Dressed for Adventure
We want your child to be happy at forest school.
One of the aspects of preparing for forest school which falls to the parents or guardians of the children is the selection of appropriate clothing and footwear. From where I stand, often up to my ankles in mud and surrounded by brambles, it is clear what a child at forest school needs to be wearing in order to have the full benefit of the experience without having to think about wet, mud, stings or scratches. Perhaps this is less obvious to the adult helping the child prepare due to a different experience of the Great Outdoors to that had at forest school. Whatever the reason, and despite frequent communication of what is needed, I find that each season there is a scatter of children who arrive inadequately dressed and shod for the conditions and the weather. So, as the autumn term starts and a crop of newbies arrives at the top of the track to the woods, there will be a child without a waterproof coat and trousers, a child wearing shoes or boots that are not fully enclosed, and a child without a seasonal hat. Whenever this happens my heart sinks as I am loath to turn a child away. I have a stock of spare waterproof gear and hats which can be loaned but I don’t carry spare boots. A child in canvas shoes or sandals, even in summer, can get wet feet, have a bramble or a nettle scratch or a sting. A child in a short sleeved shirt or short trousers can get a tick or a scratch or a sting. A child without a hat can get very cold in winter or get heatstroke in summer.
Right, moan over. Let’s take a look at the rationale behind the clothes and shoes required.
Long sleeved tops and long trousers enable a child to leave the path and explore amongst brambles and nettles. Protection against ticks and other bites or stings is maximised.
Waterproof coats and trousers protect a child from more than just rain. Wet branches, especially in full leaf can provide a soaking several hours after the rain has stopped. In summer the weather can shift from sunny to downpour within the span of a session outside. In the winter, waterproof trousers add considerable extra warmth as well as guarding against wet.
Hats provide warmth in winter (we lose most heat through our heads) and shade in summer.
Wellies or walking boots are fully enclosed and waterproof so splashing in puddles and jumping in mud can be enjoyed without getting wet feet. The woods are home to ticks and adders and while the latter are rarely seen, enclosed footwear is a sensible precaution. Decent socks prevent boots from rubbing and blisters forming.
Here’s what your child should wear for forest school by season.
Autumn
One of the ‘in between’ seasons, autumn can bring glorious warm days, torrential rain or sharp frosts.
Long sleeved top
Long sleeved jumper
Waterproof coat, with lining if the temperature is less than 10°C
Hat appropriate to the air temperature
Long trousers
Waterproof over trousers
Socks appropriate to selected footwear, i.e. long socks for wellies or hiking boots
Wellies or hiking/walking boots; wellies are by far the best option
Winter
Here in the west of England, wet and cold is more common that deep, freezing cold but a child in the woods can get have a sudden drop in core temperature nonetheless. If there is freeze wellies can feel very cold; a larger size and two pairs of socks can help.
Long sleeved top
Long sleeved jumper
Lined waterproof winter coat
Gloves or mittens
Warm hat
Long trousers
Waterproof over trousers
Socks appropriate to selected footwear, i.e. long socks for wellies or hiking boots
Wellies or hiking/walking boots
Spring
The other ‘in between’ season where all sorts can happen within one session!
Long sleeved top
Long sleeved jumper
Waterproof coat, with lining if the temperature is less than 10°C
Hat appropriate to the air temperature
Long trousers
Waterproof over trousers
Socks appropriate to selected footwear, i.e. long socks for wellies or hiking boots
Wellies or hiking/walking boots
All footwear must be fully enclosed
Summer
While the chances of being cold are small, long sleeves are still a must. Sudden rainstorms happen as does baking sun; these affect us even when we're under the trees.
Long sleeved top
Long sleeved jumper
Waterproof coat
Sun hat
Long trousers
Waterproof over trousers
Socks appropriate to selected footwear, i.e. long socks for wellies or hiking boots
Wellies or hiking/walking boots/ tough trainers
All footwear must be fully enclosed.
If you child doesn’t come to Wayfarers Forest School, the required clothing may differ from what is requested here. The point to remember is that each item has been requested for a reason and underpinning the reason is the desire to have happy children out in the woods.
If your child does attend Wayfarers Forest School you will have been provided with a link to our Facebook page (there’s a link at the top of this page too). Any changes to the standard lists as well as changes to sessions are posted on the Facebook page.
Comfortable children are happy children.