the Headteacher and External Visits Coordinator (EVC) at Cotford St Luke Primary School shared their outdoor learning practices that support a safe, joyful engagement with nature. He recently organised an un-nature hunt in the site’s forest school area.
What is an un-nature hunt
It is a pupil‑led exploration to identify non‑natural items in natural spaces, developing observation, stewardship and discussion about litter, hazards and environmental impact. The suggested learning links were PSHE, Science, Geography and Eco‑Schools. Risk management prompts when planning included: safe boundaries, tool‑free activity, gloves for litter handling if appropriate, hand washing, and clear briefing on what pupils must not pick up.
Other Outdoor activity ideas
At a training session for staff, Mike presented a PowerPoint with photos of each activity along with learning links and the H&S control measures were listed. Here are some examples:
- Tree spirits with clay or damp mud, using natural decorations.
- Learning links: storytelling, drama, PSHE. Controls: hand washing.
- Bread twists over a supervised fire.
- Learning links: Science and DT. Controls: clean prep area, “safety knives” guidance, seating and spacing near heat.
- Bow saw in groups of three with staff supervision.
- Learning links: PE. Controls: hands away from blade, secure saw storage, direct adult oversight.
- Kelly Kettle for boiling water outdoors.
- Learning links: Science and DT. Controls: heat‑proof gloves, awareness of hot surfaces and chimney flame.
- Slack line at low height.
- Learning links: PE and balance. Controls: set between strong trees, add and withdraw support based on pupil need, pre‑use injury checks.
- Flint and steel fire‑starting demonstration.
- Learning links: Science and DT. Controls: strike away from body, non‑combustible surface, safe perimeter.
- Popcorn in sieves over embers.
- Learning links: Science and DT. Controls: fire safety, hot metal handling, hand washing before eating.
On‑site activities
Treat forest school and outdoor learning on school grounds with the same rigour as offsite visits. Complete proportionate risk assessments on EEC, brief staff and pupils, plan hygiene controls and supervision ratios, and record outcomes.
First aid readiness
Ensure kits and contents meet SC guidance. If you need the recommended first aid box contents list, refer to the Schools Policies and Guidance area under First Aid.
EVC training and refreshers
Upcoming EVC full day and refresher sessions are available and bookable on SSE.
Learn more:
Guidance for schools – Forest Schools Info Sheet
OEAP-NG Woodland Activities Sheet
Outdoor Education and Off-site Visit Guidance
