tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66008065082454226982024-03-13T10:10:17.946-07:00Treeful Ruminations: Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-65725523715338154062019-11-25T02:58:00.001-08:002019-11-28T13:13:49.388-08:00Winter Visioning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For all those who are guardians of land, or involved in steering a project, it is so important to allocate regular time to reflect and review. Winter is a perfect time for visioning. As trees shed their leaves, we are left with their bare bones. We can see their true shapes and intentions, knowing that beneath the ground, bulbs and seeds are full of hope and promise for the future. Without foliage, we can recognize that everything is part of a wider community, we need a good mix of lower, middle and canopy layers for optimum woodland health. We need the diversity for resilience. So how do we develop management and project plans that are flexible enough to ensure that we are always open to new possibilities, whilst remaining faithful to some basic parameters and premises that steer our way?<br />
<br />
My tool kit for planning and visioning always includes some Permaculture Principles. <a href="https://permacultureprinciples.com/ethics/">https://permacultureprinciples.com/ethics/</a><br />
For everything that we may decide we want to do as a community, we need to query why we want to do it and ask how it fits into the three core strands of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share. And with each of those, we need to ask ourselves if we are being as effective as we can be? Are we aiming always for maximum output for minimum input?<br />
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Improving biodiversity has always been a central and primary aim for Hallr Wood.<br />
We were delighted to host an inspiring log hive workshop last November when one of our project workers, Jenny Cater, persuaded us to collaborate with Matt Somerville of <a href="https://beekindhives.uk/author/matt/">https://beekindhives.uk/author/matt/</a>.<br />
We are so pleased to know that we are now supporting bees through our log hives at Hallr Wood and also at our sister project - The Field growing project nearby. Log hives replicate hollow trees which are the ideal habitat for bees and in which they tend to thrive and be less vulnerable to disease. Hosting a course enabled us to benefit whilst also offering the chance for others to find out more about this wonderful work...<br />
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We are also leaving sunny areas and glades, in the hope of encouraging pollinator friendly wild flowers.<br />
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Several years ago, we also decided to leave some scrub and bramble areas in order to support the Nightingales that return each year. For similar reasons we left an area of conifer (Norway Spruce) because we have Goldcrests who favour conifers. Last winter we cleared some areas (mostly of wind blown elm) and planted hazel to coppice in the future. This winter we are thinning damaged ash trees (no ash die back noted yet). We have noted a more diverse natural regeneration of cherry, oak, hazel and field maple in this area which will benefit from more light. We will aim to keep them free of bramble and wild clematis to give them the best chance to thrive.<br />
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We have been working at Hallr Wood since 2007 and so it is natural that our vision should change and develop.<br />
We know that we need to build more or different income streams for the financial health of the project and it's many beneficiaries. We need to look at what is going well and what is not going so well. We have reviewed our delivery objectives, recognizing that woodland management is a current main priority and that some of our groups are more difficult to accommodate until that work is complete. We have received a boost of much needed regular volunteers to help us with this aim.<br />
We know we are ideally placed to offer supported work experience placements to those who may struggle to make their way in the adult world of work, because of all the land management required in maintaining the woods. We know that our long term provision for young people is successful and has a huge impact on their ability to thrive and continue to access education. We are also recognizing the growing need and interest in Ecotherapy and have collaborated with Sweet Track Counselling to support two adult training courses over the last couple of years. We also enjoyed running a day out for South Somerset District Council Conservation Volunteers last winter and have acknowledged that we would like to offer more opportunities for adults and need to be pro-active about this.<br />
We are also very grateful to be part of the voluntary and charitable sector. We know that the days we provide for groups of young people, through organizations like Promise Mentoring, Adoptive Families South West and Young Carers, can make such a difference to the young people and families who access them.<br />
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We also love our community events. We have been running Open Days at the woods for many years and we enjoy the chance to show case our activities to the wider community. We also run regular inclusive playschemes and play days including our annual Punkie Night with support from Short Breaks.<br />
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So our visioning has helped us see a way forward. It has enabled us to look at where we are now and what we have. It has given clarity about what is and isn't working well. It has helped us identify what we would like to be doing more of and what we need, in order to be able to make those dreams and aspirations a reality.<br />
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Happy winter visioning everyone...Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-49194597695255680042018-08-24T05:20:00.000-07:002019-11-27T23:53:17.400-08:00Conflict and the Art of Understanding...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So many people's lives are affected adversely because they struggle to manage conflict.<br />
Some people will go to great lengths to avoid it, fleeing with fear from what another person would consider merely a 'healthy discussion'. Conversely, some of the teenagers we work with appear to thrive on it. They can seem to relish the drama, the complex social interactions, the 'he said, she said' rationalization, the tendency to attack and blame that can cause a small disagreement to spiral out of control.. For children on the autistic spectrum, it is often especially difficult for them to understand other perspectives. This invariably leads to disagreements which most children on the spectrum, lacking the vital tools of conversational give and take and general poor reading of social situations, will find extremely stressful. More seriously, an inability to manage a conflict situation can result in life long difficulties at work and in their relationships. In addition, they also have to cope with people's negative responses if they do have an involuntary melt down in response. When I worked in schools I often saw staff hounding a child to demand an explanation for the kicked chair or the upturned desk when that child was too distressed to be able to explain their position. In the woods if there is an altercation and the child needs space, we can leave that child to find somewhere quiet to reach a calmer place and then discuss what has happened for them - when the time is right for them. We can aim to start from a point of understanding that for them the behaviour was their only way to communicate their distress and frustration, rather than by remonstrating with the child for the behaviour.<br />
I believe all educators need to make it a priority to help children understand more about conflict; how and why it arises and also to explore various options as to how it may be resolved. Strategies can be learned, children can be encouraged to use less judgmental language and to consider other perspectives in situations where they are not directly affected by the conflict. We often hold reflective circles to encourage dialogue and discussion. Also to remind everyone that conflict can sometimes be a positive, it can help us re-evaluate and re-balance situations. So it isn't about eliminating conflict altogether. It is more about realizing that we do have the power to influence the outcome by modifying how we respond to it or how we frame our original objections. Some of the most powerful transformations in our sessions have happened as a result of a conflict. A potentially distressing altercation or event has often led to children talking about deeper issues and concerns and enabled them to move forward in their understanding of themselves and the world.<br />
Some years ago I was lucky enough to attend training given by Marshall Rosenburg on non violent communication. I was instantly excited by the potential to use his methods with children- the animal imagery seemed perfect as well as offering a different way to interact with children in the first place. After that I also attended workshops run by Dominic Barter who established Restorative Circles so successfully that they have been incorporated into the justice system in Brazil. I urge everyone to find out more about these inspirational approaches. There are plenty of free resources available, just google or follow these links..<br />
https://www.cnvc.org/<br />
https://www.restorativecircles.org/<br />
Another useful book is Ross Greene's Explosive Child. We use his method of Collaborative Pro-active Solutions as much as we can. I highly recommend it.<br />
http://drrossgreene.com/the-explosive-child.htm<br />
<br />Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-64634172958591651122018-03-16T03:35:00.002-07:002020-01-02T06:44:19.921-08:00Growing on...As practitioners, we can spend a lot of time trying to create the perfect conditions for our participants. We consider each individual, what they like and dislike, what are their triggers for anxiety or anger, what might help them focus more? Which team members are most effective at working with each person, who is the best person (or dog!) to help when someone is upset? We reflect on the group dynamic, how to split it into smaller groups and how to steer each sub group in a positive direction. This extends to our sites too. We think about areas we may need to cordon off for a particular group, or whether to venture further afield in order to create interest and challenge for an older or more energetic group. For every day we spend in the woods, we spend almost as much time reflecting, planning, evaulating and of course dealing with all the admin.<br />
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In our organization, we work with all ages including adults. Vulnerable young people grow up and may struggle to fit into college or work. Some have built strong bonds of trust with us and ask us to continue to support them after school.<br />
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In late 2016 we set up a satellite project in order to provide for a young man who I couldn't provide for in the woods for legal reasons. I then teamed up with another small organization who obtained funding to lead the project and deliver horticultural therapy aimed at Young Adult NEETs. Everything seemed perfect for a productive collaboration. However, although there have been lots of positives, the journey has not been easy. The person who was funded to run it, struggled. People in these roles need energy and enthusiasm, they need to be manifestors and be able to think laterally when things go wrong. When the horticultural beneficiaries failed to materialize (again a huge amount of work is required behind the scenes to promote a project effectively) she was understandably demoralized and struggled to relate well to the two young adults who did turn up.<br />
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Both these young men are autistic, largely uninterested in growing and quite rigid about what they will do. But looking back at the year, I can see that they have grown enormously precisely because of the difficulties with the project. The lack of strong holding meant that they have stepped up and examined for themselves what was needed for it to function better. They felt true ownership of the project. And significantly for them, they were motivated to do things they would normally have refused to do because they could see that their input was really needed. They had to cope with sudden change when the organizer suddenly announced that sessions would stop for a few months. Together they rallied around and discussed ways to keep the project going during that lull and into the future. Hearing them converse about how to interact with the project lead to manage her anxieties, I was bowled over by how far they had progressed in their social skills and ability to read people. I also reflected that this was true role reversal - they were the 'beneficiaries' but by providing a 'gap' they were pushed into evaluating the situation with insight and maturity. <br />
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In fact these lads are going to carry on the project now that the other organization is pulling out as their funding is ending. I have been training them to complete risk assessments and they are setting up their own community group.<br />
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In this case the universe intervened to provide what these lads really needed and it was not at all what we would have thought would best serve them, a year ago.<br />
It was difficult for me - I had relished the prospect of enjoying being a volunteer at a smoothly run project and it didn't turn out that way. But I do know that if the project had worked out in the way we wanted it to, the lads probably would not have developed and grown to the same degree.<br />
Sometimes less is more!<br />
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If you are interested in hearing more about this project, do look up The Field Project on facebook.<br />
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https://www.facebook.com/wilderwoods.org/ <br />
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Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-13016668083664691012016-06-30T05:07:00.004-07:002016-07-08T11:55:06.803-07:00The Power of Relationships<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting up hammocks for the camp..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many of the children and young people who come to us on our long term programmes are
dealing with multiple life challenges; difficult home circumstances,
disaffection with school, mental health issues, learning and developmental delays
and processing disorders. A significant proportion may have Autistic Spectrum
Disorders. Their days in the wood can make the difference between being able to
stay in education and finding the pressure of school just too much to cope
with. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those on the spectrum, forest school gives time to
decompress, time to play away from electronic games, time to be absorbed in physical
tasks and projects, time for self directed learning and a chance to build peer
relationships in a space where it is easy to back away if interactions go wrong.
Significantly, they also get quality time with adults, often on a 1:1 basis.
These adults will make time to build relationships with them, rather than just demand
compliance in an authoritarian way which is sadly often the only option open in
a large school situation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been reflecting on our approach in more detail after
experiencing what felt like a significant failure. We had to ban one young man
who attends a long term group (they come for up to three years each) from
coming on our overnight camp last week on the grounds that his behaviour was
disruptive, unsafe and divisive and would spoil the camp for the others. He is not on the spectrum but does struggle with ADHD.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We almost prevented another young person with suspected
Pathological Demand Avoidance from attending too but decided to give him the
chance. We were so delighted we did, he had the most amazing time and the
experience meant so much to him as he has rarely been allowed to go on trips. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Around the camp fire in the evening..</td></tr>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I realized that what made the difference between these young
men was that we had successfully built up a really good relationship with the
boy with PDA. In the end he came on the camp and worked co-operatively because
he wanted to, even though his condition makes it really hard for him to respond
to direct requests. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow the other
boy had slipped away from us and I was keen to understand why. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All our guidelines for behaviour are worked out
co-operatively with the group, there is always choice and demands are few. We worked
hard to gain his trust but this one lad had blocked chances to interact with
mutual respect and seemed determined to ‘rebel’ against us. More concerning, he
would instigate discord amongst the other participants seemingly for the fun of
watching more vulnerable participants suffer meltdowns. In many ways he is a
wonderful young man, full of sporting talent and energy. There were many moments
when he did engage but it was hard to sustain. He was generally quick to lose
interest and didn’t seem able to just relax and ‘be’ in the space. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps it was simply the wrong intervention for him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately his generally disruptive presence in the group
meant we had to introduce a weekly monitoring system before the camp –
something I prefer to avoid as the young people have so much of it at school.
We introduced camp “passports” – in order to qualify to come to the camp, the
participants had to fulfil three requirements each week: basically showing
respect and kindness to everyone, contributing and achieving. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew that the consequences of not
qualifying would be that he wouldn’t be able to come on the camp but I guess he hoped we
wouldn’t follow through.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coracle fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In principle most children and young people (anyone really!) will respond more positively
to someone they have a good relationship with, who really connects with them, rather than someone who demands
compliance and threatens consequences or offers treats. It does seem easier to forge these respectful relationships in the relaxed environment we provide in the woods. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have also seen another example of
this recently with a primary aged child attending with a special needs group. Last
Autumn he came and ran off within the woodland and refused to do as the teaching staff asked. This so unsettled
the class teacher that she stopped him attending on health and safety grounds. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This term he has attended with another teacher who has clearly built an
extremely positive relationship with him. He has pond dipped, used the fire,
sawed wood safely, accessing everything independently.<br />
It is hard to believe it is the same child. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The power of a positive relationship has transformed his behavior and responses.<br />
For more about our project, check out our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Hallrwood/<br />
</div>
Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-46873566794895470292015-07-19T01:59:00.000-07:002016-06-06T12:28:01.490-07:00Woods and Wellness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvWLfns1_7wkMzA7ajkm7ppPrqvnEt8rRoEo7BC3kCjKZ-CQ8BRh22lZXb_ml5JR-qorsuTOgIWDNjra8WkPRfz_S8CURRL1hZKA8wvcRyiQ7WP799g1mzBCQnsNpx0DBlKOjARlMj8I/s1600/P7010626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvWLfns1_7wkMzA7ajkm7ppPrqvnEt8rRoEo7BC3kCjKZ-CQ8BRh22lZXb_ml5JR-qorsuTOgIWDNjra8WkPRfz_S8CURRL1hZKA8wvcRyiQ7WP799g1mzBCQnsNpx0DBlKOjARlMj8I/s320/P7010626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was privileged to participate in an eco-psychology
workshop recently, with mostly mental health professionals. It has inspired me to
want to explore two premises more fully.</div>
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The first is often discussed; the healing power of nature. </div>
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<br />
Many of the young people who come to us do suffer mental
health issues. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The combination of adolescence
and hormones, difficult home situations, social isolation, heightened anxiety
and sometimes poor processing, makes it almost inevitable that depression,
anxiety and other mood disorders will manifest somehow. </div>
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<br />
There is increasing research and acceptance that spending
time in nature improves physical and mental well being. I have observed it in
myself. If I don’t spend time regularly and purposefully engaged outside, my
outlook deteriorates, I feel more irritable and anxious.</div>
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<br />
For many of the young people, their day in the woods is a
chance to decompress, reduce demands, process thoughts and feelings, talk
through worries with trusted adults, be playful and child like without fear of
embarrassment and develop a connection with a natural place. </div>
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<br />
On the eco-psychology workshop, we paired up to talk about a
natural place that had been important to us. My partner described a meadow she
had played in. She had noticed many details and imagined many more. It was a place full of rich memories which had stimulated her creativity and instilled a love of nature. She suspected it hadn't really been as magnificent as she remembered but to her it was a kingdom.
I talked about a mountainside I stayed in for several months in the Andes that had filled me
with awe and wonder. I had been lucky enough to experience many dramatic
landscapes as a child but I still continue to feel heart palpitating
astonishment and a rush of pure joy whenever I get the chance to be in a beautiful natural place. And I do remember
as a child it made me question my place in the universe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">It was terrifying and</span> exhilarating and a crucial part of my spiritual development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKXaANuI23Kuz0rDuU3jIcO9z5w_os1hX9mii1eL0i9rZvUR1C4i8e3waV2Ff-M6eNp2jX2VKpaIKpAf_i5kAu_qt40KrPqlMmZE0WEmpmTw6jccFAfIFPApapQ2bmNljEZSzZNp9li0/s1600/P7150109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKXaANuI23Kuz0rDuU3jIcO9z5w_os1hX9mii1eL0i9rZvUR1C4i8e3waV2Ff-M6eNp2jX2VKpaIKpAf_i5kAu_qt40KrPqlMmZE0WEmpmTw6jccFAfIFPApapQ2bmNljEZSzZNp9li0/s320/P7150109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So what is happening with these children and young people
when they attend regular sessions in woodlands? Firstly they become so familiar with the
environment, they feel ‘at home’ and they feel free to be themselves. The
routines and structures are perfectly pitched to make them feel safe and
supported but not constrained. They are surrounded by trees and birds and they
have their own special places which can mean many things to them. They often
talk about never wanting to stop coming. They are feeling safe and connected,
they feel ownership and they feel a sense of belonging and of being accepted. They
feel part of a supportive community with nature as the lynch pin.</div>
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<br />
Which brings me to the second point. How can we combat the
terrifying disconnect which seems to be the current default setting for our
governments and society? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">How</span> can we protect
nature from the devastation our species is wreaking? How do we motivate these young people to want to
continue to care for our earth as they move into adulthood and become the
guardians of the future? </div>
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<br />
On the workshop we
explored our collective grief at what is happening to our planet. We voiced our
feelings of helplessness, anger, despair and fear for the future. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Although I share all those fears that irreparable damage has
been done, I have to believe that the only option is to keep going, to have some
hope in nature’s ability to restore itself whilst making those small
differences ourselves and reaching out to others on the same path. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, we can have a gentle impact on these
young people. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We can start with supporting them to feel the connection and encourage
them to be ambassadors. We can inspire them to care for the environment and believe
in the importance of social justice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
will happen without even a special effort, just through the process of being in
the woods. When I hear a child reminding another about the danger of littering,
or showing a visitor a tree they planted with visible pride, I know that some of the
seeds sown have taken.. I think we just have to keep on sowing..</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And for those who are interested in exploring these issues more for themselves or for the young people they work with, I thoroughly recommend http://www.joannamacy.net/</div>
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Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-91520702513383106292015-03-06T14:40:00.001-08:002015-07-18T23:00:15.358-07:00Legends in the Land; Woodland StoriesWhen we built a car parking area at Hallr Wood as part of our planning permission, I asked Roger (the digger driver) to create a bank with the spoil to separate the wood from the vehicles. After he had gone I realized he had created a dragon shape. And so the idea of a Dragon for the wood was born. Ideas were further developed by the groups who attend. There was also some cosmetic help from a local talented chain saw artist, Andy Tree Pirate. And so our Dragon became a reality. He stretches the full length of the car park and is now covered in vegetation and wild flowers, forming a bee and butterfly friendly, south facing bank. He provides endless fun and inspiration to the children.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKbk9ZGsCXOnCCT2lyO5SO2XP_m9TvhrV6hexjpVKJSHyRNlL643jT-SYnqXymV3nWMUs7_Zs1ba2ZtAAAqUHMf0RAHQRsoaa2oV0zVDjAHSbdZeaUkd-QcqLj-htJKznyCRnCkmXLkU/s1600/DSCN4349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKbk9ZGsCXOnCCT2lyO5SO2XP_m9TvhrV6hexjpVKJSHyRNlL643jT-SYnqXymV3nWMUs7_Zs1ba2ZtAAAqUHMf0RAHQRsoaa2oV0zVDjAHSbdZeaUkd-QcqLj-htJKznyCRnCkmXLkU/s1600/DSCN4349.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beautiful Dragon </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although simple found items in nature can often be enough to stimulate imaginative play, I believe there can be value in providing some extra visual stimulus, especially for children who may struggle without any props at all.<br />
<br />
Many of the young people who attend can have huge resistance to formal 'literacy' and yet something about the space seems to encourage role play and imaginative exploration. The therapeutic value is especially important to those who may well have missed out on such play in earlier childhood.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgOzON7CkEI-5bMRjZ35ZkDTW-9Lb0qL9JBy56zvWZ74y3-30rrjyXAJGPqK5F0S35aEra8EsGS3kMC442HB2qSfErjDe1xpV6I-ZOBC7vTBnU6ZCy9C-twPd6AmiDWHHY-Y__lJTRi8/s1600/P4220261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgOzON7CkEI-5bMRjZ35ZkDTW-9Lb0qL9JBy56zvWZ74y3-30rrjyXAJGPqK5F0S35aEra8EsGS3kMC442HB2qSfErjDe1xpV6I-ZOBC7vTBnU6ZCy9C-twPd6AmiDWHHY-Y__lJTRi8/s1600/P4220261.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St George...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over the years, many stories have been developed. We ran a literacy project whereby participants could chose a woodland animal and work with Andy over the design and size. Afterwards they could chose where to site the animal, as long as they agreed to come up with a story about it. There was no requirement to physically write the story but something had to be produced.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholcdnAiZG9mSYDBqvm7WpAqaZSWMn5H4ijavKvHliQiI_loSZHnY37fJlAlav6epuYKeG-lbe1bIp4YUFe5KKgyPnnAtBsrAkT6OChpwm8-K0_xiMX0vH7bfXvZxXRU4syHUy0rJiRc4/s1600/P2200156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholcdnAiZG9mSYDBqvm7WpAqaZSWMn5H4ijavKvHliQiI_loSZHnY37fJlAlav6epuYKeG-lbe1bIp4YUFe5KKgyPnnAtBsrAkT6OChpwm8-K0_xiMX0vH7bfXvZxXRU4syHUy0rJiRc4/s1600/P2200156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
More recently we have been developing an earth sculpture. She was created because we needed a barrier. It was Imbolc and we had been telling the story of St Brigid, searching for her cow and following the drops of milk to help find her. As the shape of a sleeping girl started to form on the ground from our logs and earth, conversations about our creations proliferated. We soon found that we had a milk maid from Kingsdon who also had lost her cow. She came to Hallr Wood and having failed to find her cow (had the Dragon eaten it?) she filled the nearby pond with her tears and exhausted, lay down to rest. As if that wasn't enough for the poor maid, a witch cursed her to sleep there for ever. There maybe some cause for optimism if enough people can come and sing with the lady who does revive every full moon and enjoys a good sing... Last week it also became apparent that the maid is pregnant (or has she just had a very large Hallr Wood lunch?). This is very much a work in progress. Her stories will no doubt continue.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowjuu5IWgetHl0d8CaD_xLy_zuGT-IMfyHZfUS8Nn2_0_kjthZ-0hM_NUtJCe7lC9ddrBbJ5Av0H0FGoO-4cs9460JF2pryoFTyhjgRgzsV5wrWd1Dfh6pHdmdXGOHKuzetG3y3KGSq8/s1600/P3030085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowjuu5IWgetHl0d8CaD_xLy_zuGT-IMfyHZfUS8Nn2_0_kjthZ-0hM_NUtJCe7lC9ddrBbJ5Av0H0FGoO-4cs9460JF2pryoFTyhjgRgzsV5wrWd1Dfh6pHdmdXGOHKuzetG3y3KGSq8/s1600/P3030085.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Lady of Hallr Wood</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-77103035432544551482015-02-05T00:52:00.001-08:002015-05-27T00:49:46.969-07:00Creative Landscapes; An Opportunistic Approach<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkilP2RrXQdd8fF7B_Fj7gRChum3-tMqrUc94w81R9HNSHkiAGZ9QaIEZZyid8em-HuLKev0rbsZuXixrudnDqkCVmDzq3E06xeXyqK7EnxrLbX5ScAkPSkb_AxwzWvbexnFuwiTQyTho/s1600/P2010070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkilP2RrXQdd8fF7B_Fj7gRChum3-tMqrUc94w81R9HNSHkiAGZ9QaIEZZyid8em-HuLKev0rbsZuXixrudnDqkCVmDzq3E06xeXyqK7EnxrLbX5ScAkPSkb_AxwzWvbexnFuwiTQyTho/s1600/P2010070.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing for a shelter belt of new planting</td></tr>
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After a long period of blog inactivity, I have recently been reflecting on how well a ‘forest school’
approach can work within the context of land/ woodland management. Our management aim at Hallr Wood is to improve the woodland for wildlife through increasing habitat diversity wherever possible and also to enhance the amenity value to users and the community.<br />
<br />
The
advantage of managing a non precious and undermanaged plantation is that whilst
the long term aspiration is still to convert to primarily native broadleaves, there is also some scope
to think experimentally within the parameters of our Woodland Management
Plan.</div>
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<br /></div>
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At Hallr Wood we have always responded to suggestions from
the young people who attend long term forest school programmes with us. At first this was
usually a request to install some steps or a new swing. As we saw the benefits
that practical ownership could have on individuals, we almost unintentionally adopted it as a specific
approach. Any long term participant, whether adult or child, could invest their
ideas and get help to see them take shape in the woodland. Sometimes, sadly, they aren’t
still attending when the project comes to fruition. The kiln build in 2013 was
originally an idea from a troubled teenager who was fascinated by clay and wanted to fire
it. She followed our progress even though she wasn't there for the actual build.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Margie’s Orchard and our growing area are especially significant because
we started to use the land in a different way and for food growing. It began
because one of our volunteers wanted to donate some fruit trees in memory of
her mother who had (at a very advanced age) loved coming. I had not considered food
production when I wrote the Woodland Management Plan but it emerged as a perfect complement
to our other activities. Growing food and harvesting it for healthy
cooked lunches on the camp fire is now a key part of our programme and the benefits to everyone are very evident. To support the garden, we have since built compost sections and reviewed our water collection processes. The garden was never anticipated or planned for. It has become a transitional area where full sun and cultivation have created something new. It is invariably less wild but it does seem to flow seamlessly to the rest of the woodland and connect as part of an undisputed whole. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful bug hotel to encourage pollinators in the orchard and garden</td></tr>
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I believe our 'opportunistic' approach to land management often replicates the forest school ethos in a fascinating way. </div>
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We recently built a new wildlife pond. This was the culmination of several interlocking factors; a young man interested in landscaping, the donation of a pond liner and a suggestion from a visiting expert that another pond would enhance the habitat diversity we are aiming for. Of course the pond liner then proved too small for the pond but we were by then determined and had to think laterally around the issue to solve the problem.<br />
<br />
Isn't this exactly what happens in a forest school situation? The ability to problem solve is crucial and without flexibility and resilience, we cannot tackle the invariable obstacles which beset many of our endeavours, indeed life itself. Most children need help and practice to cultivate the ability to use initiative and cope with the unexpected, especially those on the autistic spectrum for whom change is deeply de-stabilizing. </div>
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Planning is important, especially in the boadest sense. Sometimes it is tempting not to plan because the child led approach means too often the plans are abandoned and side tracked. But each participant, including the adults and staff do need a direction and firm idea of where they are going on their own forest school journey. So how do we make our plans flexible enough too support an unanticipated interest or opportunity without losing sight of our more overarching and anchoring objectives? By being open always to options we can end up with a surfeit of 'projects' which we then struggle to complete. We begin one thing and find that some threads are so interwoven, we are forced into another direction before we can return to our original purpose. </div>
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This can prove frustrating but I do think that provided you keep sight of the main priorities,and check that any tangents do still meet the broad objectives, the results are hopefully well worth the effort.<br />
We will soon find out!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new pond at dusk...</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-26799919655037712152013-12-08T05:29:00.000-08:002019-11-25T00:08:26.146-08:00The Wheel Turns, Mid Winter Approaches<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwdc2sdyP6tDCe9xjXfdl1dJE2M99PBdfqS3KxKUe57upG9eck5vZI104cCdL1qjGZc7PEVV9DqFKPScWXnthWNUfp0UMExZsRknPmJO7kPl8FWRqH9X3kr1BfdCHktvRn-VMhPx-NM4/s1600/xmas+wreaths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwdc2sdyP6tDCe9xjXfdl1dJE2M99PBdfqS3KxKUe57upG9eck5vZI104cCdL1qjGZc7PEVV9DqFKPScWXnthWNUfp0UMExZsRknPmJO7kPl8FWRqH9X3kr1BfdCHktvRn-VMhPx-NM4/s320/xmas+wreaths.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are limping towards the year end with relatively mild, almost
anodyne conditions. We have given away Norway spruce tops to our schools and volunteers. We are felling them
anyway to make way for the proposed wildflower meadow. We have started making
decorations. We have even come up with a new use for burdock burrs. Cover them
in felt and glitter and they become ‘burrbles’. Do I feel festive? Not really..
I suspect that my enforced period of inactivity has effectively disconnected me
from the seasonal wheel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My tentative
and often seated presence at Hallr Wood just hasn't been strong enough to enable
me to feel engaged. This really interests me. I sense that for me, my strong sense
of nature induced well being depended on a highly active involvement. Perhaps for some, a connection
with nature needs to be practical to be truly powerful and beneficial? Personally,
I need to move and harvest and dig- feel the earth, gather the wood, saw it,
light the fire, feel part of it on an elemental and visceral <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>level. It is the first year I haven't planted
bulbs and trees and the lack has left me in limbo. I am not ready for the
darkest night. I don’t feel entitled to the small anticipatory joy of waiting
for the first snowdrop. I feel unanchored,
like a sleepwalker, stumbling and full of drowsy thoughts in a seasonless tropical
country. Is this what it is like for those who live in towns, maybe working
through the day light in an office, largely unaffected by seasonal shifts? Is
this my own version of nature deficit disorder? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the upside, sitting or watching, I have had more opportunity to observe the
children and also talk to them. In the past I have had to allocate specific
times to observations and assessments, now it is happening constantly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The children have mostly responded very positively to my
inability to do practical tasks.They are keen to help and even keener to try out my crutches. A boy with ASD has done things he would have
refused to do before, simply because I can’t. He has filled up the kettles,
collected the wood and fetched things from the kitchen. We have talked a lot.
He has tried to teach me Japanese. He knows an impressive amount about Japanese
culture from computer games. Our relationship has become much stronger through this period.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHd6IBab1N9Y80GkLn0SPZ4YSg1bV8ti-RTw1a2DjkAUpjIUhblQvFpbYUNxqVAqh6beljvAoDKK6DBPo-jMXtlow-AgpmSq577LV1Ze5jkeGOkxPl5Pq2emcuOqmEDDi1a9_Sx1K4Rc/s1600/kiln+with+roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHd6IBab1N9Y80GkLn0SPZ4YSg1bV8ti-RTw1a2DjkAUpjIUhblQvFpbYUNxqVAqh6beljvAoDKK6DBPo-jMXtlow-AgpmSq577LV1Ze5jkeGOkxPl5Pq2emcuOqmEDDi1a9_Sx1K4Rc/s320/kiln+with+roof.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have also managed to finish off the kiln by installing a
roof with posts decorated by our wonderful chain saw artist Andy. The young people love watching them at work. It is always a positive addition to the day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Winter is naturally a time for reflection and planning and this was especially true for me this year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next week after ten weeks of being in plaster, my third cast will come off and I will be given a supportive boot to wear instead. I am going to learn to walk again. A friend has said that the best way to repair the neurological damage is to walk barefoot in sand. This makes perfect sense to me. In some cultures the ill are placed on the ground to be healed by the earth, clay is often applied as a poultice and even taken internally..If it stays mild I will be giving my feet opportunities to wriggle in the carpet of enormous leaves we've had this year. I will also demand a trip to the beach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope I have learnt a lot from this enforced rest. I have had to perfect the art of surrendering to circumstances without being passive and defeatist. Easily the hardest thing has been asking for help, to accept graciously that I am totally dependent on others for almost everything I need. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most importantly I have come to a better understanding of my own relationship with nature and how vital that is to my sense of balance and perspective. I am so thankful that I am lucky enough to work outside in the woods and to be a Forest School Practitioner. I am really looking forward to being a more mobile one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-31689486869992182902013-11-23T06:33:00.002-08:002013-12-09T01:55:40.169-08:00Planning Permission; one wood's battle to exist for young people and the community <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many people
may be unaware that in the UK the use of woods for anything except forestry, requires
specific permission from the Local Planning Authority, if such use exceeds 28
days a year.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is good
that development is controlled but I wish it was easier and less costly, to get
permission for small scale community and educational use. For many small,
commercially non viable woods like Hallr Wood, a community and educational
project is a perfect way to improve and manage the land. At Hallr Wood we are
nearly seven years into a fifteen year woodland management plan. The once
neglected woodland is slowly being restored with the active involvement of
young people and the local community. Habitat diversification is a main
priority and we are currently planning a small wild flower meadow.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2KbqA13LB2UrgsjNGFsJDhC5WhOJ20RgOIAN_deG2SfVLYRK8btQUjW_hLyuQrFb-qycBX4QropU93VlQPOp8UhmrCV_c2PR0xU4N0aWFGK2cFQzujpAoi-nY3WeBTJkiuxOyDN2gMY/s1600/Huish+spring+term+09+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2KbqA13LB2UrgsjNGFsJDhC5WhOJ20RgOIAN_deG2SfVLYRK8btQUjW_hLyuQrFb-qycBX4QropU93VlQPOp8UhmrCV_c2PR0xU4N0aWFGK2cFQzujpAoi-nY3WeBTJkiuxOyDN2gMY/s1600/Huish+spring+term+09+002.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For two
years (2009-2011), progress on improving the woodland almost stalled as all our energies were
diverted to a battle for planning permission. In an effort to comply with
planning regulations we had already restricted use to occasional small groups
of troubled teenage boys who helped with the maintenance. We were shocked that
the Planning Officer disputed that this was ‘forestry’. It was clear that his
definition was very limited - and not at all in line with DEFRA whose core aims
for forestry include community and educational use. All other, mostly community use had
to stop- the scouts, the pre-school, the school and holiday play provision. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sessions for young children had to stop</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All over the
country small projects are operating under the radar because it can be so difficult to get educational use. Highway concerns are generally the main stumbling block. Highways can have the same expectations of a small woodland project as they would have of a new build school on a main road. Most woodlands aren't sited in 30 mile an hour zones with easy access to public transport and lit pavements.There are many cases where permission has been refused and projects have been closed down. It is understandable that people hesitate to even try. On the whole it is slightly easier to obtain permissions retrospectively once there is a proven track record of need and benefit. Sadly it only takes a
single complaint to bring you under the spotlight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">People often fear any kind
of change and most communities have one or two individuals who take it upon themselves to monitor everything. In our case, our
nearest neighbour, owner of a racing stables and chair of the Parish Council,
fell into this category. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
already an uncomfortable relationship between families and the Stables after a
serious accident involving a baby being kicked out of his pram by a spooked
horse. I can understand their concern that there could be implications for
their business if we were allowed to operate so close to their stables. However
no formal interest was ever declared. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paradoxically
having such an adversary proved our greatest asset. Our Parish Council Chairperson asserted a negative influence without declaring her interest. This rallied supporters. Parish
Council meetings were now attended by droves of our supporters, scouts in full
uniform, mothers with pyjama clad children, standing room only. Numerous
letters of support flooded in, petitions were signed. We were also fortunate to have a County Councillor living locally who dedicated himself to
helping us. And when the time came for the Planning Committee to discuss our
case, (after a separate site meeting,) the vote was unanimous; to overturn the
Planning Officers decision to refuse us on Highway grounds and grant us mixed
forestry and educational use. In spite of the best efforts of a tiny minority, the needs and benefits of what we offered were clear to the District Councillors and this is where there is hope for other projects. The Planning Committee does have the power to make discretionary decisions and there are now a growing number of success stories.</span></div>
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Outside the Council Offices after we 'won'!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In fact this
is a highly condensed version of what happened. In between there were many, (retrospectively
entertaining), incidents in the attempt to stop us using the wood for the benefit
of children, young people and the community. There were allegations that we had
no insurance, and that children could be gassed in the shed, there was concern expressed that the whole village could get diphtheria
from our compost toilet. Also, that our proximity to the railway line meant
that children would end up on it, or would set fire to it causing a national
train disaster. There were very many low moments when the strain and costs of persevering with the fight seemed too much. We carried on because there were by then a very small number of teenage boys with various complex needs who depended on the service we offered at Hallr Wood. Most of them are still in touch. A lad with learning difficulties is running his own kindling business. I saw another recently. He always comes up to me with a big smile. He has a good job and always thanks me, saying it is all down to Hallr Wood. . 'That place changed my life' he said.. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One day I may get around to writing the full story......</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgPAdG1pOC8IV9Qos7qh-jIYuNZbF5tasDQbIeDpGvEYP-asme7Q-4eyLOtwUAzfw-VVa-ty_Tz-_PlJIFdcCK24iuHJDghckmfvpqof0UTDY0HjOJg6DbOqDLQvjIRtcPCiWpQrg3pg/s1600/550D_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgPAdG1pOC8IV9Qos7qh-jIYuNZbF5tasDQbIeDpGvEYP-asme7Q-4eyLOtwUAzfw-VVa-ty_Tz-_PlJIFdcCK24iuHJDghckmfvpqof0UTDY0HjOJg6DbOqDLQvjIRtcPCiWpQrg3pg/s400/550D_1930.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the happy scene when we had finally built our access and opened it with a horse logging event Nov 2011</td></tr>
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<br />Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-14257793174380340712013-11-20T10:09:00.000-08:002013-11-21T00:16:25.621-08:00Woodland Stage, Dens and Sod's Law...When we ran a literacy project last year, we could never have anticipated what a fabulous resource our woodland 'tree' stage would become.<br />
Especially surprising is the way our regular groups - who are very school averse and highly suspicious of anything which could be construed as coercion to learn - relish the opportunities to make up plays and perform them..<br />
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The stage is very popular with two of the girls who often perform dances or complicated plays
on the themes of death, crime and marriage. But this week I was fascinated to see two of the more marginal group members persuading the most senior group member to join in with their plans. This lad had come to us for a year, had then gone to college for year 10 but hadn't settled and had begged to be allowed to come back to forest school. He has numerous positive qualities. He is a hard and skilled worker but he does struggle to even write his name.<br />
<br />
So imagine the scene. We had three book and drama hating boys, two of them severely ASD, interacting, collaborating and communicating with no adult interference, utterly engaged and preparing a Greek myth themed play. Beneath the dappled autumn sunshine. Fabulous.<br />
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There was no skimping on the acting either- the raised voices were all part of the drama. By home time they were euphoric with excitement at the possibilities. They were mentally selling tickets for sell out performances. No doubt before the final performance I will be given a costume list, something I insist is written down so I can't forget.. Ha ha.. tricked someone else into WRITING!.<br />
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The rest of the group are engrossed with dens. I have been trying to interest them in dens for ages but suddenly the time was right and they wanted to. Although they will reluctantly follow our stipulation that everyone needs to help with jobs until break time, the last couple of weeks they have done so grudgingly as they are so keen to get on with their shelters. These have become highly complex creations with multiple entrances, rooms and booby traps. They have offered to transport me by wheelbarrow up the hill for a closer inspection but I have declined for now..I am hoping my crutch technique will progress to competence on steeper slopes soon.<br />
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There is also a current and frankly perverse, vogue in the group for wearing high visibility jackets and hard hats. They are intended for when we go on walks using the road (when mostly bribery is required to persuade anyone to wear them) but suddenly everyone wants to wear them and we have even had to buy extra hard hats.<br />
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One of the key features of forest school is participant led learning. When we plan our sessions we tailor them to the interests and preferences of the group. However the last few weeks have re-enforced something I've always known. It is highly unlikely they will want to do what you want them to do when you want them to do it. If they want to do it, and have thought of it for themselves, the focus and enthusiasm will be there. Be patient, flexible and sensitive. Be prepared to plant a seed and have it lie dormant until the moment when you least expect it to germinate. And when it does germinate, you may well be rather surprised by what emerges... Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-26106804720435524952013-11-15T06:36:00.000-08:002016-07-02T07:27:42.828-07:00Mandalas, the Forest School Association and more one legged reflections..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the main disadvantages of being on crutches is that in order to have the energy to attend sessions like the one above where this beautiful mandala was made this week, I do need to rest a lot in between. Whilst resting I have read voraciously, vowed (unsuccessfully) to tackle all my admin and found myself far too caught up in heated debates on facebook.<br />
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Like many practitioners, when I discovered forest school and trained as a leader, I felt that I had found my true purpose in life. There is something about forest school which fills people with passion, joy, fullfillment and drive. I loved the way previous skills and interests all seemed transferable and yet there was so much more to learn. I loved spending my days outside, connected to nature and working with like minded people. As an archaeologist working in exotic countries, I had often felt a similar excitement and vocational drive but because forest school involves sustaining children, there was now a far greater sense of purpose. Children are our future. What could be more important than helping to facilitate dynamic change for the good in their lives?<br />
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I became used to other practitioners sharing this viewpoint and meeting them was almost always a delight and a validation.<br />
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In 2012 after extensive consultation amongst the forest education sector, the Forest School Association was set up as a professional voice for forest school practitioners. http://www.forestschoolassociation.org/<br />
As a freelance I welcomed everything it could potentially offer- greater credibility and profile for forest schools around the country and also the chance to be actively involved in contributing to the direction the forest school movement was taking. It is a democratic members organization,completely inclusive and unlike existing bodies which maybe geographical or more general, it was the first organization specifically for any forest practioner in the country. It didn't matter where you lived or who had trained you.<br />
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I work with colleagues who have been trained by a variety of organizations and prospective practitioners often ask my advice about who to train with. I generally direct them to the Trainers Network and to those I know have a lot of experience. I believed that whilst training did vary, hopefully it took people to a basic level of competence and after that they could build up their experience and improve skills through delivery and further courses. At that point I imagined that the details of where and who had trained them were no longer that significant and practitioners then became absorbed into a wider forest school community. <br />
<br />
However sadly it wasn't as simple as this. I guess no field is immune from politics and conflict.<br />
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<br />
The forest school ethos is very much about caring for each other and our environment and personally, I have always favoured the collaboration rather than competition path forward, wherever possible, though I know Nature might not always follow this model herself. <br />
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A mandala is a circle, a symbol of unity. The one above was made by toddlers and their mothers in Hallr Wood. When darkness fell, we lit the candles and sung under the moon, and I stood mesmerized on my crutches. It was one of those unforgetable moments which encapsulate why we are doing what we are doing.<br />
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I hearby dedicate that mandala to peace and unity in the world and also to peace and unity under the trees we all love so much.. Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-6233186587229996402013-11-11T04:15:00.001-08:002013-11-11T15:36:44.340-08:00Besom making, the art of wood hopping and a Winter Gathering of Forest School PractitionersIt was fortunate that we had already organized for Terry the besom maker to come in and lead a session whilst I was in Bilbau. Besom making is yet another traditional craft on the endangered list and I was sorry to be missing out on his workshop. In fact sadly I didn't experience the thrills of Bilbau and the European Forest Pedagogics conference either, I was still in hospital. After a ten day wait for surgery, I had finally had the operation. My ankle needed extensive repairs. They installed one long plate on the outer side of my ankle supporting three breaks and a pin on the other side. I then had to stay in for a few extra days as I had reacted badly to the anaesthetic. On the plus side, the big marker pen arrow which adorned my left leg had done the trick and the surgeon had definitely found the correct ankle to operate on..<br />
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By all accounts the children had a brilliant day with Terry. All but one made their own silver birch and hazel besom, just in time for Halloween... .Though I think some of them were test driving their besoms as they aren't all in this photo.<br />
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On November 5th I got back to Hallr Wood. Although it was only two weeks after my surgery, it was four weeks since my accident and I had been struggling to cope with being stuck indoors. My stitches were out, I had been given a new green cast, my crutch technique was improving. With support from Amanda and Cee I returned to my lovely work place.<br />
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We can form such strong connections with places at times. To be there again after four weeks of abstinence filled me with deep joy and relief. I noticed how much had changed, how sparse our bee and butterfly friendly dragon was looking, how the storms had shaken so much foliage from the trees. Although I spent most of my time sitting with my leg up, it was lovely to see the children again and just be there. <br />
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None of the children had heard of Guy Fawkes but they enjoyed making a guy and burning him on the bonfire. <br />
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Then this last week end, we hosted a gathering of Forest School practitioners from all around the South West. It had been planned since late summer and although I considered cancelling it, everything flowed beautifully. We have a very strong team behind the gatherings which are intended to move to various venues around the South West. This was the third one that has taken place. The multi talented Martin Carter bought and cooked all the food, Adrain Goodhand, Jenny Archard and Mel McCree all supported the arrangements beforehand and my wonderful colleague Martyn Huxter ran around ensuring shelters and tarps were up so we could cope with whatever the elements threw at us..We are also very grateful to Liz Knowles of Muddy Faces who donated a wonderful shelter which we were able to install over our main fire place and which we can take around to other venues as required- THANKS Liz.<br />
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Forest School practitioners often work in isolation and opportunities to network and share skills are so helpful and validating. This time we had decided to focus on working with disadvantaged groups and to discuss strategies to deal with challenging behaviour as this is faced by so many practitioners. Harry Nutt from Treecreepers Forest School (how apt is his surname for a Forest School leader!) facilitated the discussions beautifully.<br />
Other highlights of the weekend included willow weaving with Margaret, a story circle with Hannah, hapa zome bunting with Tracey, sling shots with Martyn. And Martin the cook not only fed us fabulously but had us all in stitches with his unruly friend Trevor the Tick... <br />
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On Sunday 10th November we held the inaugural meeting of the Forest School Association South West group. The Forest School Association is the professional voice for practioners all over the country and it is steadily growing and developing as a members organization. Regional groups are going to be a major benefit of membership so we are delighted to have got so far with our group.<br />
However the best part of the gathering was meeting so many inspired people working in varying settings from Cornwall to Wiltshire and having the chance to exchange experiences and talk face to face. And at times totally forgetting that I am a forest school leader with a broken ankle..<br />
I hope Dan Best won't mind if I copy this link to his photos which encapsulate the week- end beautifully. http://www.mobilytrip.com/journals/jegVVQAcJsqpLDEJmuUxBfj7i<br />
The next gathering will be organized by Dan and Play Torbay and will be by the sea! <br />
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Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6600806508245422698.post-875223234330847862013-10-29T08:04:00.000-07:002013-10-31T01:58:10.701-07:00Autumn Kiln building and other escapades...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I was forced abruptly into a
state of hibernation this year -just as autumn was building up to a blaze of
colour and glory. It is a mast year. Trees are laden with fruit and berries and
I was determined to harvest. We were frantically busy at Hallr Wood with the
new term and projects. I was also preparing to go to Bilbau to the European
Forest Pedagogics Conference to run a workshop on outdoor learning and living
history.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">There is always much to do
juggling how best to manage the joys and challenges of the groups who come to
the wood. We work with many varied and often vulnerable participants. Some have
been attending for more than two years and need to be stretched by new ideas.<br />
We had been fortunate to receive Heritage Lottery funding with our local
historical society for a living history project building a reconstruction of a
Romano- British kiln. The idea came originally from one of the young people who
attend. She was often hard to engage. She became fascinated as we dug out clay.
When she clamoured to make pottery we were dismissive at first explaining a
kiln would be needed. But the more we thought about it, the more possible it
seemed. We were delighted to see the whole idea come to fruition this September
with Tom Mycock, a recent graduate and Eddie Daughton, experimental
archaeologist, who helped us build the kiln with various groups including young
homeless adults.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In the middle of this project, my
elderly but beloved Fox terrier Poppy died after spending the day in the wood
in her basket, suddenly seriously ill. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Poppy
had been a key if sometimes troublesome member of the team. She was happy to be
carried around by the children and if they were at a loss or struggling to
manage their emotions, taking her for a quick walk would often restore their
equilibrium. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw_7lBGwBSaq-jgnQ2GH-PteQBI0ChXfxKbb11mmXcQf-oSFhcomCU89otlawMF-uhPbHGmUaZUjLYygWwfb7KdAMEJJguY5M665HYHly6XC6AraAin7w2oJ_8O-2NdW2g1onoLU9wNg/s1600/DSCN4295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfw_7lBGwBSaq-jgnQ2GH-PteQBI0ChXfxKbb11mmXcQf-oSFhcomCU89otlawMF-uhPbHGmUaZUjLYygWwfb7KdAMEJJguY5M665HYHly6XC6AraAin7w2oJ_8O-2NdW2g1onoLU9wNg/s320/DSCN4295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We carried on somehow and finished the project, feeling her loss very keenly. But the week end firing the kiln, staying over night under a star studded sky was magical and blessed with fine weather. There were various activities for visitors including a Roman re- enactor, mosaic making activities and pewter making with Eddix the Old Boar. Unpacking the kiln with all the pottery that had been made was exciting- there were very few casualties. Our first firing in a primitive kiln made entirely from natural materials found in the wood, was a success.<br />
<br />
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The following Wednesday I fell and broke my ankle badly during a session with young people. Was I exhausted, careless, pre-occupied? Probably. The ground was slippery and I fell awkwardly but it still seems inconceivable that this should happen. Time since then has been wholly taken up with hospital stays, surgery and surrender to a state of total helplessness. My horizons have shifted drastically as I prepare for life as a bed and sofa bound forest school leader with aspirations to eventually be able to hop-along or even navigate the wood in a wheelchair. <br />
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In the six and a half years since I have been working at Hallr Wood, I have rarely spent more than a few days away from it. I can go there with a heavy
heart and within moments I am lifted. It is a small wood. It's name means
hillside in Norse. It has been filled with energy given freely from many
different people. Planning and caring for it has nourished me although there have been significant challenges along the way including a prolonged battle for planning permission. It has
evolved as a therapeutic space where children can be children, where
they can engage with the natural world secure that their basic needs for
shelter and food are met.<br />
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It is a place of enchantment; there are fairy glades and carved animals, there is an orchard planted in memory of a 99 year old who loved the place. There is even a woodland stage. It is full of possibilities for learning and engagement. We also have a growing area and most sessions we collect food from our growing area to cook.<br />
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I have started this blog as an outlet for my frustrations and to help me cope with my reluctant sedentary status. Such periods are a time for reflection and re-alignment. I am hoping it will help..</div>
Debs Millarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16682674409521096147noreply@blogger.com11