The rumble of tiny feet could be heard long before the children of Rowley View Nursery School came into sight. Bedecked in their fine blue one piece suits they had that heady mix of wild abandon and concentrated attention to detail we probably have a vague memory from our own formative years. Surprisingly, I hadn’t seen many people strolling through Moorcroft Wood in Walsall on this very bright morning. Perhaps they knew that the Forest School was in town and that peace and quiet was going to be the last thing on the minds of children let loose from the classroom. The key to the success of their few hours outdoors was simple engagement, ranging from identifying and recording insects to building little homes for teddy bears out of the natural surroundings or simply listening to the birds.
Originating in Sweden, the concept of the Forest school has been around for the best part of 50 years, and has been readily adapted to suit the needs of many European and Scandinavian countries to great effect. The benefits of time spent in woods and forests have frequently proved invaluable to the welfare, self esteem and social capability of young children. Similar projects have emerged through The National Trust and Natural England and have become particularly suited to small woodlands close to large towns and cities.
Filmmaker, Will Bolton and I had come to the heart of the Black Country surrounding Birmingham to get a sense of one of 2020VISION’S most human of stories and to understand how urban dwellers retain or regain a connection with the landscape and nature. The Black Country is a huge area covering Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell, criss-crossed by the M5 & M6 motorways and home to the remnants of the historic West Midlands iron and coal industries. As we have discovered in many of the other 2020VISION projects, there is a ground swell of interest and enthusiasm for that vital link between people and nature, much of it emanating from the recently launched, Black Country Living Landscape initiative.
At the heart of the initiative is the protection and restoration of wild landscapes, such as Moseley Woodland Bog – the playground of a young JRR Tolkein and recent recipient of a Heritage Lottery grant, and public awareness campaigns such as their summer Wildlife Road shows at Bumble Hole, Sandwell Park Farm and Northycote Park Farm. Julia Morris, the Black Country Living Landscape Community Involvement Programme Team Leader agrees that many city folk already understand the value of the great outdoors on their doorstep but believes that so many more people can benefit. I am still discovering new green corners and boltholes in the Black Country and agree with the bikers and walkers on the Rowley Hills that this sense of freedom within the urban jungle is a precious and necessary antidote.
Another great post Paul – really good to hear about the Forest School … and to learn where Tolkien got his inspiration for Middle Earth – Moseley Woodland Bog!
Saving important urban green spaces like this as a refuge from the noise and pollution is so vital – keep spreading the word!
Yes great work Paul and a clear sign that even in the midst of perceived urban sprawl there is wildness – if you know how to look!
They say never work with children or animals! Great example of how nature is right on our doorstep, no matter where we live!