Guests James Kendall and Lea Wakeman from the Woodland Classroom deliver forest school programs, outdoor education and practical woodland skills sessions for schools, environmental organizations and events. James and Lea are experienced forest school leaders and outdoor educators who are very passionate about the benefits of learning outside in nature.
In this episode, you will hear them describe some of the activities of their Woodland Classroom, including their outdoor version of the popular video game Minecraft. Learn why James and Lea believe we should let our kids use tools we might normally be afraid to – even an axe!
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Lea Wakeman
I have years of experience working with children and young people, including four years working in a Primary School as a learning mentor focusing on the social and emotional aspects of learning and working one to one with vulnerable children and challenging behavior. I share my time leading activities for Woodland Classroom with my work part-time at a University as a Mental Health Mentor.
I am a firm believer in the power of nature to be therapeutic for everyone. I believe that play for all ages should be a large part of our lives. As part of my long-term goal to incorporate nature and play therapy into our future services, I am training to be a counsellor. I am passionate about finding ways to increase the self-esteem of people and encouraging motivation through positive experience, shared enthusiasm and a nurturing environment. In my spare time I enjoy going to festivals, travel and practicing circus skills, another activity, which has proved popular with kids and adults alike at my Circus Workshops.
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James Kendall
I am a qualified Forest School Leader, Social Forester and experienced Woodland Skills Tutor. I have worked widely with children, young people and adults, leading on a variety of outdoor education and environmental projects. I have worked for several well-known environmental organisations. I was also the Project Manager for Long Wood Community Woodland, the largest community owned woodland in Wales, overseeing management of 300 acres (120ha) of broadleaf and conifer forest. I am a Director of Llais y Goedwig, the voice of community woodlands in Wales. They are a 250 member strong grassroots network which aims to represent & support community groups & practitioners across Wales. I enjoy working with schools and communities to raise awareness of the environment, where my enthusiasm for spreading the message of learning through nature comes through.
These passions are reflected not only in my work but also in my own interests and hobbies which include; woodland wildlife, bushcraft, ancient trees and traditional greenwood crafts. I am also an experienced historical re-enactor with a passion for history. My enthusiasm for our ancient past has been harnessed for Woodland Classroom with the historical school visits and event services we offer under the Living Histories banner, click here to find out more about that. In 2010 I won the BTCV Green Hero Award in recognition for my work leading volunteers in environmental community projects.
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