Urban Forest School

“This book is SO cool! I used to be a substitute teacher at a nature school outside of Boston, and this book would have been really helpful. All sorts of topics are covered in the book: tips for spotting urban wildlife, the importance of trees in our cities, and nature-based art activities. I loved the foraging tips and recipes for treats like nettle crisps and smoothies, and instructions for making your own beeswax food wraps. The combination of real photos and illustrations make for an engaging layout and easy to understand instructions with a personal touch that feels like you’re reading a letter from a friend. The children in the photo look like they’re having great fun, and are the same consistent group of participants throughout. The pages are engaging for children flipping through to find an activity, or for an educator or caregiver looking for a specific theme. The pages are colorful and chock full of fun crafts like spiders made from nuts, or a supply list for a night time hike. This book is the most recent in the creators’ series, and I absolutely want the others now!”

* The Tiny Activist Blog *

“Having previously read and very much enjoyed Walmsley and Westall’s best-selling first book Forest School Adventures, I was looking forward to reading this much anticipated second book. Urban Forest School begins with an explanation of the Forest School ethos and how this may be applied to an urban setting. The book is instructional and informative and will serve as a useful reference for outdoor educational practitioners and parents living in cities and suburbs, particularly at this challenging time, as we recover from the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. In this introduction, they also importantly address the need to teach children about climate change from a young age. There are some useful child-friendly explanations of climate change and activity ideas to promote being environmentally aware. They complete this introductory section with an overview of some basic knots, which is a useful reference.

In summary Urban Forest School is a great introductory book for city children and parents, who would like to get outside more. Walmsley and Westall have pitched it just right: their book is suitable for novice adventurers yet also offers some great tips and ideas for more experienced nature explorers. The personal recollections, ‘Garden Memories’, ‘Dinner at the Allotment’ and ‘City Camping Adventure’, are reminders of the beautiful simplicities of a happy and wholesome childhood. They remind us that childhood should be full of wonderful memories and experiences outdoors in a natural environment, not necessarily a time filled with materials objects. This book will serve as a great support and inspiration for parents up and down the country.”

* Living Woods magazine *

"A great non-fiction text resource for teachers and school staff as well as parents, especially during this difficult time when we are all doing our best to home school and keep little ones entertained. The book explores the benefits that come with spending time outdoors and provides lots of useful information and ideas on things to do when venturing out to any local green space… The pages full of ideas are written in a way that is easily accessible to both children and adults alike. The pages could be photocopied and provided to children in class to read and understand for themselves, teaching them how to follow instructions and gain a better understanding of non-fiction text types. There are also valuable resources for teachers to photocopy and print out such as track templates and scavenger hunt checklists for city walks. Something for everyone, a bumper book of learning and fun!”

-- Nikki Stiles * The Reading Zone *

“Packed with enticing illustrations and photos, and covering so many areas of the curriculum, this bumper book includes something for all ages from the very young upwards, and is a fantastic encouragement to get children outdoors learning about and through nature.”

-- Jill Bennett * Red Reading Hub *

“The new book from Naomi Walmsley and Dan Westall will inspire children with a love of nature and a sense of adventure. Urban Forest School aims to change that by giving kids the chance to develop their creativity, confidence and resilience. Crucially, the book emphasises that children can access nature even if they live in a city or town, there is no need to have a woodland, park or garden – nature can be found anywhere if you just look hard enough! The activities and projects are suitable for children of all ages, and for adults too, of course! A sense of responsibility and respect for the environment is encouraged throughout the book. Whether it’s knot tying, den making or leaf printing, there’s bound to be something in Urban Forest School to entertain your family.”

* Woodworking Crafts magazine *

“Urban Forest School book is full of fun home crafts, recipes and activities to do in the park, garden and around the city… I definitely recommend this adorable book. It is so therapeutic to get outside and enjoy nature and the beautiful earth we live in. This book is perfect for those looking for fun and creative ways to use raw materials found outside whether it be a sheet den or a biodegradable bird feeder.”

* Sweetly Made Just for You blog *

“An ideal and instructive guide for family nature craft projects with children, "Urban Forest School Adventure" is unique, profusely illustrated and thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation. While especially recommended for family and community library instructional craft collections for children, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Urban Forest School Adventure" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.99).”

* Mid-West Book Revi