Children's Activities: The Forest Workshop

For nature inspired activities for the whole family supported by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Forestry Commission Scotland. Drop in arts and crafts activities, as well as the Forest Creatures puppet show and Dr Woody, in addition to the workshop programme below. (Children should be accompanied by an adult).

Within decorated tents that resemble a forest of twisted trees and creepers you’ll find a wealth of hands on fun and exploration, suitable for children from 2 yrs to 11yrs and their families. From workshops, to performances and crafts there is plenty for everyone to do.

Pakistan: Paper flower making Traditional fabric painting, Handicrafts from Balochistan and henna hand painting.

China: Chinese Lantern making, Nature inspired calligraphy and making Dragonflies using the ancient art of Chinese knotting.

Nepal: Kite-making, leaf painting with real Peepal leaves brought fresh from the Himalayas, Buddhist Thanka colouring, learning how to make dishes from leaves and helping the Ghurkhas to build a Nepali Yak herders hut (a Goth).

Plus:

Dr Woody's Treemendous Tree Trick Science Festival favourite Dr Woody will be appearing at the Edinburgh Mela this summer. Dr Woody is worried about climate change - join him to discover if his latest invention can take CO2 out of the air! Live experiments, explosions and laughter guaranteed!

The Edinburgh Puppet Lab will be performing its Forest Creatures puppet show throughout the weekend and there will be a changing programme of 30-minute music and dance workshops running across both days.

There will also be a range of environmental activities such as quizzes, trails, animal masks, butterflies on sticks etc delivered by Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage staff and the Park and Woodland Rangers.

Find out more about our work with SNH and FCS

A programme of workshops for children and families. Arts and crafts throughout the day in addition to the programme outlined below.

Naturally Inspired - Rosina Bonsu and Jean Edmiston - “Gift of colours” storytelling with movement. Children and families -all ages. Andy Cannon and Bob Pegg - stories and music from the forest. Children and families - all ages. Kim Ho Ip and Ramesh Meyyapp - Rythmic gestures from nature. 8-11 year olds. East and West in the Forest - Children and families - all ages. John and Marion Kenney - Scottish forest music. Children and families - all ages.

Manushi Dance Company
Asian story telling/music - using hand gestures,
eye movements and body shapes.
6 - 11yr + parents/carers.

Ask-I Trio
Turkish Rhythms. Children and families all ages.

Barnaby Brown
Action Songs.
2 to 3 yr olds with parents and carers.

Pulse of the Place
Samba drumming workshop.
Children and families all ages.

Natifa Al Nahr
Bellydancing.
Girls all ages + Mums/Aunties.

Classical Indian Dance
In the dance workshops, the children will learn rhythmic footwork sequences, and a short dance sequence to music. Delivered by Dance Ihayami.
6-11yr olds.

Jaipur Kawa Brass Band
The Magic of Rajasthan.
Children and families all ages.

Northern Xposure
Hip hop in the forest.
8-11 yr olds.

Trunk
Chicken Acrobatics.
6-11 yrs + families.

Shira
An introduction to Indian music.
Children and families - all ages.

Forests of Pakista
A walk in the Forests of Pakistan.
Children and families - all ages.

Kagumba Andrew Kalyowa
Music from Uganda. Children
5-11yr olds and Families.

Storytelling workshop:
In the story telling workshops, the children will learn to tell stories using Indian classical dance hand gestures. They will also learn a short sequence to music. Delivered by Dance Ihayami.
6-11yr olds.

Priyanka Dasgupta
Communicating through Dance. Learn basic steps and hand gestures of bharatanatyam.
Girls 6-11yrs + Mums/Aunties.

Bollywood Unlimited/Classical singers
Indian Classical music - introducing Raagas and Taals. 6-11 yrs and families.