Woodland Adventures

The Woodland Play Centre have had a presence at all of the Leadership events I held at Exeter University, but most importantly, I invited Louise to present at a closed event of academics, creatives and government, to talk on Toxic Childhood.

Her knowledge of play and forest school, her teaching skills, her love of children and her desire to instill fun and play in all – both young and old – made her a perfect choice. Her belief in combating ‘toxic childhood’ means that she carries, throughout her work in the WPC, the need to change the world that our children live in, giving them something pure and precious, that they can carry within them, throughout their lives.

As a Ranger for the Quantock Hills AONB Service and Forestry Commission I have known and worked with Louise Kennedy for three years, organising permissions to use land owned by Somerset County Council and to work in partnership to put on "Wild Play Days" for the Forestry Commission.

Louise is most definitely someone I believe can connect with a diverse age range working with children to adults or mixed ages such as families. Louise’s consideration to her groups ensures that she makes the most of the Quantock Hills natural environment so that whilst the activities are well risk assessed they maintain a real and natural feel. The consideration also given to the sites Louise uses guarantees that they are left seemingly untouched.

I found Louise in the centre of the coming and goings in the process of rescuing the sausages from the fire. She managed to achieve this whilst greeting me heartily and answering two or three children’s questions simultaneously. I was immediately impressed by Louise’s unflustered, non-intrusive approach with the children.

Our day in the woods with Louise and her colleagues left my staff buzzing! They could not wait to get back into the classroom and put into practice some of the ideas that they had learnt. From a developmental angle, the INSET also really brought the staff together; it was fantastic to see them working together so closely whilst thoroughly enjoying themselves. One member of staff captured the day perfectly when she commented 'the best INSET ever!

Louise, Iain and Carla thank you sharing your wonderful woods so that we can explore, grow, laugh and cry. We were very well fed, looked after and made to feel welcome.That makes us feel safe. When we feel safe, we can be brave... thank you for creating that space.

Thank you so much for an absolutely outstanding weekend! What a wonderful time everyone had, that will be treasured for years to come. Louise, Carla and Iain you lot are fantastic, kind, generous and hilarious individuals, just fabulous!