Nominated by Rachel McDermott. Nominates Rachel McDermott.
Chosen as a Mud Champion because:
a super supportive parent volunteer
"Jess is a wonderful parent and such a welcomed, enthusiastic support to both our Garden Gang and Forest friends group. She is an avid outdoor adventurer and works at a garden centre part time and is forever bringing along her knowledge and expertise to share with us and the other families. Her passion for promoting our groups and helping us to deliver and advocate for outdoor play is remarkable.
Not only does Jess encourage her child to explore and experience outdoor play in all its glory both at home and within our sessions, she actively takes part, making invaluable contributions to the success of our outdoor play sessions. She always comes with a smile on her face and ready to engage in outdoor play not only with her own child but also the other children in the group. She is the first to bring new ideas and share fun and exciting skills with the rest of the group. I couldn't think of a better Mud Champion, always showing true passion and love for allowing children to play freely in the beauty of nature.
Jess is a wonderful person, with a heart of gold. There really isn't an ask to big or small - if she can, she will. She is so supportive to everyone at our outdoor play sessions and really valued and loved member of the group, with both the parents and children. Without a doubt I truly believe that Jess deserves this, she gives her time, energy and love to everyone that come to our session for no other reason reason than being a selfless, beautiful person and her love for outdoor play."
I am a parent of one of the children who attends the groups! We love getting involved and will encourage all to find their area of play! We love outdoor play as it’s so open and their imaginations can run wild! As can they!
Being outdoors I find so good for mental health! I also find my little girl loves playing here and when outside her imagination is amazing! I love BD4 that much, I’ll be starting as a volunteer!
Outdoors for me, does wonders for your mental health! It’s so refreshing and I love watching my little girl run and enjoy the outdoors as much as me. We’re currently learning plants/ trees, etc. We are also throwing ourselves into veg growing. It’s lovely to see our little girl understanding where our food comes from and the excitement when something is ready. There is always something new to learn!
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! Dress appropriately and you’ll always have fun.
Books, Aldi outdoor toys! So much to find and do.
Rachel McDermot - she is the course leader, the one who inspires all the children to join in their own way. She has such a love of outdoors and it’s shown with how passionate and how much effort goes into our sessions! Could not thank her enough.
On a log slice kit - my daughter loves making them! We have them hung all over the garden and house!
Mud play tips
These tips are from the experts - Forest School practitioners, outdoor leaders, teachers, families - people who love mud play and it’s benefits so much that they have generously shared their skills, knowledge and experience with us.
We thank them all - and welcome any new mud play tips you have - send them to share@muddyfaces.co.uk
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Risky play tips & gallery
Inspiration & tips shared by outdoor practitioners and parents enjoying risky play in their settings.
Mud gallery
An amazing collection of photographs demonstrating the joy, fun, learning and creativity that mud play can bring to every setting!
Real photos of mud play & learning from the UK & around the world.
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Mud activities
If you want FREE mud activity downloads and mud play activity inspiration, you've come to the right place!
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FREE Mud Kitchen book
Making a Mud Kitchen has everything you need to know about mud kitchens – all the whats, whys, wheres and hows - and is available to download for free.
Making a Mud Kitchen has been translated into TWELVE different languages and counting! Download your free pdf in:
• English • Croatian • French • German • Greek • Hungarian • Icelandic • Italian • Portuguese • Spanish • Swedish • Turkish or Welsh below.
A printed version of Making a Mud Kitchen is available to purchase in the Muddy Faces shop.
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Shop for mud kit
All the mud play & mud kitchen resources you need for Forest School, outdoor play & learning in our Muddy Faces shop.
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