their formation12:53 - How ancient woodland soils differ and why they are slow to recover15:00 - The debate over leaf litter and soil layers in forests17:31 - The vulnerability of soils and threats from land use and construction21:15 - The impact of soil compaction and how to remediate it24:52 - The ecosystem functions of soil and its importance for water and carbon storage29:52 - Current national initiatives and policies for soil protection32:18 - Practical actions individuals and schools can take to promote soil health40:45 - The potential impacts of using woodchip on pathways and soil protection42:48 - Final advice on making informed decisions to safeguard soilResources & Links:Sustainable Soils AllianceUK Soil Map & DataBook: "Teaming with Microbes" by Jeff LowenfelsResearch on Soil BiodiversityUnderstanding Soil Erosion and ConservationConnect with Ellen Fay:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteAdditional notes:Ellen emphasises the crucial role of education, policy reform, and everyday actions in preserving soil. Engaging children in soil ecology — through activities like wormeries and plant growth experiments — fosters early appreciation and stewardship of this vital resource.
- 3 weeks ago43 min
Ep 243 - New Site, PHDs & Slop Chat!
We recorded this one outside in the sunshine, which felt almost unreasonably good. Wem and I had a lot to catch up on and approximately no plan for how to do it. This is what came out.Wem started with a holiday debrief from the Picos de Europa in northern Spain. A campervan, the mountains, storks nesting on telegraph poles, vultures, a scops owl that everyone else in the vicinity mistook for a car alarm, and a brief but passionate argument for why campervans are the best possible holiday format for families who find transitions hard. There is also a detour into the biggest swing in Spain and a childhood memory of Wem's involving shoes, fences, and wet morning grass that I will not spoil.Then I had some news to share. The woodland is growing. I have agreed a price on a flat, bluebell-filled acre right next to the existing site, which takes Children of the Forest from three acres of north-west-facing hill to over four acres, with open canopy, big old oaks, and a completely different feel to everything I have worked in for the last decade. Ten years to the month, as it happens. We talk about what that kind of change feels like when you have been going through a flat patch, and why Looby McNamara's Cultural Emergence design web has come back off the shelf to help me think through what comes next.Wem also gives a PhD update. Coming to the end of year one, with a redrafted research proposal about play at forest school in progress. We have a really honest conversation about what it feels like to step back into being a beginner when you have spent years being experienced in your field, about research ethics and children, who actually benefits from data, and what genuinely participatory research can look like when children are co-creators rather than subjects.And then we both get a bit ranty, in the best way, about AI-generated event posters, what folk art actually is, the difference between collecting skills and collecting outputs, and why a badly made Word document flyer tells you more about an event and the person running it than any AI image ever will. The Lost Folk gets a mention. So does an accordion Wem has apparently acquired. There is also a wren on a stump that derails everything completely for about two minutes and I have no regrets about that.References from this episode: Cultural Emergence by Looby McNamara, The Lost Folk, and the Bulworthy Project rewilding estate, where white storks are now nesting in the UK.
- Mar 28, 202659 min
Ep 242 - Expectations VS Reality in 2026
This episode explores the realities of forest school leadership, challenging idealized expectations with authentic experiences. Hosts Wem and Lewis share insights on community building, industry myths, and the importance of authenticity in outdoor education. keywordsforest school, outdoor education, community building, training realities, outdoor leadership, nature-based learning key topicsMyths vs. reality of forest school trainingCommunity building and relationship managementFlexibility and adaptability in outdoor educationChapters00:00 The Long-Tailed Tit's Nest Discovery05:28 Springtime Adventures and Nature's Bounty06:34 The Reality of Forest School Training11:45 Expectations vs. Reality in Outdoor Education19:48 The Challenges of Flexibility in Outdoor Settings25:57 Nature Bypassing and the Business of Outdoor Education31:58 Navigating the Business Side of Forest School34:24 Navigating Code Switching in Education37:25 The Journey of Continuous Learning40:35 Community Holding Beyond the Classroom45:23 Creating a Homely Outdoor Environment50:24 The Punk Spirit of Forest School57:18 The Future of Community-Funded Education59:22 Pod Fart.mp4 resourcesForest School Association - https://forestschoolassociation.org/Nests by Susan Ogilvie - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nests-Susan-Ogilvie/dp/XXXXXXOfsted - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted
- Feb 28, 202651 min
Ep 241 - Ludobotany II: Loose Parts
This episode explores the fascinating world of loose parts in outdoor play, focusing on natural resources like trees, seeds, and bark. Discover criteria for selecting the best loose parts, the importance of seasonality, and creative ideas for outdoor activities.loose parts, outdoor play, natural resources, forest school, foraging, play ideas, nature-based learning key topicsCriteria for selecting loose partsSeasonality and availability of resourcesCreative uses of natural materials in play Guide to Loose Parts in Outdoor PlayHow to Choose the Best Natural Loose Parts for PlayChapters00:00 Echidna's Unique Anatomy03:36 Exploring Loose Parts Play06:35 Criteria for Loose Parts09:32 The Role of Volume and Rarity12:41 Malleability and Versatility in Loose Parts15:35 Sensory Experiences with Loose Parts18:36 Accessibility and Processing of Loose Parts21:33 The Value of Foraging for Loose Parts25:00 The Value of Foraging in Outdoor Play27:38 Functions of Loose Parts in Play30:17 Exploring the Best Loose Parts for Play33:13 The Debate on Non-Native Loose Parts37:14 The Role of Bark and Heavy Loose Parts40:37 Choosing the Right Materials for Den Building42:34 Dreaming Up the Perfect Mud Kitchen48:27 The Ecological Impact of Using Loose Parts51:41 Pod Sheep.mp4 resourcesNo Such Thing As A Fish Podcast - https://www.nosuchthingasafish.com/Scientists unravel the mystery of echidna's bizarre four-headed penis - https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00145-4Forest School Resources - https://www.forestschool.co.uk/Gum Trees and Bark Resources - https://www.britannica.com/plant/gum-treeConker Game and History - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conkers
- Feb 16, 20261h 17m
Ep 240 - The Score by Thi Nguyen
Keywordsweather, play, philosophy, achievement, agency, creativity, metrics, education, value capture, qualitative assessmentSummaryIn this conversation, Lewis and Wem explore various themes surrounding play, philosophy, and the impact of metrics on society. They discuss the importance of play in fostering creativity and social connections, the differences between striving and achievement players, and the role of constraints in enhancing creativity. The conversation also delves into the concept of value capture, the influence of technology on perception, and the need for qualitative assessments in education. They conclude by reflecting on the importance of process over product and the future of education in relation to play.TakeawaysMud everywhere!The weather can be deceiving.Books can deeply engage us.Play has philosophical implications.Striving players focus on the process.Constraints can enhance creativity.Value capture influences our perceptions.Metrics can simplify complex ideas.Education often prioritizes quantifiable data.The process of play is more important than the outcome.TitlesExploring the Mud: Weather and PlayThe Philosophy of Play and Learning sound bites"There's mud everywhere!""This book is amazing!""The process is beautiful!"Chapters00:00 The Muddy Reality of Weather08:16 Exploring the Depths of Play and Philosophy11:08 Understanding Player Mindsets: Achievement vs. Striving14:22 Facilitating Play: Agency and Autonomy in Games17:24 The Role of Games in Social Dynamics20:15 Process Beauty in Games: The Art of Overcoming Obstacles23:06 The Purpose vs. Goal in Play: Social Connection Over Competition37:08 The Sensual Act of Information Management40:21 Nature Connection and Purpose43:35 Metrics, Value Capture, and Scoring Systems50:16 The Influence of Technology on Perception56:47 The Four Horsemen of Value Capture01:05:55 The Balance of Quantitative and Qualitative Metrics01:10:41 Exploring Pedagogies and Their Metrics
- Jan 31, 20261h 0m
Ep 239 - Community Woods with Susan Barker from Avon Needs Trees
Keywordstree planting, community engagement, climate action, Avon Needs Trees, sustainable practices, tree care, volunteerism, Echo Wood, environmental awareness, biodiversitySummaryIn this engaging conversation, Wem speaks with Susan Barker from Avon Needs Trees about the importance of community tree planting and care. Susan shares her journey from academia to horticulture, highlighting the mission of Avon Needs Trees in combating climate change through woodland creation. They discuss the significance of community involvement, sustainable practices in tree care, and the emotional aspects of confronting climate change. The conversation also touches on the innovative Echo Wood project, which aims to create a living artwork through tree planting, and the importance of fostering connections with nature.TakeawaysSusan Barker transitioned from academia to horticulture due to stress and a desire to work with nature.Avon Needs Trees focuses on creating permanent woodlands to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.Community engagement is crucial for the success of tree planting initiatives.Sustainable tree care practices are essential for the long-term health of planted trees.Volunteers play a significant role in tree planting and care, fostering a sense of ownership.Echo Wood is a living artwork project that involves planting 365 trees in a circular design.Emotional well-being is supported through active participation in environmental initiatives.The organization emphasizes the importance of local actions in response to global climate issues.Conversations about climate change should balance despair with hope and actionable steps.The survival rate of trees planted by Avon Needs Trees is impressively high, averaging around 93%.Sound bites"The tree care is so meditative.""We want to have those conversations.""It's the little things that citizens do that matter."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Avon Needs Trees and Susan Barker07:39 Susan's Journey from Academia to Horticulture12:46 The Birth of Avon Needs Trees18:49 Land Acquisition and Community Engagement25:09 Tree Planting and Care Practices29:43 The Challenges of Tree Planting30:50 Creating a Community Woodland32:27 Survival Rates and Long-Term Care34:50 Engaging the Community41:44 Introducing Echo Wood49:22 Confronting Climate Change Emotionally01:00:21 Pod Cat.mp4
- Jan 23, 20261h 1m
Ep 238: 238 - Play Prophecies
In this episode, Wem and Lewis explore the philosophical and societal implications of play, discussing how it shapes childhood development and adult behavior. They delve into the idea that play is not merely a preparation for adulthood but a vital part of life itself, influencing social interactions and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the impact of adult perceptions on children's play and the broader cultural narratives surrounding play.Keywordsplay, childhood development, adult behavior, social interactions, personal growth, societal perceptions, cultural narratives, essential play, children, adultsTakeawaysPlay is a vital part of life, not just preparation for adulthood.Adult perceptions can influence children's play experiences.Play shapes social interactions and personal growth.Cultural narratives impact how play is valued.Philosophical discussions on the essence of play are explored.Play is essential for both children and adults.The role of play in childhood development is multifaceted.Play can reflect societal issues and biases.Understanding play requires a holistic view of its impact.Play is a fundamental aspect of human experience.
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About The Forest School Podcast
Wem Southerden & Lewis Ames have run Forest School and training centre Children of the Forest since 2017. The Forest School Podcast was born when they wondered if their daily wafflechats and reflections about pedagogy, play and nature connection might be of interest to others.The podcast aims to inform and support educators, parents, outdoor and play practitioners and anyone interested in nature and the outdoors.Through book reviews – interviews with experts, practitioners and authors – sharing our experience as educators and business owners – deep dives on fascinating topics –
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