Sticks and Ropes Forest School Sheffield
'Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.'
- Albert Einstein
Discover Sticks and Ropes Forest School Sheffield
Welcome to Sticks and Ropes, a dedicated forest school Southeast of Sheffield, where we offer engaging home education and holiday club sessions. Our program invites children to step into the natural world, fostering a deep connection with nature while developing essential skills for life.
What We Do
At Sticks and Ropes, we provide an outdoor education experience that emphasizes nature connection and land-based skills. Our forest school is situated within the enchanting 32-acre Newfield Spring Wood, a beautiful ancient bluebell woodland. This serene environment is not just our playground but our classroom and home to many different species of flora and fauna. As part of the wider Friends of Newfield Spring Wood community, we actively participate in the management and preservation of this vital ecosystem, allowing children to contribute something back while understanding the beauty and importance of nature.
Key Offerings at Sticks & Ropes
Home Education Sessions:
Our home education sessions integrate nature-based learning and facilitated free play with the knowledge of the facilitators to create fluid sessions that balance the needs of children with those of the woodland. This holistic approach not only supports academic growth but also enhances emotional resilience and social skills, while not depleting natural resources. These sessions are also suitable for flexi-schooled children.
Our Home-ed group is almost full! Only 2 spaces left.
Summer Holiday Club:
During the summer holidays, we offer a holiday club that is open to all children. In this club they can immerse themselves in outdoor activities that encourage play, exploration, and creativity. This club is designed to build friendships and promote physical activity in a nurturing environment, ensuring a memorable summer experience for every child.
Facilitated Free Play:
Children thrive in a setting where they can explore freely. Our experienced facilitators guide them in discovering what lies beneath the surface of bark, soil, and stone, encouraging imaginative play and curiosity.
Nature-based Educational Pedagogies
Our facilitators draw from a diverse range of pedagogies including:
Forest School Methodology: Utilizes natural environments to enhance children's learning and skills development.
Coyote Mentoring (8 Shields): Focuses on mentorship through experiential learning and connection with nature.
Permaculture Principles: Teaches ecological sustainability and respect for the environment.
Bushcraft Skills: Encourages knowledge of survival skills and an appreciation for natural resources.
Through these activities, we aim to spark interest and curiosity in children, helping them navigate challenges and mysteries together. Collaborative problem solving is integrated into our sessions, allowing kids to work as a team to tackle real-world issues, enhancing their critical thinking and social skills.
The Benefits of Outdoor Learning
Engaging children in outdoor education has numerous benefits:
Enhanced Physical Health: With outdoor play comes active movement, which is essential for developing motor skills and reducing childhood obesity.
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Improved Mental Well-being: Nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Time spent in natural settings promotes emotional health.
Stronger Social Connections: Learning in groups fosters friendships and teaches valuable social skills such as cooperation and empathy.
Critical Thinking Skills: Experiencing challenges in nature enhances problem-solving abilities and resilience.
At Sticks and Ropes, we believe in the transformative power of outdoor education. Our programs are designed not just to educate but to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. By engaging in nature-inspired activities, children develop not only academically but holistically.
If you're seeking a nature-based learning environment for your child or looking for enriching summer holiday camp experiences in Sheffield, we invite you to contact us today. Help them reconnect to the wonders of the great outdoors at Sticks and Ropes and watch your child flourish in nature!
Latest News
1 / Holiday Club Dates
- Our summer group 2025 dates will be announced in late spring.
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2 / Founder and Facilitator Moves on to Pastures New
- We said goodbye to Dejan in August. As one of the founding fathers of S&R, we are very greatfull for all the time and effort he put into this group. He will be missed and we wish him all the best with his next adventure.
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3 / New Facilitator Joins the Group
- We welcome Wolf to our group. A very experienced nature based faciliatator with over 20 years of bushcraft practice under his belt.
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