Week Five: Nature Walks, Foraging, and Finding Wonder in the Wild

As autumn deepened and the forest floor filled with colour, week five of the Dads Matter - Nature & Wellbeing Project invited dads and their children to slow down, explore, and reconnect with the simple magic of the natural world.

Delivered by Forest Frontiers in partnership with Time to Connect CIC, and fully funded by Bolton CVS, this session was all about discovering nature through the senses: touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste.

What unfolded was a session full of curiosity, laughter, learning, and togetherness - a gentle reminder that when we take the time to look closely, nature has endless stories to tell.

A warm northern welcome

The afternoon began, as always, with Julie’s friendly introduction - and a good meal shared together.

“Julie started with the introduction, making sure everyone was well fed,” Jan reflected. “I noticed last week Claudio said ‘chicken buddies’ - up north we say ‘butties’ for sandwiches - but I actually like ‘chicken buddies.’ It felt really friendly, like we were all sharing food with friends.”

That sense of warmth and camaraderie has become a hallmark of the programme. Simple shared moments - a cup of tea, a sandwich, a chat - help everyone settle in before the learning and play begin.

Into the wild with Russ

This week’s guide, Russ, brought an infectious enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the natural world. His ability to connect with both dads and children made the session something special.

“Russ was absolutely incredible,” Jan said. “He had so much knowledge and related really well to the children and the dads. We could have spent much longer out there.”

Russ led the group on a nature walk through the woods and nearby orchard, pointing out edible plants, fungi, and wildlife along the way. His passion for the forest was contagious - and it encouraged the group to notice things they might otherwise have walked straight past.

One dad wrote simply:

“Really enjoyed it all - I learned a lot.”

Another added:

“I had no idea apples grew next to Smithills Farm - and I’ve parked next to them many times!”

The beauty of noticing

A central theme of the walk was mindful awareness - tuning in to the small details that often go unnoticed. Russ encouraged everyone to touch, smell, taste, and observe, reminding the group that being in nature naturally awakens the senses.

“He talked about the benefits of being in nature - touching, feeling, smelling, and hearing,” Jan explained. “It was very mindful, and he pointed out that we do it without even realising. It allows us to connect.”

The session built on the mindfulness work from week three, showing how awareness can be practiced not only through stillness but also through exploration.

One dad summed it up beautifully:

“Switching off - that’s what was helpful for me.”

Learning through curiosity

One of the most powerful lessons Russ shared was that you don’t need to know everything about nature to enjoy it. Many adults feel hesitant to explore the outdoors with children because they worry about not having the right answers.

“Russ said a lot of people feel nervous about being in nature because they don’t know the names of trees or animals,” Jan recalled. “He told us that doesn’t matter - it’s actually a great way to start a conversation. Ask children what they think it could be. Let them use their imagination.”

That simple reframing turned uncertainty into opportunity. When Russ held up a deer antler and asked what it was, children’s imaginations ran wild - some guessed bat wings, others a rhinoceros horn or part of an elephant.

Each answer sparked laughter, creativity, and connection.

“It was great to hear the kids’ suggestions,” Jan said. “It wasn’t just about facts - it was about curiosity and conversation.”

Foraging, fungi, and fruit

The walk introduced dads and children to the art of foraging - safely identifying and appreciating edible plants, berries, and fungi.

“We found mushrooms, toadstools, rose hips, and even a deer vertebra,” Jan shared. “It’s amazing what we walk past every day and don’t notice until someone points it out.”

The group also visited a local community orchard, where they picked and tasted fresh apples. Children delighted in choosing their own fruit, feeling the texture of the skin, and crunching into the sweetness.

“Learning about fruits that grow on trees around us,” one dad wrote. “Going foraging and learning more about our local nature areas.”

For many, this was their first time learning about foraging, and the dads left inspired to continue the experience at home.

“What ideas did you pick up that you could use back home?” one evaluation form read.“Forage walks.”

Another added:

“To go on more nature walks and not be scared about foraging.”

Confidence growing week by week

By this stage in the programme, both dads and children were visibly more relaxed, confident, and connected.

“Children are becoming much more confident and child-led,” Jan observed. “Dads are relaxing too — giving them a bit more space while staying engaged and safe.”

The dads’ reflections echoed this:

• “Bonding - dad and daughter only.”

• “Learning about the difference between what we can and can’t eat.”

• “Everything that Russ taught us was new.”

• “Playing doesn’t have to cost.”

  
  

These comments show how the sessions are changing perceptions - helping families rediscover the value of simple, shared experiences outdoors.

The benefits of nature for wellbeing

Throughout the walk, Russ spoke about the proven benefits of spending time in nature - especially for children in their early years.

“He reminded us that wellbeing in relation to nature is particularly powerful from birth to five years,” Jan explained. “That’s when children’s relationship with nature is developed.”

From building strong muscles and coordination to improving sleep and sparking imagination, outdoor play supports every aspect of development. It also encourages important social skills such as cooperation, negotiation, and empathy.

“When children lead,” Jan said, “they learn how to cooperate, discuss, and negotiate - it helps them bond with others.”

The dads noticed it too.

“The enjoyment of learning about the wild,” one wrote. “Elliott’s enthusiasm for it.”

Memories, laughter, and lifelong learning

For many fathers, the session stirred memories of their own childhoods - climbing trees, picking berries, and playing outdoors without the constraints of modern life.

“Some memories of their own childhood came out, which was lovely to hear,” Jan shared.

There was also a growing sense of ownership among the dads. They’re now familiar with the rhythm of the sessions, comfortable with the facilitators, and invested in their learning.

“The dads are well trained now,” Jan laughed. “They even ask for the evaluation forms!”

And their feedback said it all:

• “It was blooming perfect.”

• “It was very informative.”

• “None - enjoyed it thoroughly.”

  
  

Learning to see differently

What stood out most in week five was the reminder that nature isn’t something distant — it’s all around us, waiting to be noticed.

“It’s amazing what we walk past and don’t pick up on when we don’t really spend the time,” Jan reflected.

This session encouraged dads to see familiar places in new ways, to ask questions with their children, and to embrace curiosity over certainty.

It wasn’t just about identifying plants or tasting apples - it was about connection, confidence, and wonder.

Looking ahead

As the group heads into its final week - a campfire cookout and celebration - the transformation is clear. Friendships have formed, confidence has grown, and fathers have discovered new ways to connect with their children and with nature.

“All in all, it was a great session,” Jan concluded. “I’d love to do one myself and learn more about nature - I find it absolutely fascinating.”

The Dads Matter - Nature & Wellbeing Project continues to remind us that parenting doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen when we simply take a walk together, pick an apple, and see the world through our children’s eyes.