By Jo Neill
This week we went on an adventure into the deep dark woods with the Woodland Adventure Company. We booked on to the Gruffalo’s Child session which is aimed at 2 -6 year olds. Set in beautiful woodland just outside Stamford Bridge, this 90-minute session included craft making, a hunt through the woods, marshmallow toasting and free play.
The session began with each child making their own stick man out of whatever they could forage from the woodland floor and the results were brilliant. The children then took the stick men on an adventure through the woods to find the characters from the Gruffalo storybook series. The group included children ranging right from 2 to 6 years and the session leader skilfully involved all of them, making sure they each got to take part in the hunt, find the clues and stroke the animals when they found them if they wanted to.
The hunt through the woods was great fun, with clues carefully strewn about and some lovely special effects. The idea of walking through the deep dark woods and actually finding the familiar creatures from the stories worked so well – for Gruffalo fans and newbies to the story alike, it was lovely to see the children’s imaginations really fired up. I won’t spoil the surprise but the ending of the trail is an absolute highlight and safe to say something I’m sure they will all be talking about for a long time to come.
The route through the wood was pram friendly and not too far a walk for little legs to manage.
Back at base the campfire was lit and the children got the chance to watch popcorn being popped over the fire, toast their own marshmallows and wash it all down with hot chocolate. The base itself is a great area with dens, seating around the fire, a self-service café and woodland toilet.
This was a special school holiday session. The 90 minute session was £10 including the refreshments.
For a magical experience, a great way to get kids enjoying the outdoors and a picturesque walk I would highly recommend booking up. We will definitely be back.
For more details see details of the remaining summer sessions HERE
