Former teacher starts up forest school in Lutton Garnsgate

A former teacher is sharing her passion for the benefits of outdoor learning by setting up a ‘forest school’ in an area with one of the lowest levels of trees.

Jade Barrett was so inspired by her forest school training and the difference it can make to youngsters that she left her job in a school to pursue her ambition of setting up an outdoor facility.

However, South Holland isn’t blessed with forests as just 2.2% of the area has tree canopy cover - but Jade has not let this stop her and has created the Merry Meadow in Lutton Garnsgate.

Children are able to go on mini beast safaris, play with a mud kitchen and enjoy a story around the camp fire within this lovely meadow.

Jade, 35, said: “Children can be themselves and be free and wild. They are not constrained by four walls of a classroom and can learn so much from playing together.

“I just think it is what children should be doing more of. In the last few years, there have been a massive increase in screen use with children spending less time outside.

“Suddenly we are spending a few minutes a day outside as opposed to hours at a screen. I wanted to create a place for parents to counter act that.”

The former primary school teacher developed a passion for forest schools after undertaking a year long qualification in her previous job.

Jade said the benefits of outdoor learning help to build self-esteem, confidence and problem solving.

But limits on time and in the curriculum made her want to pursue her dream of creating forest school.

Jade said: “It was the best training I ever did as a teacher, learning about the benefits of being outside and nature for all people but particularly children.

“The more I thought about forest school is want I wanted to do.

“At Christmas time I left teaching to pursue this dream of having my own forest school and put what I had learned into practice.”

Jade has permission to use a piece of land in Lutton Garnsgate which she has transformed into a wild flower meadow with grass and flowers.

A large open meadow provides plenty of space for children to play and go in search of mini beasts.

Jade had been able to create a mud kitchen from scratch plus there is also an obstacle course area.

A camp fire is also the perfect location for a story and a snack plus there is also a teepee.

Jade said: “My aim is to plant a lot more trees on the meadow and I want to encourage more wildlife within the meadow.”