Welcome old friends and new, the forest can’t wait to see you!

What a sunny week we’ve had in Wimbledon. Sunny children who were ready to brave the still-cold forest came forth every morning and break new ground, break new ice, and break out new smiles at all the forest and each other had to offer.

Winter is no longer coming: winter has come! Cold, rain, snow, wind and sun: are there any other weather conditions left to experience this week?

In such a short week lots has happened: we’ve had the arrival of some new friends to the forest who have joined in very quickly and hopefully made some firm friends before they’ve even started fully; crushed ice like we were giants; and celebrated Little Forest Folk’s second birthday!

The whisper of flames slowly releasing their smoke around the trees hid the excited faces until they burst, grinning and hungry, onto the logs and sat ready to listen to stories and cook their favourite treats: the humble marshmallow. 

It’s been a very busy week in Fishpond Woods this week with preparations for Monday’s party in full swing. Forest school activities have been at the forefront of the children’s ambitions: we’ve had the string and secateurs out to cut long twigs and tie them in to star shapes; the saw out to cut wood blocks and the palm drills out to make holes for the construction of reindeer; and any sticks lying around were turned into amazing stick men that the children drew faces on and which became new friends in the forest!

As the mist clears over the meadow, enchanted children can be seen playing hither and thither amongst the brambles and willows of Fishpond Woods. These rare little forest folk thrive and laugh as they wade through streams, clamber through the trees and sit watching the flickering flames of a warming fire. Our week has been one of constant exploration and entering of new territory, without even leaving our site!

Look out Elsa and Anna, you’re not the only ones with a frozen land! Fishpond Woods was transformed this week with glistening ice on the puddles, beautiful frost fingers on the grass and plants and slippery surfaces everywhere!