A Damp but Delightful Family Creative Walk at Beechenhurst

Feb 7th Creative Walk in Nature, Beechenhurst

Last weekend we headed out to Beechenhurst for a Family Creative Walk in Nature, and despite the damp Saturday weather, it turned out to be a thoroughly joyful way to spend an afternoon outdoors.

We followed The Glade Walk at Beechenhurst, starting at the back of the café where the Sculpture Trail sign is. The route was hard-surfaced, making it suitable for buggies and wheelchairs, which meant everyone could join in comfortably and at their own pace.

Although the ground was wet and the air a little misty, the children were more than happy to be outside exploring the woods. In fact, the drizzle only seemed to add to the sense of adventure. Walk leaders Krysa and Sara had planned a series of creative activities that were welcoming, inclusive and full of imagination.

Each child was given a sketchbook to capture ideas along the way. The walk began with leaf and wood-grain rubbings, followed by experimenting with charcoal to draw the varied tree trunks found throughout the dense woodland. The children took time to really look at their surroundings, making connections between the leaves scattered on the ground — mostly oak and beech — and the contrasting textures of the trees’ bark.

Soon, sticks were gathered and decorated with found natural treasures, quickly transforming into an array of wonderfully personal ‘Magic Wands’. These sparked a whole host of imaginary games and creative explorations, supported by a wide range of art materials. Even when the rain became heavier, the damp paper only added to the pleasure of drawing and experimenting.

Towards the end of the walk, plasticine was pressed into tree bark, paths and other surfaces to record marks and unusual textures. A nearby puddle was then declared a ‘Magical Pool’, as coloured paints were gently sprinkled across its surface, creating ripples of colour and delight.

Wrapped up in waterproofs and sturdy boots, both children and adults were happily absorbed for the entire session. It was surprising how quickly the 1.5 hours passed, filled with creativity, curiosity and laughter.

It was a lovely reminder that with the right clothing — and the right mindset — wet weather can be just as magical as sunshine when it comes to spending time outdoors together.