There is no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing!”
Parents/carers – We value and recognise the effort it takes to ensure your child comes prepared, so that they can get the most out of Forest School sessions. In particular, this means making sure they are appropriately dressed. It can be hard to predict just how many layers a child will need but it is always colder in the shaded woods. Please see below for our recommendations. Your other crucial role is to embrace the mud! Please do not send your child in their best clothes as they will almost certainly get dirty during the session!
In summer, wellies, waterproof trousers and light long sleeves are still essential, to protect from thorns, nettles, ticks, insect bites etc. In hot weather please apply suncream to your child also send a sunhat particularly for the walk to and from the site.
Layers!
(We can always remove a layer but once cold, it can be hard to warm up)
Waterproof trousers
Trousers
Warm socks
(Normal socks in wellies are not warm enough for cooler weather)
Waterproof coat
Warm hat
Mittens/Gloves
(Knitted gloves get damp and do not keep little hands warm enough during the colder months. Don’t worry about mittens limiting finger movement as the cold is much more limiting!)
Tops
(eg. top, jumper, fleece and coat, or 'base layer', top, warm jumper and coat)
Waterproof boots
(Alternatives include snow boots and walking boots)