The Land
Sawpit Woods is owned and mangaged as part of Hodore Farm where we are seeking to improve the land and its natural systems for the good of all life.
As present land stewards here, we aim for our presence to be ecologically beneficial and even regenerative. The woodlands are managed to improve biodiversity and foster relationship between humans and all life. We recognise that we are part of the natural world and so aim to act in reciprocity, respect and love.
If you are interested in getting involved, or have a passion or knowledge in the ecology and management of woodlands, we would love to hear from you.
About us
"Right that's it, we are off out to play in the woods….and we'd like to take some people with us."
Our Story
Having spent over forty years playing and learning by doing in the Sawpit Woods and fields on the farm where we grew up... We (Lou and Em) both found themselves working in roles connected to the outdoors, environment and children.
We started working in the woods as a natural progression from our experience and expertise in Forest School leadership, outdoor learning and environmental education, art and early years teaching, expeditions, farm management and charity work. We are particularly influenced by our time with Forest School Camps and by the land and environment around us, on the farm where we lived as children.
Sawpit Woods grew out of these previous experiences and our wish to share this special place with others and all life.
As a Forest School Leader and reception teacher at the local school, Lou spent many years developing a brilliant programme including holiday clubs (in the dark!) and community events that brought many young families in the comunity to the woods. We are so grateful for all of her hard work, as well as support from the farm and family.
With joys and challenges of life including growing families, covid, health needs, moving house and farm transition, management of Sawpit Woods has evolved to its new story and offerings. We can't wait to see whats will evolve in this next chapter.
Our Vision
Our vision remains the same; to provide a space for experience of connection; with others, self and in nature. We aim to provide enriching, fun and creative experiences for all generations in reciprocal relationship with the land. Our work is motivated by a deep concern for the need to build human-nature connection and a belief in the restorative powers and joy that spending time in the woods can bring.
Join Us!
So bring on facilitating fun and open ended, creative learning experiences through play, exploration and nature connection. If you have skills or knowledge, collaborative ideas or enthusiasm, then please get in touch to find out more. We can't wait to welcome you!
Such a nourishing time in the woods in concentric circles of community, hearth, human family, standing ones (trees) and beyond. Space to be heard, space to listen, all children held collectively giving space for us all to breathe and be our better selves. Learning from noticing each other and how we do things differently or are different. Space. Acceptance. Laughter. Shared stories. Discovery. Didn't know how much I needed it until I experienced it. Thank you to the woods and the glorious sisters who held us all with loving attention ❤️
FOREST SCHOOL: WHY DO IT?
We love being outside
Everybody does. It is a natural place to play and learn, which we all as humans have the innate drive to do. Having worked as Forest School leaders for over 15 years and camped with communities on the land since our childhood, we have been inspired by a long history of wonderful people and educators over the years. We hope to bring an amalgamation of their ideals and modern magic to play and learn in an engaged, joyful and fantastic way in the woods.
Forest School is an inspirational process, (not a place) that offers ALL learners young and old, regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands- on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. The growing body of research points to numerous benefits to learner, educator, child and parent alike.
Since 2017 Sawpit Woods have hosted Forest School sessions for primary aged children, run after school clubs locally, held parent and child weekly stay and play groups, worked with a local pre-school and held family community and work days and tree planting projects in the woods and the wider farm.
Please have a read about what sorts of things we have been up to in the past on our Blog.
CREATING AND MAKING
Have you ever wanted to create, make with your hands and your imagination with nature's inspiration? Then come and give it a go. The woods will provide the materials, your ideas are the only limiting factor.
We want to help to conserve and develop the woods, so come and help us to learn how we can tread lightly on the land and continue the guardianship of it for the future.
ACTIVITY AND ADVENTURE
The physical space outside is great and wonderful. The changing seasons and nature connection are not only brilliantly beneficial for you they are just downright beauteous. Come and climb and jump, swing and slip in the mud.
Use play to keep your mind and body active through connection to the space and the people.
LEARNING AND FUN
Qualified practitioners carefully facilitate programmes which are uniquely tailored to the needs of the individuals within the group.
We have the fundamental aim of building participants’ self-esteem, confidence, independence, creativity and enjoyment of doing and being.
And let's be honest- we want it to be fun (because it's always good to giggle).
