Week Two: Embracing Free Play in the Dads Matter - Nature & Wellbeing Project

The Dads Matter – Nature & Wellbeing Project, delivered by Forest Frontiers in partnership with Time to Connect CIC and funded by Bolton CVS, is well underway. Following the warm and imaginative storytelling focus of week one, the second session took a different approach - free play.

Free play may sound simple, but for many adults it can feel uncomfortable. Without the safety of structure, the question becomes: what’s my role here? One of our team members summed it up perfectly:

“Free play is something I often feel uncomfortable with because I’m a very structured person. It’s like, oh, are we doing free play? Because you kind of feel useless - but apparently if you feel useless, you’re doing it right.”

That realisation captures the beauty of free play: it’s not about directing, but about stepping back, holding the space, and letting children’s creativity shine.

Embracing the power of free play

Week two was about learning to let go. For dads, this meant resisting the urge to plan or direct, and instead allowing their children to take the lead. It also meant discovering that feeling “useless” wasn’t a sign of failure - it was a sign they were giving their children the freedom to explore and express themselves.

Free play encourages independence, imagination, and social learning in children. It also strengthens father-child bonds in subtle ways. Simply being present, watching, and responding when needed communicates care and trust. For dads who are used to structure in work or life, this shift can be transformative.

Building commitment and community

One of the most encouraging signs from week two was the turnout. Every dad from week one returned, and an additional father joined the group. That continuity speaks volumes about the value they are finding in the project.

The session began, as before, with circle introductions. Dads were reminded of each other’s names and asked to share something they had enjoyed the previous week. New fathers introduced themselves, supported by the warm, inclusive atmosphere that has already become a hallmark of the project.

Julie, leading the session, set a positive tone by celebrating the progress so far. She thanked dads for completing evaluation sheets and acknowledged the “gains” already being seen - from stronger interactions between fathers and children to the joy children had expressed. She also floated the possibility of future sessions involving both mums and dads, which sparked interest.

This careful balance of reflection, appreciation, and forward-looking energy helped build a sense of shared ownership. The project isn’t just something being delivered to the dads - it’s something they are shaping together.

Finding calm through mindful breathing

Before free play began, the group took a few minutes to centre themselves with a mindful breathing exercise. For two or three minutes, dads and children were encouraged to focus on their breathing, listen to the sounds of nature, and leave distractions behind.

The exercise was deliberately light and simple, but it created a calming atmosphere. It also served as a link to the following week’s mindfulness session, helping fathers begin to explore how these techniques can be woven into family life.

As one observer noted, these moments of stillness remind us that connecting in nature isn’t only about activity - it’s also about learning to pause.

Activities and highlights

With the scene set, free play began. The space had been prepared with a range of simple, open-ended materials:

• Tarpaulins for den-building or imaginative play

• Tyres on swings to climb, balance, or swing

• A brook for paddling, splashing, and water play

• Drawing areas for creative expression

• Hammocks for relaxation and playful interaction

The result was a lively mix of exploration and creativity. Children gravitated toward different activities, with dads joining in at their own child’s pace. Some experimented with building, others with splashing, while hammocks proved a particular favourite.

What stood out was how inclusive the play became. Even children who were initially quieter or more reserved found their way in by the end, engaging with others and playing across families. Dads were wrapped up in tarpaulins, laughter echoed through the woods, and there was a palpable sense of joy.

Children’s and dads’ reflections

Feedback from children and fathers highlighted just how rich the experience was.

The children loved the “tree mud” activity, where they transformed tree trunks into people with mud and natural decorations. Parents later reported that after such energetic sessions, bedtime was a breeze:

“A couple of dads mentioned that when the children got in the car, they basically flaked out. No problem with sleep time, which meant they got a good night’s sleep.”

That unexpected benefit - children sleeping soundly after active outdoor play - is one we’ll happily celebrate.

One dad was particularly taken with the “butterfly hands” activity, where flowers became wings. He was so inspired he planned to recreate it while on holiday with his children. That moment of transferring learning from the session into everyday life is exactly what this project aims for.

There was also an honest recognition of the balance between togetherness and individuality. One dad expressed how valuable it felt to remain part of the group, avoiding isolation. At the same time, others - like James and his son Jacob - preferred to sidle off and do things together, just the two of them. Both approaches were respected, showing the project’s flexibility in supporting different parenting styles.

Observations from the team

Our team reflected on what made the session so heartwarming. Seeing dads chatting with each other, bonding over shared experiences, and supporting their children in play was inspiring.

“It was nice to see the dads chatting and whatnot as we were getting into the circle… slowly but surely I think we’re getting the hang of it.”

The facilitation was another highlight. Julie set a welcoming tone, while Sam, who led the free play, provided a rich environment without ever dominating it. Behind the apparent simplicity was a layer of careful design and professionalism.

As Jan put it: “There was a lot going on, and it looked really simple - and I think sometimes that underlies the professionalism and skills the team have got in making it look so easy, when we know it isn’t.”

That professionalism allowed dads to relax, knowing they could step back and let play unfold naturally.

A growing rhythm

Week two also showed the group beginning to settle into a rhythm. Registers were taken smoothly, evaluation sheets were completed, and dads were reminded to take home handouts while returning feedback forms. These small routines help create structure around the unstructured play, ensuring the project runs effectively while still giving families freedom to explore.

Looking ahead

As week two drew to a close, the sense of momentum was clear. Dads left with smiles, children left tired but happy, and the group as a whole felt more connected.

Free play proved not only possible but powerful. It reminded fathers that sometimes the best thing they can do is step back, trust their children, and enjoy the ride. It also reminded everyone involved that play doesn’t need to be complicated to be transformative.

The mindful breathing exercise created anticipation for next week’s mindfulness-focused session, promising another layer of wellbeing and reflection.

In Jan’s words: “Lovely to share the experience and nice to feedback. Slowly but surely, we’re getting the hang of it.”

And so, the journey continues - with new lessons, new joys, and new connections waiting in the weeks ahead.