This summer, we welcomed DASH Ceredigion to Longwood for a vibrant series of hands‑on sessions. Throughout the summer holiday, the woodland was full of creativity and excitement as children took part in our DASH Ceredigion summer activity sessions, all held outside in our Forest School area. DASH are a charity that support children, young people, and their families who have additional needs. It has been a pleasure to meet the children, young people, and the dedicated staff who work so hard to support them.
The first session focused on mask decorating and wand making, encouraging children to become woodland heroes. They used paints, hemp twine, and natural materials gathered from the woodland to create their own characters and magical wands. Every child produced something unique, and the pride on their faces as they stepped into their woodland hero roles was wonderful to see.
As the holiday continued, children returned for more creative fun. Our potion making station quickly became a favourite. Coloured water and natural ingredients inspired children to mix their own woodland “brews”. They used food colouring along with feathers, leaves, moss, and lichen found in the woodland. These mixtures encouraged them to explore textures, scents, and the natural world in a playful, sensory‑rich way. Potion making always brings plenty of laughter and sparks curiosity.
To finish the programme, children worked with air‑dry clay, shaping animals, ornaments, and imaginative designs. Clay is a brilliant material for building confidence and fine motor skills, and every creation was wonderfully individual. Watching each child proudly share their finished piece was a highlight of the summer.
These DASH Ceredigion summer activity sessions show how powerful creative play can be for wellbeing, confidence, and connection. We’re proud to work with DASH Ceredigion and support inclusive, accessible activities for children and young people across Ceredigion.
Keep an eye on our social media for future activity sessions.