🎙️ Folklore, Ritual & Art: A Chat with Ben Edge

This week, we're joined by the incredible Ben Edge, artist, filmmaker, and author of Folklore Rising, for a deep dive into British folklore, ritual, and the role of art in preserving tradition. 🌿🎭

From Morris dancing in trainers to building new traditions, we explore how folklore shapes identity, community, and creativity. And yes, we get into the wildest traditions, including Padstow’s Obby Oss, the Garland King, and a Swiss festival of Pretty, Ugly, and Pretty-Ugly creatures. 🦴🐎

✔️ Folklore Revival or Renaissance? Why folk traditions are more alive than ever 🔥
✔️ Who 'owns' a tradition? How communities shape and reshape rituals 🤹
✔️ The Role of Art – Is capturing a tradition the same as being part of it? 🎨
✔️ Reinventing the Past – What happens when a ‘centuries-old’ tradition is actually Victorian marketing? 🤯
✔️ Morris Dancing & New Traditions – Wem joins a side, learns ‘Gingerbread’, and uncovers surprisingly modern origins 🕺
✔️ The Black Shuck Festival – How a modern event became instantly legendary 🐺⚡
✔️ Right to Roam & Common Ground – Land access, folklore activism, and reclaiming connection to place 🏞️
✔️ The Role of ‘Pretty, Ugly & Pretty-Ugly’ in Swiss Folklore – And why it speaks to all of us 😈🌸

Ben also shares stories from his upcoming London exhibition at Fitzrovia Chapel in November 2025, and his newly curated ‘Common Ground’ exhibition in Cheltenham – tackling land access, art, and our relationship to nature. 🎭🏕️

🔥 TENTSILE – The ultimate tree tents for outdoor educators & adventurers. Use ForestChildren10 for 10% off at www.tentsile.com.
🌱 Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – Get 15% off this essential nature ID guide using FORESTPOD via our exclusive affiliate link.

🔗 Follow Ben Edge: Instagram (@BenEdgeArt) & Website
🏛️ Common Ground Exhibition (Cheltenham, The Wilson Collection) – Opening Feb 21, 2025
🎨 Fitzrovia Chapel Solo Show (London, Nov 2025) – More details coming soon!
🎭 Black Shuck Festival – Suffolk’s newest old tradition 🐺
📖 Folklore Rising – Available in print, eBook & Audible

⏳ 00:00 – Intro: Trainers, traditions & sticky notes everywhere
🎭 05:00 – What is folklore ‘Renaissance’?
🌿 12:00 – Padstow’s Obby Oss: Madness or meaning?
🕺 18:00 – Morris Dancing: Ancient or invented?
🐺 25:00 – The Black Shuck Festival: The birth of a new tradition
🎨 35:00 – The role of art in folklore
🔥 45:00 – How do we start or revive traditions?
🎭 55:00 – Ben’s upcoming exhibitions & projects

🌿 What folk traditions do YOU love? Have you started or revived one? Let us know at [email protected] or drop a comment!

🎧 Listen & subscribe on:
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#Folklore #BritishTraditions #Rituals #FolkArt #MorrisDancing #Padstow #ForestSchoolPodcast #AlternativeEducation #SelfDirectedLearning

🌲 Key Topics in This Episode:🛠️ Sponsors & Discounts📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:⏳ Episode Chapters & Timings:💬 Join the Conversation!

🌿 Nature Saturation: Can You Have TOO Much Nature?

In this episode, we dive into the idea ofNature Saturation – can there betoo much nature in outdoor learning? 🤔 From Forest School names to nature-themed everything, when does immersive nature connection becometoo much of a good thing?

🌲Key topics in this episode:

• What isNature Saturation, and is it a real issue? 🌳
• The balance betweennature connection & personal interests 🎮📖
• Are some Forest School settingstoo rigidly nature-focused?
• Howsocial play & personal identity shape outdoor learning 🏕️
• Can kids self-direct in nature, or do we over-curate? 🤯

We also readhilarious real-life Forest School job descriptions, including:
🦿Squirrel Funeral Director (yes, really!)
💇Woodland Hairstylist – tree sap in the fringe is no joke!

Plus, we take on anotherSurprise Student challenge:Could we run a Forest School session for Pikachu & Thor? ⚡⚒️

🌲TENTSILE – Take your outdoor adventures to the next level with TENTSILE's incredible hammock tents! Perfect for Forest School leaders & outdoor educators. Usecode ForestChildren10 for10% off atwww.tentsile.com.

🍃Chris Holland – Love nature? Get Chris Holland’s54-page Plant Guide, packed with essential plant ID tips. Usecode FORESTPOD for15% off via our exclusiveaffiliate link.

🎤 00:00 –Intro: Chaos, weird toast combos & nooch on everything
🌿 05:00 –What is ‘Nature Saturation’ & does it exist?
🐿️ 12:00 –Listener submission: Squirrel Funeral Director?!
💇 18:00 –The unexpected struggles of a Woodland Hairstylist
🔥 25:00 –Nature as a background vs. nature as the whole experience
⚡ 35:00 –Surprise Student: Could Pikachu & Thor thrive at Forest School?
🎶 45:00 –Do nature names, songs & rituals help or hinder learning?
📢 55:00 –Call to action: Have we got Nature Saturation all wrong?

• 🌍TENTSILE Hammock Tents – UseForestChildren10 for 10% off
• 🍃Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – UseFORESTPOD for 15% off
• 🎥Watch this episode on YouTube: [Insert Link]

💡Do you think there’s such a thing as ‘too much nature’? 🌳 Drop a comment below or email us at[email protected]!

🎧 Listen & subscribe on:
🎙️ Spotify: shorturl.at/4WdyI
📺 YouTube: shorturl.at/3qOUs
📻 Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/FxfMF
💻 RSS: shorturl.at/A0kx9

#ForestSchool #OutdoorEducation #NaturePlay #WildLearning #ForestSchoolPodcast #AlternativeEducation #SelfDirectedLearning #ChildLedLearning

🌟 Sponsored by TENTSILE & Chris Holland⏳ Episode Chapters & Timings📚 Resources & Links Mentioned💬 Join the Conversation!

This week, we sit down withDr Naomi Fisher, psychologist and co-author ofThe Teenager’s Guide to Burnout, to discuss how modern schooling, social media, and pressure to achieve are pushing teens towards burnout. 😰

🎒Key topics in this episode:

• What burnoutreally is & how it differs from anxiety or depression
• Why teenagers are more stressed than ever before 😩
• Thered flags of burnout every parent & educator should know 🚨
• Howschool pressure, social media, and lack of choice fuel burnout 🔥
• Practicalways teens can take back control of their learning & wellbeing 💡

This episode isa must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about teenage mental health. 🌱

🌲TENTSILE – Take your outdoor adventures to the next level with TENTSILE's incredible hammock tents! Perfect for Forest School leaders & outdoor educators. Usecode ForestChildren10 for10% off atwww.tentsile.com.

🍃Chris Holland – Love nature? Get Chris Holland’s54-page Plant Guide, packed with essential plant ID tips. Usecode FORESTPOD for15% off via our exclusiveaffiliate link.

🎤 00:00 –Intro: Haunted cats & season updates 🐱👻
📚 02:00 –Introducing Naomi Fisher & her book on teenage burnout
🔥 05:00 –What burnout actually is & why teens are at risk
🏫 10:00 –School pressure vs. mental health: what needs to change?
📱 15:30 –The role of social media & online communities in burnout
🧠 22:00 –How parents & educators can support burnt-out teens
🚀 30:00 –Why quitting can be a good thing (and how to do it!)
🌳 40:00 –Forest School, agency & alternative education solutions

• 📖The Teenager’s Guide to Burnout by Naomi Fisher & Eliza Fricker
• 🌍TENTSILE Hammock Tents – UseForestChildren10 for 10% off
• 🍃Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – UseFORESTPOD for 15% off
• 🎥Watch this episode on YouTube: [Insert Link]

💡Ever felt burnt out as a teen? Or know a young person struggling with stress?Drop a comment below or email us at[email protected]!

🎧 Listen & subscribe on:
🎙️Spotify
📺YouTube
📻Apple Podcasts
💻RSS

#TeenageBurnout #ForestSchool #MentalHealthMatters #OutdoorEducation #AlternativeEducation #ForestSchoolPodcast #BurnoutRecovery #SelfDirectedLearning #NatureConnection

🌟 Sponsored by TENTSILE & Chris Holland⏳ Episode Chapters & Timings📚 Resources & Links Mentioned💬 Join the Conversation!

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Welcome back to The Forest School Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the realities of lone working in outdoor education, the unexpected (and hilarious) responsibilities of a Forest School leader, and the importance of connection in a role that can often feel isolating.

🌲 Key topics in this episode:

Join us as we reflect, laugh, and explore how we can better support outdoor educators. 🌿

🌟 Sponsored by TENTSILE & Chris Holland

🌲 TENTSILE – Take your outdoor adventures to the next level with TENTSILE's incredible hammock tents! Designed for comfort, durability, and a unique Forest School experience, these tree tents are a game-changer. Use code ForestChildren10 for 10% off your purchase at www.tentsile.com.

🍃 Chris Holland – Want to deepen your nature connection? Get your hands on Chris Holland’s 54-page Plant Guide, an essential resource for Forest School leaders and nature enthusiasts. Use code FORESTPOD for 15% off via our exclusive affiliate link.

⏳ Episode Chapters & Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

03:58 Reflections on Productivity and Mental Health

09:12 The Importance of Connection and Support

13:10 Nature Connection and Personal Growth

17:13 Engaging with Nature and Crafting

21:15 Productivity Insights and New Practices

26:45 Fun and Games in Forest School

30:42 Animal Encounters and Job Descriptions

31:16 Emergency Privacy Screen Holder: A Forest School Job

34:35 Christmas Fart Consultant: The Humor of Forest School

37:49 Fart Consultancy: A Necessary Skill

42:20 Surprise Student: A Fun Game for Learning

44:49 Paddington Bear: A Forest School Intervention

51:01 Season Two: New Beginnings and Exciting Changes
📚 Resources & Links Mentioned

🎧 Enjoyed this episode?

If you loved this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow Forest School leaders and outdoor educators! 🌿 Your support helps us grow and bring more valuable discussions to the community.

⭐ Listen & subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Your Favourite Podcast App.

Have a weird job title from your Forest School experience? Send it to us at [email protected]!

Happy exploring! 🌳✨

Episode Summary
In this lively and wide-ranging episode, Lewis sits down with Lily Horseman (Kindling Playwork) to explore how transparent you should be when planning Forest School sessions. They discuss the balance between being honest with children, parents, and fellow educators while preserving the magic of play and spontaneity. You’ll hear fascinating insights into building trust, navigating tangents, and making space for child-led exploration. Expect plenty of unexpected side quests, real-life anecdotes, and practical tips for Forest School leaders, early years practitioners, and nature enthusiasts.

🌲 Sponsor Shout-Out: TENTSILE
This episode is proudly sponsored by TENTSILE, creators of innovative hammock tents perfect for outdoor adventures.
Use code ForestChildren10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.
Explore their range at www.tentsile.com.

🍃 Special Thanks: Chris Holland
Big thanks to Chris Holland, author of the 54-page Plant Guide for nature enthusiasts.
Discover this invaluable resource at Chris’s Affiliate Link and use code FORESTPOD for a 15% discount.

Mentioned Resources & Links

Enjoyed the show? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow educators and Forest School friends. Every review helps us reach more people looking to connect with nature, build community, and nurture child-led learning.

Stay wonky, stay curious, and see you in the next episode!

Chapters

00:00 The Thin Veneer of Professionalism

08:21 Adrenaline and Last-Minute Planning

11:00 Transparency in Educational Planning

14:16 The Spectrum of Learner-Centered Planning

19:01 Trust and Transparency in Education

21:55 The Balance of Transparency and Trust

24:57 Punitive Transparency in Education

27:57 The Role of Parents in Transparency

31:03 Justifying the Value of Forest School

34:00 Pedagogical Peep Show

36:11 Unveiling the Flow State

38:29 Navigating Team Dynamics

41:41 The Art of Connection

43:44 Reflective Practices in Education

46:37 Transparency and Vulnerability

49:55 The Role of Authenticity in Education

52:53 Branding and Community Engagement

56:50 Experimenting with Transparency

59:52 The North Star of Connection

01:02:28 Exploring the Conversation's Journey

01:02:57 Engagement and Future Plans

In this lively and wide-ranging episode, Lewis sits down with Lily Horseman (Kindling Playwork) to explore how transparent you should be when planning Forest School sessions. They discuss the balance between being honest with children, parents, and fellow educators while preserving the magic of play and spontaneity. You’ll hear fascinating insights into building trust, navigating tangents, and making space for child-led exploration. Expect plenty of unexpected side quests, real-life anecdotes, and practical tips for Forest School leaders, early years practitioners, and nature enthusiasts.

🌲 Sponsor Shout-Out: TENTSILE

This episode is proudly sponsored by TENTSILE, creators of innovative hammock tents perfect for outdoor adventures.

Use code ForestChildren10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.

Explore their range at www.tentsile.com.

🍃 Special Thanks: Chris Holland

Big thanks to Chris Holland, author of the 54-page Plant Guide for nature enthusiasts.

Discover this invaluable resource at Chris’s Affiliate Link and use code FORESTPOD for a 15% discount.

Chapter Timings

00:00 The Thin Veneer of Professionalism

07:49 Adrenaline and Last-Minute Planning

10:14 Transparency in Educational Planning

13:13 The Spectrum of Learner-Centered Planning

17:53 Trust and Transparency in Education

20:39 The Balance of Transparency and Trust

23:37 Punitive Transparency in Education

26:22 The Role of Parents in Transparency

29:18 Justifying the Value of Forest School

31:58 Pedagogical Peep Show

34:02 Unveiling the Flow State

36:04 Navigating Team Dynamics

39:06 The Art of Connection

41:03 Reflective Practices in Education

43:45 Transparency and Vulnerability

46:51 The Role of Authenticity in Education

49:34 Branding and Community Engagement

53:16 Experimenting with Transparency

56:03 The North Star of Connection

58:29 Exploring the Conversation's Journey

58:58 Engagement and Future Plans
Enjoyed the show? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow educators and Forest School friends. Every review helps us reach more people looking to connect with nature, build community, and nurture child-led learning. Stay wonky, stay curious, and see you in the next episode!

Welcome back to the Forest School Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the intriguing ideas from Rory Sutherland's book Alchemy and explore how they can transform your Forest School practice. From the power of creative chaos to the impact of trust and training, this episode offers fresh perspectives for Forest School leaders, educators, and nature enthusiasts alike. 🌿

Join Lewis as he unpacks the concept of "scenting the soap," the role of placebos in Forest School, and the importance of heuristics in developing intuition and resilience in natural learning environments. Discover actionable insights and practical tips for enhancing your sessions and deepening connections with your participants.

🌲 Sponsorship Segment

This episode is proudly brought to you by our amazing sponsors:

TENTSILE: Transform your outdoor adventures with TENTSILE’s innovative hammock tents. Perfect for Forest School leaders and nature enthusiasts, these tents combine comfort, durability, and sustainability. Use code ForestChildren10 for a 10% discount on your next purchase. Explore their range at www.tentsile.com. 🌳

Chris Holland: Discover Chris Holland’s 54-page Plant Guide, an invaluable resource for identifying and celebrating nature’s flora. Get your copy at Chris’s Affiliate Link and use code FORESTPOD for a 15% discount. 🍃

⏱ Chapter Timings

Introduction and Updates (00:00 - 04:42): Lewis shares podcast updates, including new guests and Patreon exclusives.

Creative Chaos and Forest School (09:11 - 11:36): Embracing unpredictability and nature’s role in fostering creativity.

Placebos and Scenting the Soap (23:03 - 25:29): How small details, like blankets and rituals, shape participant experiences.

Trust, Training, and Marketing (14:00 - 16:21): The importance of signalling commitment and building reputation in Forest School.

Developing Heuristics through Play (27:54 - 30:14): Encouraging intuition and flexible thinking in natural learning environments.

Closing Thoughts (37:16 - 39:00): Reflections on balancing science and storytelling in Forest School.

📚 Resources Mentioned

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland: Find it on Amazon

TENTSILE Hammock Tents

Chris Holland’s Plant Guide

🌟 Support the Podcast

Enjoying the Forest School Podcast? Here’s how you can help us grow:

Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Available on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts. 🎧

Review: Leave a 5-star review to help others discover the podcast. ⭐

Share: Spread the word on social media and with your Forest School community. 🦉

Patreon: Join our Patreon for exclusive content, including early access to episodes and CPD resources. Gift subscriptions now available for the holiday season! 🎁

👉 Visit www.forestschoolpodcast.com for more details.

↓Click here for Limited Edition 'Magic in the Mud' merch! ↓

www.children-of-the-forest.com/forestsschoolpodcastshop

What does it mean to truly know a tree? In this episode of the Forest School Podcast, we’re joined by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson, hosts of the Completely Arbortrary podcast, to explore the fascinating tension between knowing trees as species and connecting with them as individuals. With Casey’s arborist expertise and Alex’s creative perspective, this conversation is full of surprising insights and heartwarming anecdotes that will forever change the way you see the trees around you. From personal stories of childhood tree connections (00:46:00) to the science of epicormic growth as a survival strategy (00:13:00), and even the heroic tale of the 250-year-old Overlook Oak saved from development (00:47:00), this episode is a deep dive into the magic of trees.

Key moments include Casey’s explanation of how naming a tree can deepen our connection by opening doors to patterns in nature (00:24:00), and Alex’s take on how trees can serve as archetypes, representing broader narratives that connect us to the natural world (00:21:00). We also discuss the role of community in forming collective bonds with specific trees, like the symbolic Robin Hood Tree, and the fascinating cultural significance of heritage trees across the globe (00:32:00). A standout quote from Casey: “When you get to know a tree’s name, it’s like seeing an old friend—you recognize its story and place in the world.”

Listeners will walk away with actionable takeaways, including how to introduce children to tree identification, use storytelling to foster emotional connections with nature, and see trees as metaphors for resilience and growth. Resources and tools mentioned include Casey’s upcoming book on urban tree identification, the inspiring story of Australia’s tree billboards, and a nod to Tolkien’s deeply rooted (pun intended) fascination with individual trees.

If you’ve ever wondered how trees connect us to the world around us, this is the episode for you! Listen now to be inspired by the stories, science, and symbolism of trees. Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with your community, and leave a review to support our work. Find us on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and via our RSS feed: 🎙️ Spotify 📺 YouTube 📻 Apple Podcasts 💻 RSS.

Dive into the chaos, creativity, and comedy that is Song Wars! In this special episode, we’ve compiled all the musical gems from past episodes, including the hilariously self-indulgent chats that led to their creation.

From heartfelt ballads about tagging games to unexpectedly funky anthems about bin juice and wet ropes, this is a Forest School Podcast experience like no other. Whether you’re here for a laugh or want a glimpse into the unfiltered madness of our musical endeavours, you’re in for a treat.

What’s Inside (with Timestamps):

↓Click here for Limited Edition 'Magic in the Mud' merch! ↓

www.children-of-the-forest.com/forestsschoolpodcastshop

Summary:

In this milestone 200th episode, hosts Lewis and Wem reflect on their podcasting journey, discussing the evolution of their content, memorable guest interviews, and the growth of the Forest School movement. They explore the integration of technology in outdoor education, the importance of inclusivity, and share personal anecdotes that have shaped their perspectives.

Timestamps:

00:01 – 00:09: Celebrating 200 episodes and the podcast's evolution.

08:50 – 09:30: Memorable guest insights, including Naomi Fisher and Merlin Sheldrake.

13:21 – 14:08: Transition from activity-focused content to deeper discussions.

14:12 – 14:40: Dream field trips to unique outdoor education settings.

21:12 – 22:39: Debate on the role of technology in Forest School.

27:14 – 28:56: Wishlist of future podcast guests, from philosophers to modern educators.

28:40 – 28:54: Philosophical musings on play and education.

18:44 – 19:28: Gratitude to listeners and aspirations for future episodes.

Resources Mentioned:

Naomi Fisher's Work: Dr. Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma, autism, and alternative learning methods. Explore her publications and insights on her official website:

Naomi Fisher

Merlin Sheldrake's Research: Merlin Sheldrake is a biologist and author known for his work on fungi and mycorrhizal networks. Learn more about his research and publications here:

Merlin Sheldrake

Nonviolent Communication: Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication process developed by Marshall Rosenberg. It focuses on empathetic listening and expressing needs without judgment. Find more information at the Center for Nonviolent Communication:

For the Wild

The Art of Holding Space: This concept involves supporting others without judgment, maintaining an open and empathetic presence. For a comprehensive guide, refer to Heather Plett's work:

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Forest School, outdoor education, podcasting journey, inclusivity in education, technology in outdoor learning, nonviolent communication, play-based learning.