“No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” David Attenborough

If you happened to wander past The Plain on August 2nd and heard giggles, rustling leaves, and the occasional shriek of “I found a bug!”, don’t worry, you weren’t hallucinating. Our latest GreenShoots gathering was a joyful celebration of nature, with a special focus on the mighty oak, guardian of the forest and provider of endless learning opportunities.

Children and their families got stuck into bug identification (turns out it was an excellent time of year for spotting and identifying caterpillars), leaf matching, and crafting beautiful nature cards using fallen leaves, twigs, and other forest treasures.

Parents stayed close, helping with magnifying glasses and occasionally squinting at leaf veins like seasoned botanists. It was hands-on, low-tech, and wonderful. And while the laughter was loud, the message was clear: our local environment is precious, and learning to love it starts young.

GreenShoots is the youth arm of the Theydon Bois Rural Preservation Society, and we’re on a mission to inspire the next generation of nature guardians, one bug and leaf at a time.

Beneath the laughter lies a serious mission, to nurture a love of the local environment before it becomes just another footnote in a history book. The forest is not just a backdrop, it’s a living, breathing classroom, and we’re determined to keep it that way.

If you missed this session, don’t worry! We’ll be back soon with more forest fun. Our activities are free, family-friendly, and designed for primary-aged children. To join us next time, email tbgreenshoots@gmail.com 

Come for the bugs, stay for the bonding, and leave with a pocket full of leaves and a heart full of oak. 

Helping Theydon's children to learn about nature

There is clear evidence that experiencing nature has measurable benefits for children’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. Research has found that interaction with others and the requirement for team-building and cooperation means that access to the outdoors increases children’s interpersonal and social skills and confidence. Education about and access to nature has been found to reduce levels of aggressiveness, at a personal level, a household level, and a community level. Children’s ‘attachment to place, civic engagement and environmental stewardship’ are all enhanced by environmental education. Time spent outdoors is also the strongest link with levels of physical activity, and childhood attitudes to outdoor exercise are strongly predictive of levels of physical activity in adulthood. (MA Williams, The Ecologist 2003.)

At Greenshoots, the aim is to provide outside opportunities for children up to 12 years old, and their families to enjoy and learn about the history and natural characteristics of this very special place where we live. Activities involve learning about trees and plants in our local environment, mini beast hunts, den building, craft activities and observing signs of the season. 

There is no charge for GreenShoots sessions, these are very relaxed, family-friendly sessions and parents stay with their children.