Our Story
Hello! I'm Sarah Morgan, a proud resident of Warlingham Village. I am honored to serve as the forest school leader for the Warlingham Forest Schoolers, a dedicated group of nine remarkable volunteers who share a deep commitment to our community and its forest school principles.
Our shared passion lies in the tremendous benefits of forest school and the nurturing environment it provides. With this in mind, our mission is to establish a community forest school in Warlingham and the surrounding areas. We wholeheartedly welcome individuals who can benefit from connecting with nature, learning to appreciate and care for the environment, and acquiring new skills along the way.
Our dream, which we hope becomes a shared vision, is to create a space where generations can learn from one another—a place that is accessible to all members of our community. As a united community, we aim to eliminate any barriers that might hinder this inclusive experience.
Fortunately, Surrey County Council has generously offered us a site to establish our community forest school. We are immensely grateful for this opportunity. Additionally, we are privileged to be part of a team entrusted with the planting and maintenance of 500 saplings and our very own orchard as part of the Queen's Green Canopy initiative.
Our goal is to provide children with the chance to connect with their natural surroundings, fostering respect and fueling their innate curiosity. Through their interactions with the ever-changing environment, we aim to cultivate a sense of adventure and exploration.
We wholeheartedly encourage play that involves an element of risk, supporting children as they develop a deeper understanding of managing their own safety and well-being. Our dedicated team acts as a safety net, guiding and mentoring until the children become experts in this regard.
We hope our community will embrace the African Proverb "It takes a village to raise a child," allowing us to create a diverse and enriched environment where children can truly flourish.
Together, as a team, children, and the wider community, we aspire to become stewards of our environment and its inhabitants, gaining a profound understanding of our impact on the world around us.
We are eager to explore the biodiversity of our site and discover ways in which we can support and preserve it, allowing us to carry this knowledge into the wider world.
We envision that all participants of the community forest school, regardless of age, will bring their unique knowledge and skills to share, leaving with new insights and abilities.
“Forest school was really great. The kids had a great time, learned loads and got to meet, play and learn with other kids with similar interests. The organisers were amazing and really friendly, great with the kids and very caring and helpful. I would recommend it for all ages.”
— Louisa (Parent)
What happens?
Now, let's delve into what a typical forest school session entails.
Upon arrival at forest school, the children will be guided to our base camp. Once everyone is gathered, we will introduce our team of volunteers and conduct a safety talk, outlining the rules of forest school.
Once we ensure that everyone comprehends the instructions, we will explain the various play areas available. However, the children are free to choose how they wish to explore these areas.
Throughout the forest school session, volunteers will be present, observing the children and addressing any inquiries they may have. As a team, our role is not to dictate their play but to fully support their quest for knowledge and understanding.
Occasionally, some team members may lead adult-led activities for the children to try, although participation in these activities is entirely optional.
We will provide food at forest school, expecting the children to prepare, cook, and clean up after themselves. Our volunteers will oversee these tasks, offering support according to the children's needs and preferences.
Following lunch, as a group, we will ensure that all areas of the forest are left in proper order, tidying away equipment, tools, and activities.
We will then gather to reflect on the session, discussing its highlights, any newfound skills or knowledge gained. Together, we will also plan and share ideas for our next session.
Lastly, we will conclude our time together with a captivating story.
What People Are Saying
