Where Hope Takes Root
From Snowdrops to Shelter-buildingby Fiona Bennett-Meere, Wildlife & Community Ranger February settles in, wrapped in grey skies and steady rain, yet something hopeful is stirring beneath the surface. The first flowers of the year begin to push through. Snowdrops nod in the cool morning air and crocuses and early daffodils reassure us that spring is drawing closer. Hope springs eternal - and perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in children discovering the natural world. Their muddy boots and open curiosity carry the same quiet promise as those first snowdrops. Give a child a patch of earth, a fallen branch or a glimpse of something stirring beneath the leaves, and they will find wonder. As a child, I was endlessly fascinated by the natural world. You were far more likely to find me knee-deep in mud hunting for worms or constructing dens, than inside four walls. Forest School wasn’t available when I was young but Brill School offers sessions throughout the year, some at the Hollow on the edge of Brill Common, where I joined a Key Stage 2 class this month. Led by the Two Hannahs*, the children focused on whittling wood, exploring - and the simple joys of sliding through mud and hauling themselves up slopes with ropes. They built shelters by weaving willow around hazel stakes and constructed ration lines - with varying degrees of success! I showed them different types of fungi, encouraging them to look closely at the shapes, textures and colours often missed at first glance. We paused to listen to the woodland, tuning into birdsong and trying to identify the calls. Stories were shared about birds visiting garden feeders and animals spotted locally, each account weaving the group’s experiences into the wider landscape. Whether working together as a team or scaling a slope independently for the first time, the joy and sense of achievement were clear to see. It’s a testament to the Two Hannahs, who support the children so thoughtfully. They bring enthusiasm and encouragement while stepping back just enough to allow space for mistakes so resilience can grow and real learning can take root. Connecting children with the natural world is so important because they are the future custodians of these places. In their curiosity and care lie hope, much like the first flowers of Spring and their promise of brighter days ahead. *Hannah Tuffley and Hannah Chisholm PS Do let me know what events and activities you’d like to see happening on Brill Common! If you haven’t already done so, please complete my two-minutes survey.
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