This week we’ve spent some time building — from dens in the woods to the bigger steps we’re making towards our woodland base. Out in play, children have been gathering sticks, sharing ideas, and creating shelters. Behind the scenes, we’ve also had encouraging news with further progress on facilities for the woodland site. Both remind us that building takes resilience, teamwork and creativity — qualities we see in the children every day.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) are part of our natural, everyday learning outdoors. We see this in action constantly, but this week children brought it to life as they built a den in the woods. They worked incredibly hard to select the right sticks and branches, developing gross and fine motor skills as they navigated rough ground. They collaborated to carry heavier branches, problem-solved about balance and size, and carefully positioned each piece against the tree.
Their conversations said it all:
“I’m stronger than a gorilla.”
“Let’s get another giant one.”
“I can help you.”
“We need to make it bigger now.”
“I’ve got a good idea, these can be the walls.”
Once complete, the den became a base for imaginative play: cooking over a “fire” and setting off on a camping holiday. In Flourish terms, children were building relationship and contribution, while also experiencing security (a shelter of their own) and fulfilment (pride in what they created).
The children also have a strong interest in a big Douglas Fir tree we pass on our woodland journey. Many can already recognise its cones with their “mouse footprints.” This week they spotted a tiny Douglas Fir sapling growing nearby. They decided to measure it and plan to keep observing it over time — an early step into scientific enquiry and understanding how living things grow.
Our focus this term is on SDG 13: Climate Action. Experiences like den building and tree watching help children connect deeply with their natural world. They learn resilience when sticks fall or ideas clash, and curiosity when they notice something new and want to measure or investigate it. In Flourish terms, this builds engagement, independence and growth.
And just as the children celebrate their finished den, we had our own small moment of fulfilment this week: confirmation of a £3,000 award towards composting toilets, through the Gargunnock Wind Farm Fund (Nadara Kingsburn Community Fund, administered by Gargunnock Community Trust). It’s one more branch in place as we build towards our woodland base.
Whether in small steps or big projects, what we’re really building together is persistence, creativity, and care for the world around us. These qualities matter every bit as much at home as they do in the woods — and there are lots of simple ways to nurture them in everyday family life.
Try this at home :
Build a den together indoors or outdoors using cushions, blankets, or branches and talk about what makes it strong, light or cosy.
Compare sticks, leaves or cones by size, shape or weight. Which is longest? Which is heaviest?
Look closely at cones, seeds or stones and see what patterns you notice. Can you spot “mouse footprints” on Douglas Fir cones or other interesting details?
Choose a tree, flower or plant nearby and measure it regularly to see how it changes over time.
Cambusbarron Village Nursery 