‘Tending the Land’ Conservation day at Pickeridge (for adults)
About the day
This educational day will take place at the Pickeridge Children’s Forests where we will learn ecological and connective practices to tend the land, our relationships to each other and the natural world. During this hands-on work day, you will learn various tree tending practices including deer guarding and mulching.
Guided by ecologist and naturalist Tom Forward with his life long connection to the local environment, and the Children’s Forest team we will explore ancestral skills together with practical management of the young forests and habitat creation to support biodiversity. These days are fully funded and would benefit outdoor educators, Children’s Forest guardians and anyone interested in developing ecological understanding and deeper connection to the land.
This day is one of six conservation days that we are holding across the Children’s Forest sites in East Sussex. You are welcome to join as many as you like as each session will take place in a different season and landscape, so will offer unique learning opportunities (see further dates listed below).
Who is this day suitable for?
- This course is suitable for adults, particularly outdoor educators, Children’s Forest guardians and anyone interested in developing ecological understanding and deeper connection to the land.
The day will cover
- Learn ecological practices including ancestral skills and tree tending
- Learn practical management of a young forest
- Explore habitat creation to support biodiversity
- Create an opportunity to engage in simple nature connection practices
- Connecting with local community
Course Fee
By donation.
These days are generously funded by the National Lottery Awards for All, which enable us to offer these days for free. Fully funded places are available and if you feel called to offer an exchange and are able to, we welcome any donations to support our work in planting trees with children. Thank you.
Further conservation dates
- July 12th at Colin Godmans Farm, Danehill
- September 20th at Hackhurst Farm Hailsham
- October 18th at Sawpits Woods, Hartfield
Terms & Conditions
Please read our Terms and conditions, linked here.
About the tutors
Tom Forward: Tom Forward is a freelance ecologist, wildlife guide and outdoor educator who brings with him 20 years of experience in the field. He loves sharing his passion for the natural world with people of all ages, helping them develop wildlife identification and practical conservation skills. He specialises in birds, and bird call mimicry is his party trick. Instagram @forward.tom
Anna Richardson: Anna has been a nature mentor and trained forest school leader for over 20 years, working with children of all ages and mentoring adults in plant lore, foraging, nature connection and bushcraft. The 8 Shields deeply informs Anna’s work and approach. She is passionate about connecting to nature through creativity and reverence for life and is also a forest school trainer through Circle of Life Rediscovery and has co-authored two books : Learning with Nature and The Children’s Forest and is the founder of the Children’s Forest.
Jen Beaufoy Jen is a nature mentor working for children and adults, has worked as a permaculture designer and teacher, and is also a home educating mum. Jen is passionate about caring for Earth and for people and feels it is a great privilege to facilitate people’s connection to nature and witness what it brings forth.
