Lizzy Allen. Coed Ceirios Forest School

Nomination highlights

"Lizzie makes sure all activities are inclusive for all ages and abilities and has always included my son in activities despite having multiple allergies. Her effort to adapt for safe play for us has been incredible and greatly appreciated.

Lizzie always goes above and beyond to include everyone in Forest School and get the most out of outdoor play and nature. She often adds extra activities like ice in the mud kitchen and muddy puddle to give more fun with mud!

Lizzie has such a massive love for nature and that shows in the effort she puts in and how much the kids love coming!"

Tell us a bit about what you do at your project / your role

I am the owner and Forest School Leader at Coed Ceirios Forest School, based at Wepre Park in Connah’s Quay, Flintshire. I run Forest School sessions for children, right from babies for 10 years old.

What do you love about your work?

I love being outdoors and providing opportunities for children to engage in meaningful play in nature.

What are the benefits – why is muddy, outdoor, nature play so important?

Being outdoors and playing in nature is a child’s natural environment! Their creativity and concentration thrive there. And of course it’s so much fun!

Top tip for muddy/messy/nature play

Give children the freedom to explore their own ideas for play. They can be so imaginative and engrossed in what they are doing!

Resource recommendation

A few pots and pans from a charity shop, sticks and mud.

Pay it Forward – who would you nominate as a Mud Champion and why?

Kay Ribbons-Steen - a brilliant Forest School leader in North Wales. @kayforestschoolleader on Instagram.

How will you spend your Muddy Faces voucher?

It will be hard to decide! There is so much good stuff to choose from.

See also