Ep 236 - "The Land" Documentary
From The Forest School Podcast by Lewis Ames and Wem Southerden
January 4, 2026 · 36 min · Season 2 · Episode 236
About this episode
Lewis and Wem discuss the documentary 'The Land' and its implications for adventure playgrounds and Forest School philosophy.
In this punchy, practice-rich episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem unpack The Land — a 2016 documentary about an adventure playground in Wrexham — as screened via the Boston Children’s Museum panel. They dig into filming that sits inside the play, what “looks like a dump” can signal to children, and how adventure playground philosophy intersects with Forest School when you factor in nature’s needs, community, and inclusion. From risk versus hazard to loose parts in public parks, it is a tour through culture, pedagogy, and what real autonomy feels like. 🌟 Sponsors and supporter shout-outs We are supported by TENTSILE. Forest School leaders and listeners get 10% off with code ForestChildren10 at checkout. We are also supported by Chris Holland. Grab his 54-page plant guide and more with our affiliate link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast Patrons keep this going from just £2 per month. Thank you for keeping the lights on and the microphones warm. ⏱ Chapter Timings 00:00 Film on The Land and why it matters 01:22 Naturalistic camera work and playworker voice 03:20 UK playwork culture compared with the US context 05:44 Feelings when play…
People in this episode
Hosts: Lewis Ames, Wem Southerden
Topics covered
- adventure playgrounds
- Forest School philosophy
- playwork culture
- risk versus hazard
- community care
- autonomy in play
Keywords
- The Land
- adventure playground
- Forest School
- playwork
- risk assessment
- community
- nature
- inclusion
- loose parts
- public parks
Sponsors
TENTSILE, Chris Holland
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Boston Children’s Museum
Books & works: The Land
Places: Wrexham, UK, US
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