Today the children were very eager to take a trip into our local community. Full of excitement and curiosity, they set off on their adventure to the local forest, ready to explore and discover the world around them.

As we walked through the trees, the children noticed the sounds of birds singing and leaves crunching underfoot. They carefully looked at the different shapes of branches and the patterns on the bark, sharing their ideas and observations with one another. Exploring the forest environment encouraged them to ask questions, think critically and develop their language skills as they described what they could see, hear and feel.

When we reached the pond, the children were fascinated by the reflections shimmering on the water and the gentle ripples moving across the surface. Using their wonderful imaginations, they decided to name it “Gruffalo Pond” because it reminded them of the pond in the story The Gruffalo. They excitedly recalled parts of the story, talking about the characters and what might live near our very own “Gruffalo Pond.” This supported their literacy development, memory skills and creative thinking.

Spending time in our local forest brings so many benefits. It supports physical development as children move in different ways across natural terrain, while also building confidence, resilience and independence. Being out in the local community helps children develop a sense of belonging and understanding of the world around them. It encourages cooperation as they explore together, take turns sharing discoveries and listen to one another’s ideas.

Most importantly, time spent in nature promotes wellbeing. The calm, open space allows children to feel relaxed and happy, while inspiring curiosity, imagination and a love for the natural world. It was a joyful and enriching experience for all.