A Wonderful Easter at Wildlings Holiday Club
The Easter holidays at Wildlings were full of creativity, muddy hands, laughter, and discovery. It was a joy to welcome children back to the Wildlings Outdoor Education Hub in the Forest of Dean and to spend the days exploring nature, making beautiful things with our hands, and sharing good food together.
Our holiday clubs are built around a simple idea: when children are given space, real materials, and meaningful activities, they naturally become curious, capable, and confident.
Craft, Creativity and Heritage Skills
Throughout the week the children had the chance to try a variety of traditional crafts. Willow weaving was a particular favourite, with children learning how to shape and work with the flexible branches to create hearts and other small pieces. Watching them concentrate, problem-solve and proudly hold up their finished creations was a reminder of how satisfying it is to make something real with your own hands.
We also explored papermaking, turning simple materials into handmade sheets of paper. Crafts like these connect children to heritage skills that have been part of human life for generations, encouraging patience, creativity, and attention to detail.
Learning from the Land
Being outdoors offers endless opportunities to learn. During the week we spent time exploring the woodland and streams around the site, discovering some of the plants growing in early spring.
One highlight was finding wild garlic growing near the stream. The children were able to smell and taste the leaves and learn how to recognise it safely. Alongside this we also talked about lords and ladies, a poisonous plant that grows nearby, helping the children understand that part of nature knowledge is learning both what is safe and what isn’t.
We also talked about nettles – how they sting, how plantain can soothe the sting, and how nettles can actually be used as a nutritious wild food. These kinds of small lessons build practical knowledge and confidence in the natural world.
Mud, Sand and Imagination
Of course, not everything was structured. Some of the most joyful moments came from the children simply playing together – making mud pies, digging in the sand, splashing in the stream, and inventing their own games.
Getting dirty is an important part of childhood. Sensory play like this supports creativity, coordination, and imagination, while also helping children feel truly at home in the natural world.
Food, Community and Shared Responsibility
Food is always an important part of the Wildlings day. The children shared nourishing whole foods together, including warming porridge in the morning. Mealtimes are not just about eating – they are about community.
Everyone helps out. Children scrape their bowls, tidy up, and take part in caring for the shared space. These small daily tasks help children feel capable, included, and responsible.
Learning Through Story and Play
Imagination also had its place. Puppet play made several appearances during the week, with children bringing characters to life and telling their own stories. Play like this helps children develop confidence, communication skills, and creativity.
The Afternoon Woodland Adventures
For those staying later, the afternoon sessions brought even more exploration. The woods and stream became places for climbing, balancing, investigating plants, and simply enjoying the freedom of being outdoors with friends.
There is something powerful about giving children the chance to test themselves in a natural environment. A little bit of risk, combined with guidance and trust, helps them develop resilience and good judgement.
Why Wildlings Matters
In a world where children often spend more time indoors and on screens, spaces like Wildlings feel more important than ever.
Here, children can:
explore freely
learn real skills
connect with nature
work with their hands
build confidence and friendships
These experiences might look simple – weaving willow, tasting wild garlic, making mud pies – but they help shape capable, curious young people who feel connected to the world around them.
Looking Ahead
We had a fantastic Easter holiday club and it was wonderful to see the children so engaged, creative, and full of energy. Thank you to all the families who joined us.
We are already looking forward to the next Wildlings adventures.
Wildlings Holiday Clubs
Forest of Dean
Craft | Nature | Confidence
