What a busy, muddy and marvellous afternoon we had!

Today, Year 3 worked in three hardworking teams to help organise and care for our Forest School area. Everyone had an important job, and we loved seeing the teamwork, determination and muddy smiles!

Team 1 – Leaf Collectors & Compost Crew

One group was in charge of gathering dead leaves to add to our brand‑new compost bin.

We talked about what compost is:
Compost is a special mixture made from natural materials like leaves, fruit peelings and grass cuttings. Over time, these materials decay (break down slowly) with the help of bugs, worms and bacteria. When they finish rotting, they turn into dark, rich soil that helps plants grow strong and healthy!

Our leaf collectors worked brilliantly, filling buckets and bags with crispy leaves ready to begin their decaying journey.

Team 2 – Log, Stick and Twig Gatherers

Another team had the job of collecting large logs, sticks and twigs. We used our wheelbarrows and enjoyed trying to steer them along the bumpy ground and twisty forest paths—there were a few wobbles, but lots of giggles too!

These sticks and twigs will be used over the next few weeks to build our dead hedge.

A dead hedge is a natural fence made by stacking dead branches, twigs and logs. It helps wildlife by creating shelter for insects, birds and small animals. It also reuses natural materials instead of letting them go to waste—perfect for our forest area!

Team 3 – The Builders

Our final team became mini builders! We used rubber mallets to hammer stakes (big sticks we had collected) into the ground. These stakes will form the frame for our dead hedge.

Everyone stayed very sensible and safe with the tools, helping each other hold the stakes steady and taking turns with the mallets. Great teamwork!

Free Time Fun!

After all that hard work, we enjoyed some well-deserved free time in the forest area.
We had:

• Hide and seek games between the trees
• Rolling down the hill (with LOTS of mud involved!)
• Trying to balance on the slack line—there were many tumbles and even more laughter!