Wild Woods
I was recently sent an inspiring piece of creative writing written by an eleven-year-old girl named Emily.
I first met Emily at Wildeye Adventures ‘Lockdown Down Survival Camp’ back in September, just after lockdown eased when she visited the woods with her mother Sally. They had both missed being in the outside world (like many others) and were keen to discover outdoor skills in woodlands.
On camp, I noticed that Emily had a keen interest in wood carving. I would observe her patiently sitting on a log carving at a stick, creating something out of nothing.
Emily and her mum Sally worked well on building a natural shelter together, which Emily slept in overnight. It kept her warm and dry all night, it was a survival mission accomplished!
Emily was sad to leave the woods and had expressed how much she loved spending time around trees and woodlands. However, her love for the trees stays with her. Back at school, she was inspired to create an environmental project to share with her class mates and was thoughtful enough to draw a picture too. The memories created stay strong within.
The next time I met Emily was on her 11th birthday, she had invited a group of her best friends to the woods to celebrate a Wildeye Birthday Camp. They had called their tribe the Wilderness Wolves OOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
The Wilderness Wolves worked really well on creating their own personal camp in the woods. Using tarps, hammocks and everything nature provides to build a natural shelter. They foraged a good amount of fuel and tinder and had prepped themselves very well for the overnight experience. It was great to see this group of friends supporting each other on camp throughout different activities. Having a positive mindset is a key element in survival.
They listened with attention to outdoor & environmental education being shared. They all had questions, curiosities and were fascinated to hear of my travel stories of living in the jungle with tribes.
We spent time musically jamming, singing and chanting around the fire at night. Fun times were had with this adventurous tribe in the woods. Together we explored, climbed trees, played woodlands games, built shelters, made fires and howled like we have never howled before!
All children deserve the opportunity to spend time in nature feeling free to experience adventure in their lives.
Apparently in the car and on route to school on the Monday, they were all happily singing a tribal chant learned on camp.
Nature exposure is an important factor in children's brain development. It is scientifically proven that spending time in nature improves mental health, creativity and imagination. Never underestimate the positive ripple effects that can occur after spending time around trees, woods and nature.
After spending time learning about trees and woodland environments on a Wildeye Adventures camp. Emily's family were inspired to sign up to a family membership to the Woodland Trust - UK's largest tree planting and woodland conservation organisation. Emily and her younger sister Lulu are now proud members of Nature Detectives. Their contribution will help to plants trees, save woodlands and restore ancient woodland habitats.
Check out Emily's creative writing titled "Wild Woods"
Thank you so much Emily for sharing your beautiful writing with Wildeye Adventures. I hope it inspires others to love and support nature as much as you do :)
As I was walking calmly through the enchanted forest I could see the tree’s branches stretching out like long fingers reaching out to other majestic trees. I tread soundlessly on the soft blanket of moss and dirt. Every step I take it feels like I am understanding more about what it means to be wild and free. When I am in the woods I feel closer to nature. I stand still and look up to the very top of the towering trees. If you think about it trees are like people but they have millions and billions of arms and they get to dance in the whirling wind. I stand listening to the outstanding sounds of nature. I can hear the loud barking of a muntjac deer shouting to other deer that there are hunters. There are soaring wild and wonderful birds of nature. I kept walking through the mystical forest breathing deeply then a snow white bunny scampered across the floor and leaps into its hole of darkness. One of the trees leant over as if it was trying to to hug me. Sometimes trees make a loud creaking sound that can be highly annoying . Overhead the birds make a warning call, that means there could be something dangerous approaching. People use the bird’s warning calls to know if there are predators on their way like bears or wolves. Warning calls can be quite useful.
Written by Emily Nakajima, age 11.
