An important aspect of the project is the promotion and encouragement of natural play and development through Forest Schools amongst young children attending primary school.  The Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage project is funding a series of Forest Schools across the South Pennines with the aim of not only encouraging play and personal development but to raise awareness of the importance of woodland and wood throughout history.

Over the course of October, Pennine Prospects’ Woodland Heritage Officer has been supporting the forest school practitioners, Emma and Conner of Tinderwood Trust in their programme of Forest Schools for Year 1 children from Christ Church Pellon C of E VE Primary School.

As part of their activities which include exploring, den making, fire making, charcoal making and craft, the children have been finding out about the use of wood and woodlands during the Roman period.  From making houses to cooking, from fuelling kilns for pottery, to furnaces for metalworking the Children have had the opportunity to handle artefacts and replica items from the Roman period and discussed their uses.

‘… I did initially think it would be a bit over the children’s heads but as always I’m amazed by their ability to take on board new experiences with their learning.  Thank you again and to Pennine Prospects for giving our children an experience they will never ever forget.’ – Susan Davies, Teacher