It has been a few weeks since any news of the work that is being undertaken in the natural classroom has been posted, but there has been many changes. First change, a big one, is the seemingly sudden leap from the busy wide awake summer months, to the lazy somnolent autumnal months. This is especially noticeable when we go into the forest; as one candidate stated:

'Everything seems to be changing so quickly......where has the summer gone?'

We have been back in the forest for a few weeks now and have taken many photos but what the camera can capture in visual imagery it cannot let the viewer share in one of the finest experiences of autumn. The wonderful smells that are all around. Taking a journey through one of our deciduous woodlands is not just filled with visual stimulation, but also a journey into childhood recalling those wonderful smells of leaves and damp earth that we used to play in.

Other changes are the groups that are going into the forest to begin their JohnMuir Awards. There are 2 new Explorer candidates, Holly and Jordan, and 8 new Discovery candidates, Brandon, Jacob, Jodie, Katy, David, Cheryl, Macauly and Denver. Holly was presented with her Discovery Award at the recent opening of the new visitors centre in Grizedale. We had been invited to attend this opening and to have some candidates showing their skills to a variety of dignitaries. This was a good opportunity for the Conserver candidates to 'share' their experiences with others as well as a great opportunity to develop their confidence in speaking to people during social events.

The two Explorer candidates are now going to put their acquired skills into practice by being seconded to the two new Discovery groups. This is a new development for the award its on a trial basis but we feel that it is worth taking the chance to embark on a new exciting journey.

As for embarking on a new journey, it's Scotland bound in October to climb some more of the magnificent hills, to feel the freedom they offer and to see things from a different perspective.