Family Explorer: Signs of Spring

Sunday 22nd March 2026

On Sunday morning, families joined our volunteers Sue, a Forest School leader, and Ann for a wonderfully engaging spring-themed explorer session in the woods.

The group set off using their imaginations straight away, pretending to take photographs of the small signs that show spring is beginning to emerge. Along the way, Sue encouraged everyone to think about their senses - what we can see, hear, feel and smell - and to really tune into the woodland around us. One highlight was a guided “blind walk,” where children followed one another with eyes closed, focusing on birdsong, the feel of fresh air, and the scents of the forest.

There were moments of quiet too, as families sat beneath chosen trees, listening carefully and counting the different birds they could hear - some identifying as many as seven distinct calls.

The session then turned playful, as children used tweezers as “beaks” to build nests in carefully chosen spots, thinking about how birds keep their homes safe. Each nest was soon home to a small “bird,” much to everyone’s delight. Creativity continued with a “spring orchestra,” where treasures were shared and described through sounds, all brought together under Sue’s enthusiastic conducting.

The morning ended with children crafting natural bracelets from found materials - a perfect memento of a session full of imagination, learning and connection with the changing season.