AN Exmoor forest school is looking for a new home after learning the woods in which it was located are to be felled.

Wild Wellies Forest School has been run near Timberscombe for nearly a decade by Ema Lou Rowe.

Now, Ms Rowe has appealed to hear from anybody who might have land which could be suitable for rehoming her forest school.

Ms Rowe said: “I have come to the end of a very emotional week where I have spoken to my landlords, and my families, about this hard decision.

“The woodland now requires management to keep it healthy, which means I can no longer utilise the site with my families as I once did.

“Consequently, I need to seek a new location to run my forest school sessions.

“And so the great Wild Wellies hunt for a new home has begun.

“Over the past nine years we have made hundreds of memories from the local children’s nursery, teen sessions, preschool, TreeSchool, birthday parties, home education sessions, and adult wellbeing sessions.

“So many nature-based themes and skills learnt.

“So, if you can think of an area or you know of somebody who might be able to help, please let me know.

“I look forward to seeing some new places in my local Exmoor area.”

Wild Wellies was dedicated to ‘celebrating nature with children and families’ and took children from toddler age and older.

Ms Rowe, who is qualified in outdoor and mental health first aid, safeguarding, and food hygiene, said: “My joy comes from helping children develop passions and skills while enjoying family time and exploring global flavors.

“I want to express my gratitude to the landowners who have been incredibly supportive throughout my time in Timberscombe.

“However, it is time for me to spread my wings and find a new place to call home.

“I am exploring locations near Wheddon Cross, Bridgetown, Brompton Regis, Dulverton, Timberscombe, or Dunster, as I prefer to remain close to home for easier management.”

Ms Rowe said Wild Wellies allowed children to explore nature while adhering to the Forest School Association’s principles.

She said: “It fosters development in language, social skills, motor skills, and self-awareness.

“By encouraging children to use their knowledge, it boosts their self-esteem through exploration and positive affirmations, opening doors to new experiences.”

The concept dates to the 1800s in Europe and was picked up by Scandinavians and became an integral part of early years outdoor learning in the 20th century.

Ms Rowe said a team from Bridgwater College went to Denmark in 1992 to study the teaching concept and brought it back to be developed in the UK.

Close friend Anna Spanswick said Ms Rowe was a ‘caring and considerate custodian of the land’.

Ms Spanswick said: “I have no doubt at all that she would bring only positive things.

“Unfortunately, the current forest school site is in a phase of felling which makes it no longer suitable or safe for children.”

Anybody who can help should email Ms Rowe at [email protected].