Pennygillam Community Woodland was created by the Forest for Launceston team, opening in 2023. It was long in the making, carried out by a dedicated bunch of volunteers and supported by generous donations from the community. With the space now open and a much-loved walking spot for many people in the town, it has offered an opportunity for children and adults alike to express themselves in nature, thanks to Nature Nicki Forest School.

Nicki, who has always been passionate about the outdoors, first began her Forest School sessions at the woodland in January. We caught up with her on a damp afternoon in the woods, where we found her shortly after an adults’ session had ended. Also there was Natalie, one of the attendees, who was busy painting a ‘fairy door’ for use in the woodland. To our surprise, we found the pair in an impressive Forest School area, just a two-minute walk from the woodland entrance. We followed the path to find a log seating area with a tarp draped over it for shelter, and Nicki’s smouldering firepit in the middle. A pan of leftover hot chocolate lay on the side, while the remains of sugary popcorn sat in bowls. Beyond this, amongst the trees, were dens made by inquisitive youngsters, and a designated mud kitchen and play area.

The space echoes exactly what Nicki wants to provide to her forest schoolers: an opportunity to gather, share, play and discover.

Nicki first trained as a nursery nurse, before having her own children and taking them to Wyld Thyngz Forest School, near Callington. She had her first Forest School job there, then underwent training to become a forest school leader. She was approached by the Forest for Launceston team last year, who were keen to establish a regular Forest School in the community woodland.

The sessions generally attract youngsters, who attend with their parents/carers. The children are primarily from a home educated background, or are enrolled into school but have been unable to access their education for varying reasons. Nicki also works with a local social prescriber to provide sessions for young people with anxiety.

Forest School gives the children scope to build skills and mix with others, while their parents/carers can sit back, socialise and enjoy the buzz of nature.

“It’s about freedom,” Nicki said. “Forest School provides space and opportunities for the children; they have autonomy to choose what they want to do in the sessions, whether it’s building a den, climbing a tree, or making mudpies. We encourage the children to do their own risk assessments, finding ways to do their chosen activities in a safe way.”

This ability to make decisions, locate dangers and find solutions is something that Nicki is passionate about instilling in her forest schoolers. In addition to this, steering people away from their phones and encouraging them to spend more time outside, is one of Nicki’s main aims.

Each session starts with a welcome gathering, where participants are invited to share a little bit about themselves, if they feel comfortable to do so. A common occurrence for Nicki is seeing children who are reserved at the start of a session, being totally involved with their peers by the end. Boosting confidence is one of the driving forces for Nicki.

As the landscapes begin to change with the coming of autumn, Nicki is encouraging people from the community to sign up to a Forest School session, or simply try spending a little more time outside. Just wrap up, pull on some wellies and enjoy the benefits of being out in nature.

“One of the key elements is that it’s a regular Forest School,” Nicki continued. “It’s in the same area, whatever the weather and seasons, and you see it change; it’s amazing. We have a little robin who visits us regularly, and we see lots of evidence of rabbits around too.

“Nature doesn’t demand of you; nature just accepts you as you are. It allows people to be themselves, and that’s really important.”