As a Forest School Officer for the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, I have the pleasure of delivering weekly Forest School sessions to schools across Merseyside, thanks to support from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

With Christmas fast approaching, we have recently been getting into the festive spirit with some themed sessions and Christmas creations.

Throughout the term, the children have developed their skills and confidence in tool use, and have been able to demonstrate this when making their Christmas decorations this week.

Using natural resources, a bowsaw, and a palm drill, the children have made tree decorations to take home and hang. Here the children explored their creativity, turning their wood slices into a whole host of different characters including reindeer, snowmen, and Father Christmas.

Again, with the use of a bowsaw and willow, another activity that went down well with the children was making miniature Father Christmas figures by peeling the bark from the willow and adding details to the blank surface. The finished figures looked brilliant and the children were very excited to take them home to show their families.

Other Christmas crafts included making stars and wreaths out of willow, stick reindeer, and many more festive decorations. Lots of fun has been had by all and the children have been super proud of their creations, and quite rightly so. They look wonderful!

Merry Christmas from the Forest School team at Lancashire Wildlife Trust, and many thanks once again to the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery – without their support these sessions would not be possible.