Jenny Smillie

As we step into May, I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates, reflections, and a little look ahead at what’s to come. 🌱 A Warm Welcome (and a Big Thank You) This month, we’re excited to welcome two new Forest School Assistants – Amy and Denise – to the Journeys, Leaves & Seeds team. They have some very big shoes to fill as they step in for our wonderful volunteers, Gary and Wendy (also known as mum and dad!), who are off on their travels across Eastern Europe. Gary and...

As winter begins to soften (just a little!), the past month has been full of movement — across training rooms, woodland spaces, conference halls and leadership meetings. From national training delivery to muddy Mondays in Bowring Park, it has been a month that truly reflects what Journeys, Leaves & Seeds is all about — connecting research, reflection and real-life community practice. 🎓 Supporting Communication & Literacy Through Outdoor Learning I was delighted to deliver a two-part online...

Our first Monday afternoon session of 2026 took place this week, and it felt really good to be back outdoors together. There was plenty of laughter, curiosity, and — as always — mud. It was a joyful and grounding way to begin the year. Our Monday afternoon sessions are funded by the National Lottery and run weekly. They are suitable for pre-school children and home-educated children , and we’re pleased to be able to continue offering these sessions as a free and inclusive opportunity for...