Who we are:
Hi, we’re Lewis Ames and Wem Southerden, and we’re so excited to have you here! We created The Forest School Podcast as a space to explore the magic and importance of outdoor education, child development, and our shared connection with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned Forest School leader, a parent looking for new ideas, or just someone curious about nature-based learning, we hope this podcast offers you inspiration and practical tools.
Since 2017, we’ve been running Children of the Forest, our Forest School and training centre in Devon, UK. It’s where we’ve had the privilege of working with children and adults in the woods, playing, learning, and growing together. A lot of what we talk about on the podcast comes directly from these experiences—the things we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve faced, and the moments that have stayed with us.
For us, the podcast is an extension of the conversations we have every day in the woods, reflecting on what works, what doesn’t, and what it really means to support children’s growth in a natural setting. We hope it feels like sitting down with friends to chat about things that matter deeply.
Why We Started This Podcast
The idea for The Forest School Podcast came out of a simple desire to share what we were learning. When we started our Forest School journey, we found ourselves constantly inspired by the children we worked with, the books we read, and the community we were building. At the same time, we realised there wasn’t always a clear or easy way to connect with others who shared our passion for outdoor learning.
So, we thought, “Why not start a podcast?” It’s been an incredible journey so far, and the best part is hearing from listeners who tell us how much they’ve gained from tuning in. Knowing that our conversations spark ideas, help solve problems, or just make people feel less alone in their work—it’s what keeps us going.
What You’ll Find Here
Our episodes cover a wide range of topics, and honestly, we love digging into the big questions. What does it really mean to connect with nature? How do we create spaces where children feel safe to take risks? What role does the wider community play in outdoor education?
We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we’re passionate about exploring these ideas. Here are some of the things you can expect from the podcast:
Deep dives into pedagogy: We break down theories of education and how they apply to outdoor learning, from playwork principles to the benefits of risk-taking.
Book reviews: We love sharing the books that have shaped our thinking. These episodes are great if you’re looking to expand your own library.
Expert interviews: We’re always learning, and bringing in experts from different fields helps us (and you!) see things in new ways.
Practical advice: Whether it’s ideas for activities, tips on group dynamics, or ways to manage tricky situations, we try to keep things as actionable as possible.
Seasonal inspiration: Nature sets its own rhythm, and we love using the seasons as a guide for our discussions and activities.
Who We Are
We’re educators, practitioners, and lifelong learners. Running Children of the Forest has been one of the most rewarding parts of our lives. Our work there keeps us grounded in the realities of what it takes to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences. It also gives us a constant source of inspiration for the podcast.
At the heart of what we do is a belief that nature isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential. We’ve seen time and time again how being outside helps children (and adults!) grow in ways they might not in other environments. It’s about more than just learning skills; it’s about developing confidence, creativity, and a sense of connection—to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us.
Why Nature Matters to Us
Nature is where everything starts for us. It’s where children learn to take risks, solve problems, and build relationships. It’s where communities form and grow stronger. And it’s where we find space to reflect, recharge, and reconnect.
One of the things we love most about Forest School is the way it brings people together. Whether it’s parents and toddlers bonding over a scavenger hunt, home-educating families building dens together, or fellow educators sharing ideas, there’s something about being outdoors that makes everything feel a bit more meaningful.
We believe that now, more than ever, we need to reconnect with the natural world—not just for our own well-being, but for the well-being of future generations.
A Global Community
What’s been amazing is seeing how far the podcast has reached. While we’re based in Devon and our roots are firmly planted in the UK, we’re constantly blown away by the messages we get from listeners all over the world. It’s a reminder that the things we’re talking about—play, exploration, connection—are universal.
The fact that someone halfway across the globe can listen to an episode and feel like it resonates with them? That’s pretty incredible to us. We’re so grateful for this growing community of listeners who share our love of the outdoors and our commitment to creating spaces where children can thrive.
Who This Podcast Is For
We like to think of the podcast as a resource for anyone interested in Forest School and nature-based learning. Of course, a lot of our listeners are educators—people running their own Forest Schools, teachers looking to bring more outdoor learning into their classrooms, or practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of pedagogy.
But we also hear from parents, caregivers, and others who are simply looking for ways to reconnect with nature in their own lives. Whether you’re planning activities for a group or just wondering how to encourage your child to play outside more, we hope you’ll find something here that speaks to you.
How to Join the Conversation
The Forest School Podcast isn’t just about us talking—it’s about all of us learning together. We love hearing from listeners, whether it’s a question, a story, or just a comment about something that resonated with you. We also share extra content on social media, so if you’re not following us yet, we’d love to connect with you there.
Where to Find Us
You can listen to The Forest School Podcast on all the major platforms, including:
New episodes come out regularly, so make sure to subscribe and never miss a conversation. Whether you’re listening on a woodland walk, during your commute, or while prepping for your next Forest School session, we’re here to keep you company.
What’s Next for Us
We’re always looking forward to the next conversation, the next idea, and the next opportunity to grow. This podcast is as much about our learning journey as it is about yours, and we’re excited to see where it takes us next.
Thank you for joining us—we can’t wait to share this adventure with you.