22nd September 2025

Den Building –
Today’s session focused on cooperative den building using only natural materials found within the woodland environment. Children worked in small groups to identify suitable locations, assess risk, and select appropriate branches, foliage, and ground coverings.
Throughout the activity, learners demonstrated growing confidence in tool-free construction skills and an increasing understanding of how to use the woodland sustainably and respectfully. They experimented with different ways of balancing, layering and securing branches, adapting their designs as they problem‑solved together.
The session provided rich opportunities for developing communication, teamwork and resilience. Children negotiated roles, shared ideas, and supported one another when structures needed changes or reinforcement. Many groups showed real pride in creating safe, weather‑resistant spaces that reflected their collaborative planning.
This activity strengthened their connection to the natural environment, encouraged creativity, and supported key Forest School principles such as child-led exploration, hands-on learning, and fostering emotional and social development in an outdoor setting.+