As parents, we often find ourselves torn between protecting our children from potential dangers and empowering them with the skills to navigate the world confidently. One area where this conflict often arises is the topic of fire striking. While it might seem controversial to let young kids play with fire, teaching them how to start and manage fires safely can be an incredibly beneficial and exciting aspect of nature play. Fire is a primal element that, when respected and understood, can feed an essential part of their growth and development. At Wildlings Forest School, we’re dedicated to cre ..read more

In our busy, tech-driven world, it can be challenging to find moments to connect our little ones with nature. Yet, it's incredibly important for babies and toddlers to experience the great outdoors. Spending time in natural environments offers a host of benefits that can positively impact their development and wellbeing. Here’s why even our youngest children need nature and how nature playgroups can be a wonderful way for toddlers to thrive. The Gentle Benefits of Nature for Babies 1. Sensory Development: Babies are natural explorers, constantly taking in new sights, sounds, and textures. Nat ..read more

The July school holidays have been a whirlwind of adventure, discovery, and pure joy for the children at our nature play programs. We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful region, the kids have embraced self-directed play with hand tools, natural elements like fire and water, and a healthy dose of imagination. A Visit from Rick J. Petersen One of the highlights of our program was having the incredible Rick J. Petersen join us in Brisbane. Rick, famous for his survival skills and TV appearances on SBS’s Alone Australia, shared his wealth of knowledge with the kids. They were absolutely capti ..read more

Creating leaf lanterns is a wonderful, hands-on activity that combines the beauty of nature with the magic of light. This craft project is perfect for children, offering an opportunity to explore the outdoors, express creativity, and enjoy a cozy, illuminated reward for their efforts. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make leaf lanterns with children. Materials You’ll Need Recycled glass jars Assorted autumn leaves (freshly fallen, not dry and brittle) Mod Podge or a mixture of PVA glue and water Sponge brushes or paintbrushes Twine or ribbon (optional, for decoration) Tea light c ..read more

For the sake of transparency, please know that this nature mandala image was created using AI. Creepy, I know! But I couldn’t find the right image for this. Nature mandalas are A fantastic WAY TO connect with your children outdoors Not only does this activity foster creativity and appreciation for the natural world, it also provides a lovely opportunity to be fully present with each other as you slowly and mindfully co-create a beautiful circular piece of nature art together. Like all things with children, let them guide the design and remember it’s all about the process, not the outcome. Enj ..read more

It’s no secret that children need immersive experiences in nature to thrive. But here's the thing - Nature needs children, too. “Children’s knowledge of biodiversity is in decline at a time when we need future generations to be more engaged and aware in order to halt its loss. There is a very real need to educate our children as the future guardians of our planet, to provide them with the knowledge they need today to preserve the natural world for tomorrow.”  Dr Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity   But sadly, at a time wh ..read more

The cast of Alone Australia Season 2, featuring Rick J Petersen on far left. In a dynamic and fast-paced world, it's crucial for children to have strong role models who can inspire and guide them through life's challenges. One such role model is Rick J Petersen, a bushcraft and survival educator and former SAS soldier. RIck is not only a master survivalist, he’s a wise and supportive mentor - and our resident survival expert at Wildlings Forest School. In 2022, our leadership team headed out bush with Rick for 3.5 days of professional development, team building and nature connection. It was s ..read more

Screens empower us to do incredible things - but there’s no doubt they are having an impact on children’s growth and development. Screen time usage in childhood is on the rise, with new findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics suggesting that screen time could be robbing the average three-year-old of 1,100 adult words, 840 vocalisations and 194 conversations a day. Researchers have also warned parents to beware of "technoference" — a term for screens and devices getting in the way of the conversations that help children develop a range of key educational ..read more

I dig a small hole with the heel of my boot in the soft, sandy earth and lay the small body of the dead possum in it. The children gently cover the body with soil, and say “Goodbye, Possum.” A child asks what will happen to it? A parent says mushrooms will grow.  We agree that it will break down and go back to the earth. Miss E suggests we pick flowers for the grave. We look around, see some yellow Singapore Daisies on the side of the field where we found the body, and pick a couple each. The children wander back and place some flowers on the grave.  We share a moment of silence toge ..read more

Kids don’t need more presents… In a world where consumerism often reigns supreme, finding meaningful ways to celebrate our children's birthdays while avoiding the excess can feel like a daunting task. But what if I told you there's a magical solution that not only reduces consumerism but also creates lasting memories and fosters a deeper connection with nature? Enter the nature play birthday party – a delightful celebration that prioritises experiences over material possessions and reminds us that "kids don't need more presents – they need more presence." Embracing the Gift of Experiences: L ..read more