Our Week in the Forest...
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
The Little Forest Folk Chiswick children have had a blast this week despite freezing temperatures, and they proved the Alfred Wainwright quote - ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.’
Decked out in layers upon layers, mittens, hats and scarves, the children ventured across the frosty grounds of Kew Gardens. This week we paid a visit to the turtles, piranhas and other fish in the Prince of Wales conservatory. The children named the fish Ernest, Sophie and Sharkie, and together they created backstories and a very complicated narrative about our new underwater friends.
Back at Chiswick House and Gardens, more animals became the focus of our attention. Our regular snack-time visitor, Mr Robin is becoming more and more cheeky, hopping into the snack circle to make the most of our biscuit crumbs. We also found an array of mini beasts – slugs, spiders and a tiny grasshopper who was affectionately named ‘Climber’.
Our adventure walks took us past the lake which on one day had completely frozen over, and the children laughed as they watched the coots ice-skating on the surface. We also spotted the 7 goslings which we’ve been keeping track of since they hatched a few months ago. The children nearly didn’t recognise them as they’ve grown even bigger than a duck now!
After a couple of fun snowy and frosty days, then came the glorious RAIN! The children adjusted their waterproofs, pulled up their hoods and ran towards a small swimming-pool sized puddle at our base camp. By the end of the day when the heavens opened up, there wasn’t a dry child in sight, but there were plenty of smiles… and muddy faces! The rain prompted creative and imaginative play and the children dismantled our much loved den to turn the big sticks and branches into a boat which they rowed across the river-like puddle.
We ended the week with singing, dancing and storytelling in the lovely winter sun. What a gorgeous week!
Have a lovely weekend!
Little Forest Folk Chiswick