Learning with the flock

At Little Forest Childcare & Forest School in Clophill, Bedfordshire, we place great value on outdoor learning, calm environments and meaningful experiences with nature. From this ethos, Woolly Walks was born.

The initiative is a gentle sheep-walking experience that allows families, children and community groups to enjoy the benefits of animal interaction and time outdoors.

Each session lasts around an hour and begins with children and families meeting the sheep and learning their names. Before the walk begins, we talk about how to approach the animals calmly and respectfully.

The walks, which take place either individually or within groups, move at a slow pace through woodland paths and quiet countryside, passing the apple orchard. There are opportunities to stop along the way for photos, gentle play and questions. When the group returns to the paddock, children enjoy helping to brush and feed the sheep, which is often a highlight of the experience.

Although Woolly Walks is designed as a relaxed family activity, it naturally supports
many aspects of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

■ Personal, social and emotional development: Children develop confidence, patience and empathy as they learn to care for animals respectfully.

■ Communication and language: Children enjoy singing to the sheep, talking about them and asking questions, encouraging rich conversations between children, adults and educators.

■ Mathematics: Children notice who is walking which sheep, count them and compare their sizes.

■ Understanding the world: Children observe animal behaviour, learn about farming, life cycles and explore the changing seasons.

■ Physical development: Walking along woodland paths, as well as helping to brush and feed the sheep, supports coordination and confidence outdoors.

■ Literacy: Children learn the sheep’s names and often talk about them during and after the walk, sharing stories about the experience.

■ Expressive arts and design: Back at the setting, we sometimes extend the experience through simple creative activities using the sheep’s wool, such as making Mother’s Day cards. This helps the children connect their experiences with creativity and expression.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Woolly Walks has been its positive impact on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The predictable structure of the sessions, the sensory-rich outdoor environment and the calming presence of the animals help many children feel settled and regulated. Even if they initially feel unsure, SEND children quickly grow in confidence as they develop a connection with the sheep.

We keep group sizes small and the pace unhurried so that children can engage at their own comfort level. Visual timetables can be provided, and a quiet space is available if children need time to settle before joining the group.

This calm, inclusive approach is something we are keen to share with other educators. We have welcomed visits from local childminders and early years settings that are interested in observing how outdoor learning and animal interaction can support children’s wellbeing.

More recently, a local school contacted us about bringing children with visual impairments to experience the walks. We have also hosted local Scouts and Brownies groups, allowing more children to benefit from calm, nature-based experiences.

Parents often tell us how calm and engaged their children become during the walk, and many say they value the opportunity to spend time together outdoors.

Woolly Walks reminds us that meaningful learning happens in simple moments: walking slowly, caring for animals and sharing time together in nature.