This week, we caught up with the amazing Esther Brock who runs Inside Out Forest School - an incredible initiative based at Gnat Hole Farm Wood which helps both children and adults discover unbounded creativity and mindful connections with nature.
- Tell us about your business or creative venture
I run a small independent Forest School business based in Glossop and Leek. I started up this little business on my own six years ago with three small children in tow, and some days I still can’t believe where it has taken me!
I was very privileged to grow up with a small wood as my back garden. My childhood was spent tree climbing, den building, playing man hunt and spending more time outdoors than in. I realise now how lucky I was to experience that sense of freedom and adventure.
At Inside Out we provide young people with the freedom to roam, play and experience for themselves the full extent of the forest environment, with the security of safe boundaries and an encouraging, forest school trained instructor. We offer freedom of open woodland to encourage unbounded creativity which is essential for physical and emotional growth, for mental, intellectual and educational development, and for acquiring social and behavioural skills.
We don’t just work with children though, over the years Inside Out has grown and developed to cater for all people in the community. In the summer we run woodland women’s wellbeing retreats. We have created specialist training sessions for local college students, we have run Men’s health groups and business team building days. Currently we provide one-to-one support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs as well as children and young people in care, plus we provide a substantial number of FREE places on our holiday camps to children who wouldn't normally be able to attend through the HAF scheme run by DCC. We've made links with other local small businesses such as POCO Sandwich bar on the High Street who make up the packed lunches for these children. AL'S Private hire helps to pick the children up and bring them to our woods - it’s a lovely community effort!
The forest is the perfect place to spend time among trees; a proven form of complementary therapy that can deliver health and wellbeing benefits. Mindful connections with nature can boost your immune system and encourage the release of positive emotions leading to feelings of contentment.
Training to be a Level 3 Forest School Leader has been one of the most incredible journeys and experiences I’ve ever taken. I'm so glad I took the plunge and I hope that Inside Out provides a fun and empowering experience for all the people I work with.
- How do you feel about Glossop’s creative and cultural offering?
I feel very lucky to live in Glossop and be able to live so close to so much going on in the community - whether that be a play at Partington Theatre, a fundraiser, a unique foodie night, cocktails at a café on the high street or an arts competition.
This summer, we have been invited to run a Family Forest School area at the Tent People Festival in nearby Hayfield. Last year it was an amazing event and I’m so over the moon we’ve been invited back to be part of it!
- How does the town’s heritage and culture reflect within your business or creative service?
I keep my business local and I like to think that I work alongside local people, building a better community, strengthening links within different age groups, peer, need and nurture groups. In a typical week, we offer parent and baby/toddler sessions as well as family home ed sessions, school sessions and I also run a men’s ‘Forest Folk’ group that I work with alongside The Bureau.
The history of Gnat Hole Farm Woods, where we have our Glossop site, means a lot to so many of the local community. Gnat Hole was once a Woollen Mill dating back to 1790 and the woods and stream can tell a tale even further back than that. Many of our clients who grew up in Glossop ventured further a field down to the woods - like you did in 80’s and 90’s - to play…..only stopping when it started to go dark and it was ready to return home for tea.
Some of these children are now adults and are booking their kids into our holiday camps. They want the same freedom and fun in nature as they had themselves as children but in a safe, caring and nurturing environment.
I just love the fact that I’m working in a place surrounded by such history and culture and that this part of our local area can be enjoyed by so many. These woods are certainly special, they help, nurture and surprise us on a daily basis with their offerings.
4. What would you like to see in Glossop (and its surrounding villages) that will help to bolster the town’s cultural and creative community?
In the 15 years I’ve lived here I’ve seen this town transform for the better before my eyes. We live in such a lively and creative place!
An arts centre would be brilliant. Somewhere to showcase local talent- not just in the medium of art and crafts but also music and comedy.
I’d also love to see an outdoor sports and pursuits centre with climbing, bouldering, high rope courses, camping areas and an archery and bushcraft centre - that would be just amazing!
5. What are your three favourite venues/ventures and services in the town?
My go-to bar and place to eat would have to be the Oakwood. It boasts a fantastic choice of drinks, and mouthwatering food inspired from around the world. I love their little hidden gem of a beer garden too, which is a total sun spot, and how they cater for all tastes and needs.
Glossop Wholefoods is a fab and super little shop that not just caters for the Vegan community but everyone! I’m not Vegan or Veggie, but I care for the planet and they sell a whole range of sustainable health and home products. There is always a friendly welcome and they really know their stuff in terms of their product ranges. Beth and Dan have also supported my own little business by providing ‘healthy’ goody bags for our Woodland Wellbeing Retreats.
For gifts and anything arty there is nowhere better to pop into than The Artful Pigeon Gallery. I just love the array of different styles and types of artwork and crafts on sale.. It’s a joy to behold. It offers such a brilliant selection of the work of local talent. If I’m ever stuck for a celebration gift, I just know I’ll not be disappointed by paying them a visit.
Find out more and book a Forest School session at https://www.insideoutforestschool.com/
