Bryanston Prep’s Forest School campout takes our children beyond academic learning, allowing them to explore their surroundings, discover new things, and learn through direct experiences.
Building on the Forest School ethos of a love of nature, our children grow confidence through hands-on, outdoor experiences which encourages self-reliance in a natural setting, developing positive peer relationships, confidence, self-esteem, and independence.
Our Year 5 campout journey started after lunch; we were dropped off on Okeford Hill to make our way back to school to set up camp; following footpaths over the hills we spotted skylarks and corn buntings before entering the bluebell woods at Bonsley. After setting up camp we cooked a pasta supper over the campfire before heading out to Bere Marsh which attracts a great deal of wildlife including barn owls that nest in the appropriately named Barn Owl Barn. Here we met Mr Wicks who shared his incredible knowledge of the area and wildlife with the children. Although we didn’t manage to see the Barn Owls, we did spot the deer creeping along the hedgerow before heading to Bryanston church to spot the colony of Horseshoe bats leaving their roost to hunt for the evening.
Our wildlife journey didn’t end here as on our return to school the tawny owls could be heard calling to each other whilst we shared hot chocolate and marshmallows around the campfire before bed.
After a few hours’ sleep we set off on our 5.30am nature walk over the hills surrounding the school. Armed with binoculars, we spotted a small herd of deer, hares, rabbits and a lone fox creeping back to the woods.
After a campfire cooked breakfast and a great show of teamwork, all the tents were taken down and the area cleared. The children still had plenty of energy left for a game of gladiator challenge before heading home for a rest.
Dawn Ball, Forest School Leader
