Pemberton and Manjimup ‘Wild Ones’ Forest School teaches outdoor bushcraft survival skills

A permaculture business owner is running an alternative outdoor learning experience for school aged children in Pemberton and Manjimup. Eight Acres owner Susanne Peet launched a new forest school in June called Wild Ones — focused on adventure and wilderness education in the great outdoors. After running her Eight Acres Permaculture business with adult workshops for a decade, Ms Peet said she was inspired to tackle a whole new generation. “The conversations that have come from (the workshops) really spurred me on to put the Wild Ones Forest School into place,” she said. “The ‘wild’ is an acronym for wilderness immersion, learning and development. “I’m finding that so many conversations that I have with people and parents and grandparents are around the whole skill set that we have lost — a lot of people call it ‘granny skills’.” “Wild Ones Forest School provides an outlet in a safe environment with their peers. They’re learning skills that they’ll use throughout their life.” The program is aimed at school aged children offering an alternative activity either after school or during the day. Ms Peet said the sessions were held outdoors regardless of weather and students learnt everything from survival skills and bushcraft, campfires and building dens or cubbies. On cold, wet days, they might enjoy hot chocolates with winter campfires and learn how to pitch a tent or tie ropes. Ms Peet was a recipient of the Community Small Grants Fund part of the Native Forestry Transition Plan, receiving $48,535 to expand on Eight Acres and Wild Ones Forest School. “Originally, when I put the grant in, it was for a sheltered undercover space so I could make sure all the forest school students were protected from the weather,” she said. However, due to zoning limitations on her property Ms Peet needed to find alternatives to start the school and is now collaborating with the community to hold the “base camps”. One of the bases is held at the United Church in Pemberton, adjacent to the community garden. Next term the classes will also available at Manjimup Heritage Park. “The United Church has been amazing and really helpful and accommodating in Pemberton, and getting a permit through the shire for the Heritage Park has also been really great to hear for next term,” she said.