You can see what we have been up to in the woods!

There are so many adventures to tell you about that occur in the woods, so instead of words here is a picture board of some of the adventures....so you can make your own words up!

Take a look at our new Gallery https://plus.google.com/photos/118293394270636437258/albums/5344286862459647793 

Are you a budding photographer?!

Are there any budding photographers in your home, school or club?! 

If so, they might be interested to enter a photography competition held by Somerset Wildlife Trust.

Photos should be of wildlife in a natural setting. All entries will be displayed on their website.

For more information, check out the website:

http://www.somersetwildlife.org/photography_competition_2012.html

Perhaps join us at one of the days in the woods over October Half Term (see previous post) and we can help you take some brilliant photos to enter there?

Autumn News

Dear Woodland Friends,

With only 3 weeks until October Half Term, I thought it was time I reminded you all what will be happening in the woods!! This is my favorite time of year without a doubt, although drizzly today the weekend just past was a perfect autumn weather, cold, crisp and blue sky! I love the autumn smells, I love the colour of the leaves turning, I love listening for the stags rutting....what do you love about the autumn?


Woodland Playschemes
The Woodland Playschemes are for children ages 8 years and over. Occasionally under 8’s can attend to please speak to me if you request this service. Unless it states otherwise they must be booked in advance and are all;

TIMES: 1000 – 1600hrs
COST: £20 per child, per day.

You can book one day at a time or as many as you like. Why not consider it a childcare option whilst you work, shop or play? There is the option of EARLY BIRD and NIGHT OWL, where children can be dropped off from 0900hrs and collected anytime up to 1700hrs. This option is an additional £5.00 each, per child, per day.

Half Term (Oct)
Wednesday 31^st October           Carving and Cooking
Thursday 1^st November             Lanterns and Crunchy Crafts
Friday 2^nd November                 Fire play – without matches! (opportunity for a 'slash and burn' day all welcome)

* * * * * * * * * *
Learn how to use a Ring Kiln to make Charcoal

Sunday 11th November 2012
Join us at Hensons Wood near Rackenford for a day of charcoal burning.

We will guide you through the stages of the operation:
* Loading the Kiln
* Lighting the fire
* Grading the Charcoal

We will provide details of marketing, packaging and the ethics of producing British
charcoal compared to imported.

On site there will be a display of charcoal and information highlighting its various uses

Instructors:       Pete and Anna from the Bulworthy Project
Venue:              Hensons Wood, Rackenford, Devon
Time                 1000 – 1600hrs
Refreshments:  Tea/Coffee & Light Lunch provided
Cost:                 £40 to non-members or £25 to members
Contact:            Woodland Coordinator
                          Louise Kennedy

Contact Details: woodlands@fwagsw.org.uk
                          01823 355427 / 07775 941353

Booking is essential

* * * * * * * * * *
Coastal Fitness Weekend for Adults

A brilliant weekend is up for grabs to stay in a beautiful location in North Devon, with a programme of fitness activities and all in a stunning and relaxing retreat. In my eyes a great mix of coastal sea air, active fun and the opportunity to stay at Pickwell Manor.

To find out more check out this page http://www.activeescape.co.uk/weekend-breaks/coastal-fitness.pdf

So they say a change is as good as a rest, so what are you waiting for.....

Ideal for an active weekend break in stunning surroundings!

* * * * * * * * * *
GREEN FOOD FAIR

AT CROWCOMBE VILLAGE HALL
ON SATURDAY 20^th October
Opens at 10a.m.
Finishing at 4.30p.m
LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS
CRAFTS & other stalls

SOMERSET RAFFLE
GREAT REFRESHMENTS
FREE ENTRY!
Still time to take a stall -£10
Please apply to Carole Darke QECO Treasurer
carole.darke@virgin.net
Full details & booking form will be sent to you.

* * * * * * * * * *

Any adults up for a fitness weekend...

A brilliant weekend is up for grabs to stay in a beautiful location in North Devon, with a programme of fitness activities and all in a stunning and relaxing retreat. In my eyes a great mix of coastal sea air, active fun and the opportunity to stay at Pickwell Manor.

To find out more check out this page http://www.activeescape.co.uk/weekend-breaks/coastal-fitness.pdf

So they say a change is as good as a rest, so what are you waiting for.....

Ideal for an active weekend break in stunning surroundings!


October Half Term
Woodland Playscheme on Wednesday 31st, Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd October.
For some spooky fun, carving and cooking!

Bushcraft course for forest school practitioners

Dear All,

This month I am very excited to be telling you about a forthcoming course for adults, it is a brilliant course delivered by two extremely knowledgeable, kind and enthusiastic tutors. If you are not a Forest School Practitioner and are interested in the course please contact Maggie to discuss.

Also....I will be reflecting on the summer of adventures and playschemes in the next blog http://woodlandplaycentre.blogspot.co.uk/  as well as posting some fabulous photos to show you what we have been up to. In the blog I will post the information for the OCTOBER HALF TERM Playscheme that will take place on Wednesday 31st October, Thursday 1st November and Friday 2nd November. As always bookings can be made now. So take a look at the blog....the new look for the website is due to come to your screen almost any day now, so do keep your eye open for that as well  http://www.woodlandplaycentre.co.uk/

Playful wishes Louise
____________________________________________________________

BUSHCRAFT FOR FOREST SCHOOL PRACTITIONERS

Come along and join us for two days of practical activities and personal development aimed at providing Forest School Leaders with basic Bushcraft skills and knowledge. Go away at the end of the course with a host of ideas and activities to incorporate into woodland sessions, plus your own flint and steel fire lighting kit in a leather “goody” bag you will have made!

The course will cover:
·        Games for introducing plant/tree identification and their Bushcraft uses.
·        Games for introducing a structure to a Bushcraft Day.
·        Safe tool use and how to maintain tools.
·        Fire lighting methods using sparks (by flint and steel, fire steel) electrical, solar and friction.
·        How to organise a team Fire-by-Friction set to achieve fire. Very useful when dealing with a younger age group.
·        Fire construction, maintenance with different fire lays and safe fire disposal.
·        Making char cloth
·        Brief look at the history of fire lighting.
·        Safe natural shelter construction.
·        Take part in the “Model Shelter Challenge”
·        Knots for use with tarps and for lashings.
·        Cordage preparation (natural materials depending on location/season).
·        How to construct 2-ply cordage and join in to extend cordage.
·        Water filtering and purification.
·        Crafts:  use of cordage to make leather bound books and a bag to hold flint/steel kit; simple predator call device made from natural materials; Apache Throwing star for hunting game; feather stick for fire lighting and additional craft ideas.

Previous course participants said:
“ thank you both again for the Bushcraft course at the weekend. You shared your knowledge and skills so generously with us. I still cannot get over how much care, attention and time you so obviously put into the preparation. I have not only come away with a leather fire-making pouch, but a huge host of great ideas for games and activities I’ll use to develop my practice as a Forest School leader”

“ thank you both for a really fantastic weekend. I am busy recreating all the exercises and activities to use with a Forest School group - we are then going to practice everything on unsuspecting kids at the camp this weekend. You are both so inspirational and patient. I think I went into overdrive at the end!”

Course date:  15 – 16 September 2012
Cost:                £130 per person
Location:         Woodland Play Centre, Crowcombe, Somerset
Start/Finish time (both days): 9.00 am – 4.30 pm.

Please bring a packed lunch and a mug. Hot/cold drinks/biscuits provided.
The course leader is George Yeomans, a qualified Teacher, Bushcraft Instructor and Forest School Leader.
For more information or to book a place contact:
Mountain & Bushcraft Ways   www.guidingonskye.co.uk   e-mail: gyeomans2@aol.com  Tel: 01478 650380

___________________________________________

Please contact Louise for more information on 07775 941353 or email info@woodlandplaycentre.co.uk
Many thanks

Louise

Calling all adventurous 12 year olds & over....

Time is running out, as are the summer holidays! With only one week left of activities in the woods, here is a reminder of what is in store next week.....

Wet and Wild Adventure Camp....Take 2!  

Due to the success of the last Wet & Wild Adventure Camp, we are offering another three days and two nights of woodland adventure, challenges and coastal activities....again all for a reduced rate of £150.00 per person.

Wednesday 29th from 1000hrs to Friday 31st August 1800hrs. What better way to end your summer holidays!

There are still a few spaces left for anyone who is 12years and over, so do not let this super "epic" opportunity pass you by!! If you are 10 years & over and think you would like to give it ago...you can!!

Woodland Playschemes

Go Wild
Tuesday 28^th August              Shelter Building

The Woodland Playschemes are for children ages 8 years and over. Occasionally under 8’s can attend to please speak to Louise if you request this service. Unless it states otherwise, they are all 1000 – 1600hrs and cost £20 per child, per day. You can book one day at a time or as many as you like. Why not consider it a childcare option whilst you work, shop or play? There is the option of EARLY BIRD and NIGHT OWL, where children can be dropped off from 0900hrs and collected anytime up to 1700hrs. This option is an additional £5.00 each, per child, per day.

ALL EVENTS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.

Feel free to forward this post to any colleagues and friends, so they too can subscribe and get exciting updates about forthcoming adventures!

Keep up with our blog, latest news, photos and events on our woodland Facebook page thewoodlandplaycentre@groups.facebook.com

Contact Louise for more information on 07775 941353 or email info@woodlandplaycentre.co.uk

Adventure & Childcare....

Adventure & Childcare are not usually two words that are associated together, but here they seem to be!

As you maybe aware, throughout the Summer Holidays there is a suite of adventures, projects and days to entertain you and your children, grand children, nieces, nephews and friends!

We have had a smashing start with some successful events such as the Mad Hatters Tea Party, a great turn out, the weather was kind, great games and super fancy dress. 

Then there was National Playday, an event held in our village (not the woods) where 240 children and goodness knows how many adults came to play and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Campaign to support children's right to play.

This week finally saw the first Wet & Wild Adventure Camp get off the ground, it has been talked about for years, so it was smashing to hear the young people describe it as "awesome, epic, scary, brilliant, the best...etc etc" and want to do it every holiday for the whole holiday...see where I am coming from when i mentioned Adventure and Childcare!! I am stunned at how much we crammed in to three days..topped off with Fish & Chips on the last night on a quiet headland watching dolphins feast in the shores below us...just MAGIC!

So with that behind us, other than the memories that will be with us all for a long time, we are looking forward to the next part of the Summer Holidays and what events we have to entertain and occupy your children!

We have coming up the Woodland Playschemes and another...yes another Wet & Wild Adventure Camp!

 

Wet and Wild Adventure Camp....Take 2!   

Due to the success of the Wet & Wild Adventure Camp this week, we are offering another three days and two nights of woodland adventure, challenges and coastal activities....again all for a reduced rate of £150.00 per person. 

 

Wednesday 29th from 1000hrs to Friday 31st August 1800hrs. What better way to end your summer holidays! 

Wednesday 29th we will be in the woods & hopefully there will be an opportunity to get stuck in and help to make an earth / pizza oven (fingers crossed). Those people that still want to come for the day and just that, that is fine! 

Thursday 30th will be all about great heights and challenges! With a Wild Night Camp out....again if people want to come for just that, they can. Or maybe the Wednesday night maybe more suitable as there won't be the early start in the morning!! Ideally, for the group to bond it is better to engage in all of it, rather than dipping in and out, but we can be flexible.  As we can be on the age! 

Friday 31st will be all about water and coastal explorations!  

 




Sign up now, as there will be limited spaces!!

Woodland Playschemes

Run Wild
Tuesday 14^th August             Capture the flag chaos
Wednesday 15^th August      Tracking with trepidation!

Make it Wild

Monday 20^th August        Whittling Whistles
Tuesday 21^st August         Bows and Arrows

Thursday 23rd August     Floating boats & rafts

Go Wild
Tuesday 28^th August             Shelter Building
Wednesday 29^th August      Camp Cooking

Wild Night Out!

Thursday 30^th August;    Finish the summer in true wild style with an overnight camp in the woods! Play torch tag, see and hear what happens in the woods at night, cook a feast on the campfire and tell stories! £30 per child. 1800hrs on Thursday 30^th August to 0900hrs on Friday 31st August

Unless it states otherwise, all playscheme days are 1000 - 1600hrs and cost £20 per child, per day.

The Woodland Playschemes are for children aged 8 years and over, occasionally under 8's, please enquire

You can book one day at a time or as many as you like.

Why not consider it as a childcare option whilst you work, shop or play?

There is also the option of an EARLY BIRD and NIGHT OWL, where children can be dropped off from 0900hrs and collected anytime up to 1700hrs. This option is an additional £5.00 each, per child, per day.

All events and days must be booked in advance

REDUCED PRICE for the Adventure Camp

The WET AND WILD ADVENTURE CAMP is only a week away....

There are still places left for the Adventure Camp and.....we have REDUCED THE PRICE!!

We are now offering places for £150 all in.
Three days of activities, two over night camps in the woods with Active Escape and Woodland Play Centre....it can not get better than that!

Starting Tuesday 7th August at 1000hrs until Thursday 9th August at 1600hrs.

We can be a little bit flexible on the age, it is ideally aimed at those 10 and over, so do contact us if you are interested. It will be a truly awesome and memorable week!

We will be camping in the woods, cooking all meals on the open fire, camp craft skills, navigation games, surfing, coastal scrambling, night games and generally having a good time!

Contact Louise to book.

Adventure Camp

The WET AND WILD ADVENTURE CAMP is only a few weeks away....with weather like this there is no better place to be other than at the beach or outdoors....finally summer has arrived, right in time for the school holidays - yeahy!!

There are still places left for the Adventure Camp, if we do not fill all the required places for the week, we will be looking at options to still run but for a shorter length of time (and therefore less money) so if you are interested please do contact me. We can be a little bit flexible on the age. It will be a truly awesome and memorable week!

Schools out for summer!!

One week to go....the count down is on for the school holidays (for those that have not broken up already).

A week today....schools across the UK will be closing the class room doors for a whole 6 weeks or more!




So hopefully young people are going to get out and about this summer, despite all the rain and mud (we had great fun today playing in the mud and did you know it was international mud day last week!!)

Over the summer holidays some people will be going on holidays, camping, abroad or to family. Some people will be hanging about home, some parents have to work and some lucky children will be coming to the woods!!

We have a wicked programme of events for the summer holidays, from family days, to adventures for the teens to days in the woods for young people!

There is no need to be stuck inside this summer, we have loads to do. Just take a look at the summer programme of alluring adventures, see what takes your fancy and book you and your friends in. You will not regret it....a summer filled with lashings of laughs (and possibly ginger beer for those of you that love famous five!)

Only 7 more sleeps till the holiday start....what you waiting for!!

Contact Louise for more info 07775 941353 or email info@woodlandplaycentre.co.uk

TALK BY DEBRA (Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association)

If anyone is interested in attending a talk by DEBRA next week, all are welcome. By attending you will be helping to raise awareness of this terrible condition. Please support if you can by coming along.  

TALK BY DEBRA

(Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association)

CHURCH HOUSE, CROWCOMBE

WEDNESDAY 11^TH JULY 2012

8.00pm

Can you imagine what it would be like to live with third degree burns everyday of your life? That is what it is like for Sohana Collins who suffers from a rare genetic skin condition, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). The condition causes the skin to blister and shear at the slightest friction, or even spontaneously, causing lifelong disability and pain. At present there is no cure.

Crowcombe WI are raising awareness of Epidermolysis bullosa by inviting DEBRA, the only National charity that supports individuals and families affected by this devastating condition, to speak on Wednesday July 11^th in Church House Crowcombe.

Please come and support this amazing charity which receives no government funding, relying on the generosity of the public to carry out its vital work, improving lives and giving hope.

This meeting is not just for WI members, it is for everyone. You are all very welcome to this open evening.

Raffle

Raising funds for DEBRA for the Sohana Research Fund, supporting research into Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB)

Please note

WI members meeting 7.30pm

Talk by DEBRA to start at 8pm

Mad Hatters Tea Party - NEW DATE!!

We have a new date for the Mad Hatters Tea Party and do hope that all you lovely people that booked to come to date in June are able to come to this one. So we.....

....would like to invite you to a very special FANCY DRESS

MAD HATTER’s TEA PARTY

in a secret squirrel location on Friday 27th July 2012

from 1pm – 4pm

There’s a party in the woods, would you like to come?

Bring your own cup and saucer and your own cream bun!

It’s a tea party theme so you will need a chair,

Come dressed as the Hatter or the Queen to be there!

And don’t forget, be you a rabbit or hare,

Bring a picnic party plate of food to share!

Tea, coffee, squash and cakes will be provided

Wear sensible outdoor clothing, especially wellies if its been raining!

As always booking is essential, directions and details will be given once booked on. The Tea Party is for anyone that wants to come along...of course in fancy dress! If you have items lurking in sheds or cupboards under the stairs that would be ideal to dress the woods, we love you to bring them along please (and take them home again!!).

There will be lots of woodland games, outdoor play, tea and cake. Ideal for families, visiting families, friends...why not jump on the West Somerset Steam Railway and hop off near the woods and make a day of it! 

Look forward to hearing from you, 

Louise 

Summer Woodland Playscheme Dates

Hello all playful people,
Here hot off the press is the programme for the Summer Woodland Playschemes...hurray! Lots of outdoor play and play in natural spaces for the summer school holidays.
Unless it states otherwise, they are all 1000hrs - 1600hrs and cost £20 per child, per day.
You can book one day at a time or as many as you like. Why not consider it as a holiday childcare option whilst you work, shop or play?
There is the option of an EARLY BIRD and NIGHT OWL, where children can be dropped off from 0900hrs and collected anytime up to 1700hrs. This option is an additional £5.00 each, per child, per day.
The Woodland Playschemes are for children aged 8 years and over. Occasionally under 8's can attend so please speak to Louise if you request this service.

Summer Playschemes

Wild Play
Monday 30^th July                     Nature Detectives – be one for a day
Tuesday 31^st July                    Den building & hanging around in hammocks

Run Wild
Tuesday 14^th August              Capture the flag chaos
Wednesday 15^th August        Tracking with trepidation!

Make it Wild
Monday 20^th August                Whittling Whistles
Tuesday 21^st August               Bows and Arrows
Thursday 23rd August            Floating boats & rafts

Go Wild
Tuesday 28^th August               Shelter Building
Wednesday 29^th August        Camp Cooking
Thursday 30^th August             Wild Storytelling
Thursday 30^th August             Wild Night Out! Arrive at 1800hrs and camp over night in tents, cook feasts on the campfire. Play torch tag and see what happens in the woods at night! £30 per child. Finish at 12 noon on Friday 31st August!


All summer as always there will be the flexibility to change, adapt and follow the children’s interest of what they would like to do. We can den build, play with fire, bug hunt, survive, play endless games of capture the flag, foxes and hounds, make bows and arrows...what ever they want (within reason!) Plus whatever spontaneously occurs!!

The Woodland Play Centre runs a number of events for families, as well as woodland playschemes during the holidays (drop-off woodland adventures for children, whilst their parents, work, shop, or play). Contact Louise Kennedy on 07775 941 353 for booking and further details.

Other summer holiday dates - prices vary on these
Wild Woods Creative Camp     20^th – 22^nd July
Mad Hatters Tea Party Friday    27^th July; 1300 - 1600hrs
Crowcombe Play Day Friday     3^rd August; 1100 - 1500hrs
Adventure Camp                         6^th – 10^th August

Half Term (Oct)
Wednesday 31^st October           Withy Lanterns
Thursday 1^st November             Crunchy Crafts
Friday 2^nd November                 Fire play – without matches!

Keep up with our blog, latest news, photos
and events on our woodland Facebook page!thewoodlandplaycentre@groups.facebook.com 

ALL EVENTS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.
DAYS, TIMES & PRICES ARE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING, BUT ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Please contact Louise for more information on 07775 941353 or email info@woodlandplaycentre.co.uk

TAKING BOOKINGS NOW...

Many thanks and look forward to hearing from you

Louise

Wet & Wild Adventure Camps!

Hello,
As you may have already gathered I am trying a new method of sending you information and not clogging up your in-boxes with attached files. Learning something new often comes with glitches! I think I have mastered it now, so if you would like to be added to the mailing list please email me, so you can subscribe. Please find below the final (not draft) information regarding the Adventure Camps.

Wet & Wild Adventure Camps

The Woodland Play Centre http://www.woodlandplaycentre.co.uk and Active Escape http://www.activeescape.co.uk are bringing to you the Wet & Wild Adventure Camps!
With three weeks to choose from over the summer holidays, these amazing adventure camps will take place in two great locations!

Be wild...run wild...go wild with adventures, wilderness, sea and surf!

In North Devon for the middle part of the week you will be Surfing, Rock Scrambling, Coasteering, Kayaking & playing Beach Games!                                          

In West Somerset to start and finish the week you will be doing lots of Navigation Tasks, Bushcraft, Survival, Camp Craft, Cooking and Games in the Wild!

Plus oodles more all week.....

The Adventure Camps are Monday to Friday full board staying in Bell Tents in West Somerset and North Devon

The recommended age is for 12 - 15 year olds
£280 per person; includes all costs - food, travel, accommodation and activities
 

Only THREE weeks to choose from;

Monday 9th - Friday 13th July 2012
Monday 16th - Friday 20th July 2012
Monday 6th - Friday 10th August 2012

Please contact Louise for more information on 07775 941353 or email info@woodlandplaycentre.co.uk

BOOK NOW....as there are limited places

Feel free to forward this link to any colleagues and friends, so they too can subscribe and get exciting mails about forthcoming adventures!

I will be posting another mail with all the SUMMER WOODLAND PLAYSCHEME dates shortly, however they are uploaded on the woodland facebook page already.

Many thanks and here is to a wild summer!!

Louise

Wild Woods Camp...for FAMILIES

Book up now on this amazing opportunity to come and camp in the woods for a whole weekend...there will be crafty things, spooky things, singing tunes and stories!! All facilitated by briliant and creative people.....

http://www.julesolsen.co.uk/events.php

Wild Woods Creative Camp

July 20th-22nd

Come and join us in this magical woodland and create your own stories through spoken word, song and art. 

Facilitated by
Professional Storyteller - Martin Maudsley
Community Artist  - Charlotte Chapman
Singer/vocal coach - Jules Olsen

Beautiful Woodland setting in Somerset.The site is a private Woodland in Crowcombe near Taunton, part of the Quantock Hills an area of outstanding natural beauty. 

Workshops will be facilitated throughout the weekend, to explore and create stories through a variety of techniques.  There are no specific childrens workshops, but children are welcome and the workshops will be made accessible to all.
Workshops will take place outside where possible, but there will be a couple of covered areas in case of bad weather.
A campfire will be burning all weekend, so bring musical intruments for jamming in the evening.

£70 weekend camping and workshops. (Children 5-15yrs - £25)

Places limited.
Contact me for further information and to book

Anyone fancy a dance?

What a super idea...if anyone is interested in this great way to start a day and weekend please contact Rah direct...

It’s Friday – Let’s dance

      

Hooray! Dance Club (for grown ups) is launching at

Lydeard St Lawrence Village Hall on

Friday 15^th June.

9.15-10.15 am

This first session is

FREE TO EVERYONE!

(£5.00 thereafter).

We will warm up, stretch, tone, speed up, move it, shake it, dance!  slow down, stretch out, relax…..and go out into our day feeling refreshed, invigorated and energised.

Please wear comfortable happy clothes that will not restrict you.

Do feel free to email me at rah@thecattells.co.uk if you have any queries or simply to express an interest/ reserve a place.

HATTERS TEA PARTY - POSTPONED

Hello fellow woodland folk,

It is with such sad, frustrating and annoying news that I tell you I have decided to POSTPONE the Mad Hatters Party in the woods on Friday ;(

It is with a very heavy heart and a day of deliberating.

I still maintain that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. If it was just the rain we would still be going ahead.

However, it is the wind that is my concern. The woods are amazing places, but it never ceases to amaze me that the smallest of branches when falling from a great height can do some serious damage to a person. The Met Office have put out a weather warning for strong winds on amber alert tomorrow afternoon and easing slightly for Friday with little rain. When trees are in full leaf and there is the combination of strong winds and heavy rain it all makes them heavier and more likely to fall.

It would be foolish to host the the Hatters Tea Party when the Met Office have released these weather warnings. It will be sods law that Friday will be fine, but I have had to make a decision today. As it is not just the actual Tea Party I have had to consider, it is all the preparation time that we would have needed tomorrow afternoon and Friday morning to “dress” the woods and my priority at all times is people’s safety.

There WILL be a Mad Hatters Tea Party in the woods, so not all is lost, please hang onto all your costumes and gatherings. I will arrange another date soon and post it on the Blog, Facebook and email you all. I really hope to be able to do it again soon….will look at dates for July / August time in hope that we will have some seasonal weather!

Huge huge apologies to everyone of you, but hopefully you will understand my concerns and reasoning.

A sad Louise ;(

Jubilee Celebrations...rain does not have to be a pain!!

So much to see on the forest floor

The week of celebrations, fun and frolics has arrived....we started it off with a crackin birthday party in the woods on Friday afternoon, after school.....I think it was a good way for the children to end school and start the holidays....there was a lot of energy used charging around the woods, although not sure they were tired went they went home, somehow they found more energy in the fresh air!! Even Sam had tired legs at the end and he NEVER gets tired!!

The joys of laughter!

There are many celebrations this weekend in the area and i hope that they are all successful and fun. I was thinking about the rain & have heard a few grumbles that it may spoil the celebrations....how about we try to use the rain in a positive way?! How can it be incorporated into the celebrations....at our local event we have an activity we can only do when its raining...just in case!! After all the rain is a regular feature in England and we should not be surprised if we have some rainy showers during our celebrations...so be prepared and embrace it!!

The week we have planned it quite a full on with lots of celebrations, woodland adventures, woodland parties, playschemes and tea parties!

A birthday treat in the woods!

There are still spaces available on Thursday for the WOODLAND PLAYSCHEME for those over 8 who wnat to come and engage in some wild play, quiet play, energetic play, comtemplative play, creative play and loud play!

The DIAMOND HATTERS TEA PARTY plans are coming along nicely, this is the only event i am little mindful of the weather, as there are quite a little children coming...not that they can't get wet, just different elements to be mindful of! Plus there is a lot of borrowed equipment that will be out in the elements hung up in trees and i can not return wet or ruined kit to people...so am keeping a close on the weather for that one!

More to explore

I know its a toad not a frog!

I tried for this holiday putting flyers in some school BOOK BAGS this seems to have been a success. I went to four schools, two in Taunton, and one either side of the Quantock Hills. I will be doing this again (as long as the schools are happy for me to do so!) so if you would like your school to have a book bag flyer every term to include events going on in the woods, please contact me (Louise) so i can arrange for you.



Finally, I have embraced something i do not like...it is called "eating that frog"!! Essentially it is doing something you are not keen on....I have set up an online newsletter through Mail Chimp, so if you are on the mailing list i am hoping to be able to a more modern and easy to read newsletter to you monthly to your inbox! Again if you would like to sign up let me know and i can add your details!!

Hanging out in the tree, on the tree and round the tree!

Just enjoy....the peace & natures beauty

Enjoy the week of celebrations, spalshing in the puddles...perhaps you may see a diamond reflection in the puddle!

Associate Trainer

So much is going on...I have just posted about the forthcoming baka camp in the woods...am getting very excited about that.

We have playschemes next week, the Diamond Hatters Tea Party and not to mention the jubilee celebrations...what a busy week or so we are going to have.

That is topped with a successful day yesterday at Gloscestershire University with Playwork Partnerships undertaking the tutor training day on their associate trainer scheme. I have looked at the licence to become a training organisation in the past and debated whether it was worth it at this stage. However, this scheme allows me to deliver two courses and i can add to the suite if desired in the future, under their licence. The training I will be offering is Playing with the Elements (level 3) and Take 5 (introduction to Playwork), i can deliver this through the Woodland Play Centre. By doing this it allows me to to test the water and see whjat demand and interest there is for that training in the area, without having to go to the great time and expence setting up as training organisation will have done.

So I am feeling rather pleased with that step, lets hope I can get something linned up in the not so distant future for everyone! 

Baka Rainforest Music Camp - in the woods soon

http://www.bakacamp.com

download booking form at http://www.bakacamp.com/Booking_form_july12.doc

I do hope you can join us for the weekend, bring your friends and family. Do book though as there are limited spaces. It will be a fun filled weekened with a mix of workshops to attend.

This is the first of a kind in the woods and we are very pleased to welcome Su and Martin to share their knowledge and expertise with us all, lets make sure it is a vibarent weekend. 

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Woodland Playschemes

During June Half Term 

Woodland Playschemes

 On Wednesday 6^th and Thursday 7^th June 2012

 1000 – 1600hrs

Come and join us in the magical Pixie’s Wood, Near Crowcombe
(Map to the secret squirrel woodland will be sent once
booking has been received – please note is booking essential)

There will be a whole lot of fun and games, climbing trees, running wild, looking for signs of deer and dormice, lighting fires, tracking and toasting marshmallows!

Woodland Playschemes cost £20 per child and have the option
of an early bird drop off from 0900 and night owl pick up
till 1700hrs each for an extra £5.00 per child

The Woodland Play Centre runs a number of events for families, as well as woodland playschemes during the holidays (drop-off woodland adventures for children, whilst their parents, work, shop, or play). Please see dates below and contact Louise Kennedy on:
07775 941 353 for booking and further details.

            

JUNE & JULY – Family Events:

Diamond Hatters Tea Party- Friday 8^th June – 1300 – 1700hrs

Baka Music Camp- Friday 29^th June – Sunday 1^st July

Wild Woods Creative Camp- Friday 20^th – Sunday 22^nd July

   Keep up with our blog, latest news, photos
and events on our woodland Facebook page!
thewoodlandplaycentre@groups.facebook.com  

ALL EVENTS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE.DAYS, TIMES & PRICES ARE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING, BUT ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Mad Hatters Tea Party...in the woods!

In honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, the

Woodland Play Centre

would like to invite you to a very special FANCY DRESS
MAD HATTER’s TEA PARTY
in a secret squirrel location on Friday 8th June 2012 
(in half-term) from 1pm – 5pm

There’s a party in the woods, would you like to come?
Bring your own cup and saucer and your own cream bun!
It’s a tea party theme so you will need a chair,
Come dressed as the Hatter or the Queen to be there!
And don’t forget, be you a rabbit or hare,
Bring a picnic party plate of food to share!

Tea, coffee, squash and cakes will be provided
Wear sensible outdoor clothing, especially wellies if its been raining!

£5 per child
£3 per adult
Booking essential

For further information and to make a booking please contact Louise on 077759 41353

info@woodlandplaycentre.co.uk
www.woodlandplaycentre.co.uk 

Don't be late for this very important date!!

There will be an array of active and crafty activities, fancy dress for all!

I am trying to work out a way to attach the poster rather than re-typing it all here....anyone that can help would be great! Failing that if you are interested email me and i will email the poster!!

Hope to see you there.

Louise

Bursting Bluebells!

What a weekend in the woods again, this time just carrying out necessary jobs and maintenance.
* More work done on the compost loo, painted around the loo seat, finished the non slip paint on the ramp
* Planted some willow next to the boys urinal to weave a screen once it grows and i believe it is a good filter system too
* Planted a few more trees in the hedgerow and put tree guards on them all.

The hedge is looking marvelous and although not all the trees will take first time round, it will create a smashing boundary once grown, it will act as a wind barrier and will provide animals, birds and us with a wealth of nuts and berries to eat. That is all the planting now until the Autumn, we will then lay some parts of the old hedge / bank as well as lots more tree planting. We have the trees donated from Monkton Elm Garden Centre heeled in the garden ready to plant later this year and early next year from October - March. Thank you to everyone who has helped plant the hedge to date, please come back to events we are running to check up on the trees!

Whilst in the woods yesterday....our first flowered bluebell was spotted!!!!! Very exciting times indeed. We also spotted three red deer enjoying the sunshine, heard lots of bird song and saw many butterflies.

Beautiful days

Playful adventures for next week...

What utterly stunning weather we are having & long may it last. It was just perfect for spending three days in the woods with George & Maggie from Mountain & Bushcraft Ways this weekend, along with Andy, Steve and visits from Christina, Matilda, Andy, Laura, Claire, Gareth and a few more!

Next week is looming fast and what a feast we have in store!

Woodland Playscheme – Wednesday 4^th April – 1000 – 1600hrs- £20 per child, early bird & night owl options available on request. 

Thought we throw in making a new game, where we will need to make our own piece of kit...think Robin Hood style!

Woodland Playscheme – Thursday 5^th April – 1000 – 1600hrs- £20 per child, early bird & night owl options available on request. 

How about lashings of ginger beer and lashings of fun!! Today is all about lashings!!

Easter Nut Hunt (for families) – Friday 6^th April – 1100 – 1500hrs- £5.00 per child / £3 per adult 

Lots of Easter themed activities to get involved in and treasure to find! Challenges to engage in and nuts to find! Bring all the family and a picnic in the woods. 

Please do book for any of the above so we know how many to cater for. Do come to the woods for lots of playful adventures! 



Louise