Mud pies, magic wands, and fun in the forest

This summer, Afrocats’ young people from global majority communities across Manchester enjoyed a series of forest school adventures in Kersal Dale supported by National Lottery Awards for All.

Across multiple sessions, the woods came alive with laughter, curiosity, and discovery as children explored nature, learned new skills, and built connections with each other and the natural world.

Welcome and exploration

Each session began with a warm welcome, where Forest School Leader Margaret reminded everyone of the three golden rules: take care of yourself, take care of others, and take care of nature. 

Icebreaker games helped newcomers feel at ease, while returning children were eager to reconnect with friends. Together, the groups carried equipment down into Kersal Dale, taking ownership of their base camp and setting the tone for collaborative play.

The woodland soon transformed into a hive of activity, where children identified safe and risky spaces, suggesting creative alternatives for each, such as using rocky areas for minibeast hunting or hills for birdwatching.

‘I’m going to look for bugs in my garden!’

-Afrocats forest school participant

With binoculars in hand, some quietly observed woodland birds, while others used magnifying glasses to uncover ‘secret bugs’ beneath stones and leaves, and some played outdoor bingo - take a look below at the game sheet:

Some sat peacefully to sketch trees, insects, and forest patterns, while nearby, laughter rang out as children invented ‘Michelin Star Mud Pies’ using mud, sticks, and leaves – and they had never lit a fire, climbed a tree, or built a structure from natural materials before!

Learning and play

Free play was balanced with guided activities, each tailored to the groups: one session introduced wand-whittling, where children learned to handle tools safely, carve patterns, and proudly personalise their creations, while in another, older participants learned the art of fire-lighting with flint and steel, a challenging but rewarding skill that taught patience and resilience. Then, the thrill of sparking flames was celebrated with apple slices roasted over the fire and dusted with cinnamon, a simple but delicious treat.

Ropes and hammocks inspired teamwork and resilience, and then our young people experimented with knot-tying, created makeshift ziplines, and supported each other across slacklines.

When queues formed for the popular rope swings, Margaret encouraged them to problem-solve by building new swings together, turning frustration into ownership, skill-building, and collaboration.

Reflections and lasting impact

Music: Upbeat Fun Ukulele by REDproductions via Pixabay

Moments of reflection were woven into each session, and sitting in circles beneath the trees, children shared what they most appreciated about the day: from spotting birds and finding bugs to feeling calm among the sounds of the forest. These grounding rituals highlighted the many different ways children connected with nature, while reinforcing a shared sense of gratitude and respect for the woodland.

'[Some young people] had never lit a fire, climbed a tree, or built a structure from natural materials before!'

To extend the experience beyond the sessions, children were given activity sheets filled with ideas inspired by their time outdoors, such as bug hunting, mud pie making, birdwatching, and more.

Excited voices filled the bus home as they shared their plans: ‘I’m going to look for bugs in my garden!’ one exclaimed, while another declared an ambition to build a hedgehog house with their sibling.

Across all the sessions, it was clear that our young people who don’t always have access to such provision developed practical skills, confidence, and resilience, while also strengthening friendships, and learning to care deeply for nature.

And our forest school adventures showcased that when children and young people are given guidance and freedom to explore, play, and create, they flourish in ways that last for much longer than when the day has ended.

Keep an eye out for upcoming Afrocats forest school sessions and join us for the next adventure – and keep inspiring young people to connect with the natural world, one muddy footprint at a time.