Let’s go play in the woods! Come rain or shine Sara Whatley and her brood love a good yomp through the trees – along with a bit of den building of course
Whatever the weather, a walk in the woods is always a joy. Even in the middle of winter. It’s easy to hibernate at this time of year but getting yourself and your family out in the elements is often just the ticket. It sometimes even feels lifesaving when everyone is at boiling point in the house!
Playing and walking in the woods is not only an adventure waiting to happen, it gives us much needed vitamin D, burns off cooped up energy, provides some joyful exercise, and connects us to the natural world. But most of all it is FUN.
Woods can be wet and muddy places in the winter months so get bundled up against the elements in wellies, waterproofs, hats, scarves, gloves and extra socks then set out... if you are lucky enough to live within walking distance of some woods then hike away, otherwise you could simply jump in the car to reach your nearest destination.
Or set your sights on somewhere further away, some as yet unexplored forests teeming with new adventures. We are blessed in Sussex with an abundance of woodland choices; Ashdown Forest in the heart of Sussex is wonderful for following various length trails through open healthland, wooded areas, ghyll streams and protected wildlife.
Visit Kingley Vale in Chichester for some spooky twisted ancient yew trees, or Wilderness Woods in Uckfield for woodland walks and crafts. Meander along the many paths through Brede High Woods in Hastings, which is a delight in spring as the forest floor is carpeted with dazzling bluebells and wood anemones.
There are plenty of apps, if you are so inclined, to help you enjoy the great outdoors. Download ones to guide you in identifying birds and bird song, trees, leaves and plants, and mushrooms. Alternatively, take this as a perfect opportunity to go tech free, leave the phones at home and see what nature you can find yourself.
Tracking is fun with children and there are usually lots of animal prints they can find, from horse to dog and even deer slots. This is especially
good in winter as all the mud makes prints easy to see. We usually find a giant or Gruffalo print as well, just to warn you...
Make sure at some point to simply stop, look up and listen. The canopy above you – whether bare or in leaf – is mesmeric and holds so much life we usually don’t notice. Then get back to playing, after all, that’s what we are here for!
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