Why do we do Woodland Art?

• Inspires our creativity: being outside in the natural elements inspires creativity. Through incorporating leaves, flowers, feathers etc. into their artwork, their imagination and creativity is ignited.
• Sensory development: Creating with nature is a hands-on, sensory experience. Children get to see, touch and smell the different textures, shapes, and colours found in nature.
• Environmental awareness: Working with natural elements teaches children about the importance of taking care of our planet. Instead of relying on synthetic materials, children can use or repurpose natural materials.
• Emotional wellbeing: Using nature elements in art can have a soothing effect on children, acting like a therapeutic outlet for expressing themselves.

Activities involve drawing trees and plants, making rubbings, creating sculptures from natural materials like leaves, sticks, stones, and clay, making temporary land art, and storytelling through visual art. The emphasis is not on producing a perfect finished artwork, but on the creative process, curiosity, and personal expression.

Being outdoors naturally stimulates curiosity and wonder which in turn fuels artistic ideas. It also supports environmental awareness, helping children develop a sense of care and responsibility for the natural world from a young age. We see the children relax and become engaged in nature and their surroundings.

The photos that follow show some of the activities we have done:

Woodland art nurtures creativity, supports wellbeing, strengthens social skills, and fosters a meaningful connection with nature – we thoroughly recommend it!

Mrs Emma Elias
Club Leader
Art & Design Teacher