All the classes for their fifth session have practised their skill of whittling so they will have brought home some very creative characters or keyrings.

The children used hazel which was cut from our own grounds. Hazel is especially good for the children, as it grows tall and straight. Using ‘greenwood’ too, makes whittling easier for the youngest. The years 5 and 6 used a craft knife and a palm drill to create wacky-haired characters or animals. A couple of talented whittlers showed their skills by making a butter knife. Other year groups used the vegetable peeler and palm drill for their creations. Our youngest children were given thinner pieces of hazel to whittle, again using the vegetable peeler to create a pencil keyring. We use a protective glove on the hand holding the wood, and we have been practising safe seating positions.

It is a lovely social moment around the firepit (unlit in the summer terms). The children chat amongst themselves, they help each other out when it gets a little tricky, and they demonstrate care towards each other. It takes a little perseverance and resilience.

The children’s creations were amazing. It was lovely to see how proud they were of their end result, sharing their designs with each other.

I’d like to take this moment also to thank our wonderful parent helpers, who have come onboard, supporting myself and the children and those yet to volunteer this term. Thank you so very much.

Annette Griffin, Forest School Practitioner