This is something I've been meaning to do for a while, but with my eldest daughters party next weekend I decided to get out there and make a log circle.
I've decided to make it in our little willow coppice area. It's far enough away from the house to be an adventure for the kids when we use it on an evening and away from all my machinery for the party!
I had my two helpers helping with the layout and building a little fire to christen it. they loved collecting sticks and building it up in the middle.
My eldest was explaining the rules of the forest school that she does at school to me and her sister. She was very sure that you only walked inside the log circle if an adult was with you or told you to do so - very sensible rule when fire is involved. I think it'll be great to keep some of these rules going with them and it should make the party easier next weekend as her whole class already knows these. I plan on asking the teacher, getting a list and following the same rules if they make sense.
We finished off with a little fire and roasted some marshmallows (be rude not to) whilst we chatted about the sunset and had a cuddle around the fire, walking back when it was dark.
Hopefully I'll be able to teach them some bush craft skills and cook out there occasionally. I'm planning on planting a few more trees in this area this year, buying some in and using willow cuttings to increase the future firewood area.
Anyone else got an area for a fire outside? Do you use it much?
Well done!
ReplyDeleteIt was simple really , just a job I'd been putting off!
DeleteWow, you are one terrific Dad !!! and what a good idea. I have tons of trees that have been taken down. so I will do it on a smaller scale for my grandchildren. thank you. from Iowa across the pond.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think it's a good idea to have soemwhere to sit down, away from technology (although I know I took photos!) and just watcha fire and talk.
DeleteI've recently 'converted' an old caravan, which I've placed by the children's tree house. I'm about to build a fire pit for summer BBQ's nearby, and have put a large frying pan in the caravan. I think it's a great idea to let children cook their own food occasionally...... and invite adults to a party!
ReplyDeleteSounds a good idea, I'm looking forward to teaching mine hwo to cook. I have a dutch oven which I'm planning on using this year so that sound be fun.
DeletePlant a willow wigwam for them, they would love a natural den, and hiding place.
ReplyDeleteohhhh that is a fab idea! love it
Deletei have always had an outdoor fire. it's one of my most favorite things. your kids will love having that!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that you love it - I'm looking forward to getting out there more often.
Deleteoh to have some land and not see my neightbours windows. Le sigh. Love the circle, it will be a great edition when BBQ season starts, you will have the terrace and this area
ReplyDeleteYeah, they're going to be very differnt areas! I've got some friends that are keen to do a adult bushcraft party as well, so I might have to do that one as well in the spring!
DeleteWe built a huge bonfire for lighting at the winter solstice. The seven yr old enjoyed the small fire in a circle of stones we let him build. We cooked potatoes in the big fire which he enjoyed once he got through the burned bits.
ReplyDeleteI used to love it when we cooked potatoes in a fire, wrapped in foil but they normally burnt on one side. Also from my years as a tradesman we used to have different ways of cooking food to keep us warm on a cool day!
DeleteWe've always used a large metal tractor tire rim for our outdoor burn area, and over the years have had many imprompto and planned fire meals or just sit about and gab fests. When we moved to our new farm it was the first area we set up and the kids/grandkids are gravitate to it at end of day, April through October. Lots of great memories around those outdoor fires.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of that as it keeps it contained! I've kept this one away from the hosue so it'll have to be planned to have it lit but hopefully that'll make it more of an adventure for the girls (and the boy when he's bigger!).
DeleteI bet people would pay to do that with you!!
ReplyDelete