Bushcraft Leader Agi Stachura reflects on how Moorfield’s outdoor learning provision is helping pupils build confidence, aptitude and independence through hands-on experiences in nature, from firelighting and foraging to teamwork in all weathers.

Bushcraft at Moorfield is far more than an outdoor lesson—it’s a living, breathing part of our school life where pupils learn, explore and grow in ways that simply cannot be replicated indoors.

As Bushcraft Leader, I see every week how transformative this provision is. Children arrive on site and immediately shift into a different way of learning. The outdoors invites curiosity and collaboration. It encourages them to slow down, notice more and engage fully with their environment—and, in doing so, they develop not only practical skills but also aptitude, creativity and a strong sense of self.

Our Bushcraft site is a remarkable, atmospheric space. At its centre is a fire circle, where children gather together under a large protective parachute canopy that allows learning to continue in all weathers. Rain or shine, the space is alive with activity, conversation and discovery.

Fire is one of the most important elements of our Bushcraft provision. Children are taught how to light fires safely and responsibly, how to understand the fire triangle and how to sit and behave safely around flames. They also learn what to do if something goes wrong and how to respond appropriately in a range of situations. This is not just about firelighting—it is about developing judgement, responsibility and respect for risk.

Cooking over the fire is always a highlight. We use the outdoors as a kitchen, preparing food together and exploring ingredients in creative ways. I’m particularly passionate about foraging, and we often incorporate edible plants into our sessions. Dandelions, nettles, herbs and seasonal flowers are all used in different ways. On one recent session, we made pancakes using wild ingredients such as dandelion and lilac flowers. We’ve also created nettle pesto and nettle soup during wider Forest School network skill-sharing events. For children, these experiences are memorable, sensory and deeply engaging—they begin to understand where food comes from and how nature can be both beautiful and useful.

Alongside cooking and fire skills, Bushcraft at Moorfield gives pupils regular opportunities to work with tools and materials in a structured, safe environment. Children are introduced to tools such as drills, saws and whittling knives and they learn how to use them correctly, how to handle them safely and how to take pride in what they create. We make a wide range of items—from wooden structures and small carved objects to bows, arrows and natural constructions such as insect hotels.

Rope work, climbing and physical challenge are also central to the Bushcraft experience. Children love exploring the slopes, climbing frames and natural features of the site, often working together to problem-solve and support each other. Even activities like building shelters or navigating uneven ground become opportunities to develop coordination and teamwork.

One of the things I value most is the social learning that happens so naturally outdoors. Children negotiate roles, share ideas and work together in ways that feel organic and unforced. We play group games, explore hide-and-seek variations and engage in team challenges that require communication and trust. These moments are just as important as the practical skills—they help children develop empathy, cooperation and confidence in group settings.

Bushcraft is carefully woven into the wider school week. Pupils typically access sessions on a Monday, with different year groups rotating through the programme. Nursery and Reception children often benefit most frequently, with regular weekly access, while older classes experience Bushcraft in structured blocks. In addition, initiatives such as “Wild Fridays” extend learning even further, allowing children to explore different outdoor environments such as woodlands, riversides and green spaces.

What makes the provision here particularly distinctive is how closely it’s linked with classroom learning. Bushcraft is not an isolated experience—it’s designed to enhance and enrich the curriculum. Teachers and outdoor staff work closely together to ensure children are building on prior learning while also being introduced to new, practical experiences beyond the classroom.

Day to day, we see how positively children respond to this kind of learning environment. Time outdoors helps children regulate their emotions, reduce stress and return to the classroom more focused and ready to learn. Research consistently shows the benefits of outdoor play and nature connection, and I see this reflected every day in the children we teach. Even short periods outdoors can have a lasting positive effect on wellbeing and concentration.

Beyond academic benefits, there is something more fundamental happening. Children develop a real sense of independence. When a child successfully lights a fire, builds something with tools or persists with a challenging task, they begin to see themselves differently. They become more adaptable, more self-assured and more willing to try again when things are difficult. This “iteration”—this repeated effort and improvement—is something we see constantly in Bushcraft, and it transfers directly into classroom learning.

Parents often comment on how much they value this aspect of school life. There’s something reassuring about knowing that children are not only learning academic content, but also developing independence, teamwork and a strong connection to the natural world. In an increasingly digital world, these experiences feel especially important.

Bringing this level of purposeful outdoor learning to Moorfield draws directly on my own journey into Bushcraft. I originally trained in Poland, where I studied art education and developed a strong creative background. I later gained Qualified Teacher Status in the UK and completed Forest School leadership training. Alongside this, I have spent many years involved in Forest School networks, attending conferences, sharing practice and running workshops for both children and adults.

That wider experience continues to influence my work at Moorfield. I bring ideas from different practitioners, from creative outdoor literacy projects to foraging and cooking sessions, and I am constantly learning from others in the field.

But ultimately, what matters most is the children here. Their curiosity, their energy and their willingness to engage with the outdoors are what make Bushcraft such a powerful part of school life.