Ha Mock Mummy

The last few weeks have provided the typical 'four seasons in one day' spring weather we Forest School types have come to know and love. Amidst the hail, wind, smog and arctic blasts, we have had some rather pleasant spells of sunshine. The warmer weather has allowed us to partake in some less adrenaline fueled activities (My knees have appreciated the break from capture the flag!).

The children have taken great pleasure in lazing in the hammocks and gazing up at the birds busily preparing their nests in the trees above. The children who have been in a hammock before demonstrated to those new to the experience how to safely get in and out of it. Ibrahim was keen for me to capture a photograph a rather convincing impression of an Egyptian mummy. (They have been learning all about the legend of Tutankhamun in class)

Before putting up the hammocks, the children agreed guidelines on how to use them safely and helped to choose suitable trees to which to attach the hammocks to. They looked for strong, healthy trees with no brambles or rocks beneath them. It was agreed that the hammocks could be rocked gently but not swung hard as this could damage the trees or cause the ropes to snap.

Despite your best efforts, odd tree can take you by surprise! 
Hazel group chose two suitably thick trees free from disease and brambles. They secured the ropes to the trees and tested the hammock by kneeling and leaning on it. All was well until two children attempted to climb in the hammock together. One of the trees began to lean inwards and on closer inspection, the children noticed that the footplate had begun to lift. Our woodland has a closed canopy due to lack of woodland management over the years. This has resulted in the trees becoming overcrowded, preventing some of the younger trees from establishing a strong root system. After assessing the condition of the tree, we decided that it was safer to bring the tree down than leave it in an unstable condition. The space left by the removal of the tree will benefit the flora on the woodland floor and allow the remaining trees to spread and grow stronger. The wood from the tree as it decays will provide a valuable habitat for the woodland fauna.