From Dream to Woodland: The Start of Something Special

Back in April, I began the search for a woodland space, a place where children could explore, learn, and grow in nature. We knew what we were looking for somewhere safe, accessible, and full of possibility. What we didn’t know was how quickly things would start to take shape.

Gemma found it. A beautiful patch of woodland just off Cavendish Playing Fields, tucked away but close enough to feel part of the community. It felt right from the start. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of planning, creating, and preparing for what’s to come.

Bramble Wood home of Leafy Legends & Bramble Wood Forest Schools

We’re thrilled to share that Leafy Legends & Bramble Wood have both received start-up grant's and have Joe, our startup Business Advisor from Derbyshire County Council, which has helped Leafy Legends purchase bushcraft tools, fire-starting kits, and other essentials to bring our vision to life. It’s a huge step forward, and we’re so grateful for the support.

The start of Leafy Legends' Resources

Together, we’re building something unique:

Leafy Legends, led by me (Jacky), will offer nature-rooted sessions for older children, home educated or school refusers, with a focus on emotional wellbeing, hands-on skill-building, and creative exploration.

• Bramble Wood, led by Gemma, will welcome younger children into a nurturing, playful woodland environment full of discovery and joy.

It’s been wonderful to see how our strengths complement each other—Gemma’s gentle, playful approach with younger children and my focus on older children’s emotional growth and independence create a Forest School offering that serves children of all ages. We share a vision for inclusive, nature-rooted learning, and it’s exciting to bring that to life together.

I’ll be working at Leafy Legends alongside Sara Orridge, who I met at the same time as Gemma while working in a primary school. Sara brings warmth, insight, and a deep commitment to child-centred learning—and we’re very close friends too. It’s a joy to be building this together.

Sara, Gemma, Jacky

Gemma and I are also thrilled to be teaming up again. We’ve worked together before, and there’s something special about collaborating with people who share your values, your sense of humour, and your dedication to children’s growth. This time, we’re doing it under the trees.

This is just the beginning. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more:

• Behind-the-scenes glimpses of our setup

• Printable resources

• Reflections on nature-rooted education and emotional wellbeing

If you’re curious about Forest School, passionate about outdoor learning, or simply want to follow along as we build something rooted in care and connection, we’d love to have you with us.

Jacky Swift Founder, Leafy Legends. Working alongside Sara Orridge at Leafy Legends and with Gemma Chapman Founder Bramble Wood Forest School

Leafy Legends email leafylegends@outlook.com

Bramble Wood email bramblewood100@gmail.com