Holidays

Sunset over Brockenthurst

Breaks are good. They recharge our batteries, allow us time to relax and they give us an opportunity to think about, and talk about, things we  take for granted. My holiday is nearly over; I've popped home for the day to collect A level results with my youngest (Huge well done  J, brilliant results). The most precious thing about this time, for me, is the chance to spend quality time with my children - I use the word loosely , the fact that the youngest is now celebrating his escape to uni might give a hint why. We love camping on the Forest. We walk miles, spot deer, barbecue and play board games. We enjoy each other's company. I am blessed that we get along so well.

Clouds reflected  in Eyeworth Pond

 Mixed  with the laughter and the fun, is a deep pleasure in that escape from town life, from time constraints and from confinement indoors. We have always camped and in previous years I delighted in watching the children, Usborn Spotter's Guides in hand, dashing from tree to tree trying to identify all the nature around them. They grew up knowing the forest, knowing trees, discovering fungi. They grew up knowing that every drop of water they used needed to be fetched and later disposed of. They developed and awareness of the environment that has made them rather pleasing adults.

Home to many, many species.

Holiday times taught them about: ecology, weather systems, the water cycle, life processes, living things, habitats, light - reflections, diffusion, shadows,  classifying, hypothesising, testing, evaluating results (the last few form the basis of every good game of Pooh sticks), to name just a few.

I hope you are all enjoying your summer break...and learning loads on your travels