Forest Friends (Pack 1)

We don’t always see the creatures we share the woods with, but we often see the signs that they have been there. Tracks in the snow (or more likely mud!), a nibbled pine cone and of course poo!

Then there are the animals we DON’T share the woods with too. The Bears, the Wolves and what about those elusive Wild Boar? During our sessions the children often delight in discussing what does and doesn’t live in English woods. Did Wolves ever roam these woods? What would happen if Bears were introduced? There is so much scope for discussion, imagination and free play!

This activity celebrates the animals we do (and don’t) share our native woods with. These Forest Friends decorations could adorn a Christmas Tree. They would also look lovely hanging from a bare fallen branch gathered in January.

The Winter Care packages will contain wooden disks, felt, string, eyes, glue and a spreader. Felt tip pens will also be handy.

Thread the string through the hole in the wooden disk and tie in a knot so the finished decoration can be hung up. Try and do this before the glue comes out as, if you have started sticking, this can get messy!

Felt shapes can be cut out and glued to the disk along with some eyes to create a fox.

This deer’s antlers are made from twigs collected in the woods

Children might find it easier to draw their design on a piece of felt. Once they have cut this out they can be shown how to layer other felt shapes on top to create their design.

While we hope our fox, bear and deer have given you some ideas on which woodland animals you could make, we know the children will have lots of their own ideas. The most important thing is to enjoy the process. Maybe take some time to remember the woods and the creatures that live there. Better still go for a walk in the woods to get some inspiration. Your own Forest Friends can be anything you like in any colour you like! We would love to see any pictures of your finished creations.