Greenwood Growth CIC Forest School

23/03/2026

Remember these? With milder evenings we've noticed the Bats beginning to fly and it's time for the tiles made to find their forever homes.

The tiles will make an appearance at Leek Butter Market on Friday 17 April for the day before they are cemented into nooks and crannies around Leek.

We would love to find a home for this tile story on Fountain Street, was it your story or would you like to give it a home? Please get in touch🦇

18/03/2026

This morning our newly forming forest school community over at Hassall Green went to the woods in search of signs of reptiles, from the habitats they hibernate in, to the rocks they warm up on. We think most of our reptilian friends are probably still a bit sleepy eyed, but the sighting of a Snakes Head Fritillary was more than enough proof that things are warming up. In the words of one child "it's petals look like a skin of scales".

This session was fully booked, so if you enjoyed it please do remember to confirm your spot for next week via our booking service, EEQU. It helps us make sure there is plenty of space for car parking.

https://eequ.org/book/lichen-and-fern-hassall-green-with-greenwood-growth-cic-23631

Thank you to funders,

17/03/2026

Toddler group in the woods Horton St Michael's CE First School & Nursery, Rudyard

The weather is warming up and we are ready to welcome families to our toddler group that takes place every Thursday morning, 10 - 11.30 in the woods at Horton.

Some of our hardiest toddlers are growing up and are ready for their next adventures. All welcome, tell your friends we are here 💚

Group details and link to book are below.
https://eequ.org/book/lichen-and-fern-with-greenwood-growth-cic-26908

15/03/2026

Join us on Tuesday at Tegg's Nose Country Park for our Home Education group. We would love to welcome you to these beautiful woods and heathland. Led by the very brilliant Ros and Bee sessions suit the creative, adventurous, curious and promise fun, friendship and nature connection. Get in touch if you have any questions.

The next sessions for young people educated at home are taking place between 12.30 - 14.30 on the following dates:

- Tuesday 3 March
- Tuesday 17 March

Booking is essential via https://eequ.org/book/bramble-home-ed-with-greenwood-growth-cic-20547

12/03/2026

This morning's toddler session from Horton St. Michael's is cancelled due to predicated storm strength winds that are likely to increase through the day.

When we decide whether the woods are place we should be we compare across several high accuracy weather modelling sites, share perspectives within our Practitioner group within the practical knowledge of our site.

Today is a day for watching the Jackdaws of Leek loop the loop in the very playful skies.

Those booked will receive refunds.

11/03/2026

We know a lot of children who will love this, and we are chuffed to bits that it's visiting a location just a short walk from Churnet View Middle School, Leek. Anyone visiting please look out for Bee who is working with the crew from Pif Paf.

11/03/2026

We had a lovely time searching for signs of Owls in the nature reserve at Hassall Green this morning. Our group is still forming as we welcome new families each week and our community develops. One youngster has joined a few sessions now and we noticed that in his play he loves to throw and bash. This imaginative youngster is exploring trajectory and this morning whilst others settled to create little owls, read books, or share food we enjoyed discovering how to use a small hammer to create something beautiful together by gently bashing a tiny selection of early Spring greens decorating calico leaves with vibrant plant dye. What a star.

These sessions are funded by Green Angels - The Land Trust

10/03/2026

Join us this week for forest school fun!

Wednesday 11 March, 10 - 11.30am at Hassall Green Nature Reserve. This is a fully funded programme for 0-5s with thanks to https://eequ.org/book/lichen-and-fern-with-greenwood-growth-cic-23631

Thursday 12 March, 10 - 11.30 at Horton St. Michael's near Rudyard for 0 - 5s https://bookwhen.com/greenwoodgrowth

Parents / carers stay for these sessions.

08/03/2026

This International Women's Day we are celebrating this remarkable human, Caroline Thornton. Caroline has been involved with Greenwood since it was a tiny seed, little more than an idea and has co-Directed our organisation for many years. This, alongside her commitment to provide very young children with the care, nurture, playfulness and love they need to get off to the best start through her childminding career. Caroline has lost count of how many young children and families she's supported over the years but we think it's a lot and the majority have experienced the awe and wonder of the forest on their own terms too. Keep doing what you love is the main message here woman.