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100 Things to Do in a Forest
In an age when people are in search of new and more fulfilling experiences to replace screens and bring families together, this book explores 100 ways to connect with nature and discover the benefits of forest fun. From bushcraft activities like whittling and firelighting to spiritual pursuits like forest bathing and meditation, forest educator Jennifer Davis has brought together activities for people of all ages, helping them to connect with their forests and woodlands, while discovering the healing and restorative benefits of a life lived outdoors.
- GenresNonfictionNatureHealth
176 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2020
About the author
Jennifer Davis
138 books3 followersJennifer Davis, a mother of four, wrote Before You Were Born to answer the questions her older kids asked while she was pregnant. She lives in Beaufort, South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 14, 2020
I’m a big fan of any book that works to get people to experience nature. The more times I see someone on a cellphone walk into a wall or a pole, the more this is true. [BTW: If you are thinking to yourself, “I’ve never seen a single soul walking into anything while on their phone!” then you are among those who are walking into things. (Or, maybe, you live in a cave.)] At this point, I’m pretty concerned about the continued survival of our species because of the lack of awareness that time in nature cures -- one way or another.
This book takes a crack at the problem by coming up with a hundred activities of varying kinds that one can do in nature, the intent being to make it appealing for the segment of the population who have no idea what to do once they get into the woods and / or who may have a bit of angst about the experience. The book shifts philosophy from what has long been the mainstream view defined by the mantra: “take only photos and leave only footprints.” This isn’t to suggest that Davis is condoning wandering around tossing trash about or randomly uprooting plants. On the contrary, she advocates being a good steward of nature, but with the provision that nature can take more individuals plucking flowers or the like (and that if more people were vested in nature through such activities, they would ensure that the large-scale threats were stopped.) I’m not sure how I feel about this philosophical shift, but it does make for intriguing food-for-thought.
The activities are of varied types. I would classify them as campcraft (e.g. knot tying or knife use,) personal development (e.g. meditation and yoga), and crafts projects. One might get the feel this book is geared toward kids, but the author clearly tries to reach a broad demographic. The ideal demographic might be adults with children who are looking at what to do to make a trip to the woods compete with the hot sensory injection of modern urban life. While it’s not a particularly advanced book, I did learn a few new things. Furthermore, I felt that most of the activities suggested were potentially beneficial. There were a couple exceptions. The first is one in which one categorizes things in nature as opposites (which I object to on the basis that humanity does far too much stuffing of things into arbitrary groupings already, and I feel it has negative consequences.) The less psychological and ethereal objection was the candle-lit trail. (Which I primarily object to on the basis that – even placing tealights in glass jars the book suggests – a fire hazard is created by putting jars on loose leaf and needle litter which is spongy, uneven, and often highly flammable. A secondary objection is that carrying enough glass jars to make it work would be ridiculously awkward and risky for a person walking around in the dark in the woods. But 98 or 99 suggestions that remain are still likely to give one something useful to think about.
The book has artwork here and there throughout. Some of this art is ornamental, but other pieces are functional, in support of teaching activities such as knot-tying that are difficult to convey through text.
If you’re looking for a book of activities to perform in nature, this one is worth checking out. The activities are pretty simple, but because they are of several different classes of pursuit, even someone experienced in the woods may learn something new regarding meditation or crafts.
This book takes a crack at the problem by coming up with a hundred activities of varying kinds that one can do in nature, the intent being to make it appealing for the segment of the population who have no idea what to do once they get into the woods and / or who may have a bit of angst about the experience. The book shifts philosophy from what has long been the mainstream view defined by the mantra: “take only photos and leave only footprints.” This isn’t to suggest that Davis is condoning wandering around tossing trash about or randomly uprooting plants. On the contrary, she advocates being a good steward of nature, but with the provision that nature can take more individuals plucking flowers or the like (and that if more people were vested in nature through such activities, they would ensure that the large-scale threats were stopped.) I’m not sure how I feel about this philosophical shift, but it does make for intriguing food-for-thought.
The activities are of varied types. I would classify them as campcraft (e.g. knot tying or knife use,) personal development (e.g. meditation and yoga), and crafts projects. One might get the feel this book is geared toward kids, but the author clearly tries to reach a broad demographic. The ideal demographic might be adults with children who are looking at what to do to make a trip to the woods compete with the hot sensory injection of modern urban life. While it’s not a particularly advanced book, I did learn a few new things. Furthermore, I felt that most of the activities suggested were potentially beneficial. There were a couple exceptions. The first is one in which one categorizes things in nature as opposites (which I object to on the basis that humanity does far too much stuffing of things into arbitrary groupings already, and I feel it has negative consequences.) The less psychological and ethereal objection was the candle-lit trail. (Which I primarily object to on the basis that – even placing tealights in glass jars the book suggests – a fire hazard is created by putting jars on loose leaf and needle litter which is spongy, uneven, and often highly flammable. A secondary objection is that carrying enough glass jars to make it work would be ridiculously awkward and risky for a person walking around in the dark in the woods. But 98 or 99 suggestions that remain are still likely to give one something useful to think about.
The book has artwork here and there throughout. Some of this art is ornamental, but other pieces are functional, in support of teaching activities such as knot-tying that are difficult to convey through text.
If you’re looking for a book of activities to perform in nature, this one is worth checking out. The activities are pretty simple, but because they are of several different classes of pursuit, even someone experienced in the woods may learn something new regarding meditation or crafts.
November 1, 2020
100 Things to Do in a Forest, by Jennifer Davis, is a fun little book with some ideas and tips for activities to do in a forest. The book is premised by saying that humans need to spend time outdoors; it is healthy and leads to mood improvements, health improvements and a clearer mind. The book tries to shy away from anything too spiritual, but does have some ideas on meditation, mindfulness, and interacting with Earth's energy. Without going into great detail, this book has a large collection of interesting little hobbies to do in a forest - foraging, whittling, nature spotting, arts and crafts, walking and meditating, and so forth. There are no featured seasons, but most activities would probably best be suited from Spring to Autumn. My favourite activities revolved around walking, nature spotting, and some interesting mindfulness activities, like breathing, Wabi-Sabi, and so forth. Some cool ideas are featured, and if you are a reader looking for tips on how to spend more time in y0ur nearby wild space, this would be a good book to pick up and read. It is short, concise, easy to read, and has some cool tips.
July 16, 2020
Great ideas we can all do outdoors.
Each one of them is clearly explained. We also learn why these activities are good for ourselves.
I've realised that I've been doing some of them, such as taking the time to really look around when I'm walking the dogs along with my partner. We go every morning to a green path near our place. Our dogs love it! You can see there have been some foxes during the night because of certain signs they leave behind which are also mentioned in the book.
There are several activies recommended here that I want to try 😊.
Thanks to Laurence King Publishing Ltd and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Each one of them is clearly explained. We also learn why these activities are good for ourselves.
I've realised that I've been doing some of them, such as taking the time to really look around when I'm walking the dogs along with my partner. We go every morning to a green path near our place. Our dogs love it! You can see there have been some foxes during the night because of certain signs they leave behind which are also mentioned in the book.
There are several activies recommended here that I want to try 😊.
Thanks to Laurence King Publishing Ltd and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
September 14, 2020
This is a sweet book with lovely illustrations and lots of good ideas of ways to spend time in the forest. I have to admit I was a bit flummoxed by the suggestion of playing frisbee with cowpies (dried flattened cow poop). Um... just no. No. (I also wonder why cows are in the forest, but that's beside the point.) That said, it is otherwise filled with lots of easy and fun suggestions. There are sure to be some that appeal to you and/or your kiddos.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.
July 23, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! It's perfect for anyone with young children, who would like to relive their own childhood and have fun learning about nature at the same time.
With beautiful drawings, fun activities, lots of great advice (even about how to cope when you're caught short while out on a walk!), there's something for everyone.
I loved the author's relaxed writing style, and tips on respecting the natural environment while making the most of nature's gifts. Highly recommend!
With beautiful drawings, fun activities, lots of great advice (even about how to cope when you're caught short while out on a walk!), there's something for everyone.
I loved the author's relaxed writing style, and tips on respecting the natural environment while making the most of nature's gifts. Highly recommend!
July 6, 2020
100 Things to do in a Forest is an absolute delight! It provides fun activities that, for the most part, both young and old can enjoy. While on my morning walk with my dog and husband, I was able to accomplish a handful of these today, and it was a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. My favorite being the Rainbow Collection Walk activity! We ended up making it into a game to see who could find all the colors first.
Some of the activities, like the cowpat Frisbee and knife skills, are ones where I can foresee kids needing adult supervision as I am envisioning a potential cow poo fight if left unattended! There are so many different kinds of activities provided, that I find it would be difficult for one to not find something they are interested in doing whether its building a stone tower or doing the candlelit trail.
I highly recommend this book to all as there are so many things to do as an individual, in a group or with kids. I will definitely be purchasing this for myself and as a gift for my parents once it becomes available!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this opportunity!
Some of the activities, like the cowpat Frisbee and knife skills, are ones where I can foresee kids needing adult supervision as I am envisioning a potential cow poo fight if left unattended! There are so many different kinds of activities provided, that I find it would be difficult for one to not find something they are interested in doing whether its building a stone tower or doing the candlelit trail.
I highly recommend this book to all as there are so many things to do as an individual, in a group or with kids. I will definitely be purchasing this for myself and as a gift for my parents once it becomes available!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this opportunity!
August 7, 2020
Honestly loved this book, the illustrations are great and I now have a fun list of things to be doing with my children to keep them occupied. Living out in the country this book is great and has given me ideas I wouldn't have actually thought of. The author explains things quite well and makes even the most bizzare activities sound fun so I really want to try them all!
July 21, 2020
100 Things to do in a Forest by Jennifer Davis has a massive selection of different and fun activities to do in a forest. From knife skills, to edible items. To animal tracking and exercise. This has something for young and old and of any health.
Thanks to netgalley for letting me read this.
Thanks to netgalley for letting me read this.
July 22, 2020
100 Things to do in a Forest has a lot of varied ideas for inspiration and there's something for all ages in it. I also really liked the illustrations in this book.
August 4, 2020
This book is much needed in a world where it seems many have lost the ability to just be in nature. Our minds are busy and hearts desire rest and quiet and peace but for some reason, we have forgotten that nature and fully enjoying it is a simple way to gain that quiet and peace. I often enjoy hiking and playing in forests and rivers and lakes with my own family so this book interested me greatly.
The cover is beautifully artistic and draws one in to read all about the activities you can do while enjoying the great outdoors.The book then opens up to a table of contents and promises interesting ideas such as: listening to trees, canopy gazing, animal tracking, and natural movement. You will further find very practical and useful knowledge like whittling skills, shelter building, scat recognition, and fire lighting. The little illustrations that accompany are whimsical and very well done. The author, Jennifer Davis, does a very good job of giving us small ideas that really can bring about big changes in learning how to enjoy our natural world.
Despite the delightful pictures and useful information, there were a few inclusions that bothered me. The section on edible berries, while drawn very well, includes only a few berries and not enough details. This includes the edible wildflowers portion. Please stick with a more comprehensive book on what you can and cannot eat in the wild, or better yet, contact your local wilderness expert who can teach you on-field. As far the the tree dressing section, please do not do this. It is best to leave nature alone as much as possible. Putting clothes, biodegradable or not, is not appropriate unless it is a tree in your own yard.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I feel that if you need ideas on new adventures when you go to the woods, this book provides many. There are enough to keep you going for many hikes and camping trips and it will probably open you up to start thinking of new ways you can enjoy the outdoors.
The cover is beautifully artistic and draws one in to read all about the activities you can do while enjoying the great outdoors.The book then opens up to a table of contents and promises interesting ideas such as: listening to trees, canopy gazing, animal tracking, and natural movement. You will further find very practical and useful knowledge like whittling skills, shelter building, scat recognition, and fire lighting. The little illustrations that accompany are whimsical and very well done. The author, Jennifer Davis, does a very good job of giving us small ideas that really can bring about big changes in learning how to enjoy our natural world.
Despite the delightful pictures and useful information, there were a few inclusions that bothered me. The section on edible berries, while drawn very well, includes only a few berries and not enough details. This includes the edible wildflowers portion. Please stick with a more comprehensive book on what you can and cannot eat in the wild, or better yet, contact your local wilderness expert who can teach you on-field. As far the the tree dressing section, please do not do this. It is best to leave nature alone as much as possible. Putting clothes, biodegradable or not, is not appropriate unless it is a tree in your own yard.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I feel that if you need ideas on new adventures when you go to the woods, this book provides many. There are enough to keep you going for many hikes and camping trips and it will probably open you up to start thinking of new ways you can enjoy the outdoors.
August 17, 2020
Fun Forest Visit Ideas
I lived by a redwood forest for 10 years, and I still miss it. There's something about the majesty of wonderful old trees that replenishes vitality and nourishes the soul. If I still lived near that forest, I would certainly have fun with the ideas provided in this book. This is a book meant for adults, although the adults could bring children along for most of the activities; it would be ideal for a family camping trip. Having lived for so long by a forest, I quite often did some activities suggested in the book, so I found the ideas here to be in sync with living by and loving forests. The book lists all the activities in the table of contents, which I found handy. Then, each activity is given a page or two of description as well as an illustration of some kind (for most of them), small or large. Some illustrations were quite beautiful and certainly evocative of the forest and what the activity is. These illustrations would appeal to both children and adults; they seem to reflect a child-like wonder. If you live by a forest or if you like visiting them, this book will be a handy companion to help get you closer to nature in ways that you will enjoy and will feed your soul.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I lived by a redwood forest for 10 years, and I still miss it. There's something about the majesty of wonderful old trees that replenishes vitality and nourishes the soul. If I still lived near that forest, I would certainly have fun with the ideas provided in this book. This is a book meant for adults, although the adults could bring children along for most of the activities; it would be ideal for a family camping trip. Having lived for so long by a forest, I quite often did some activities suggested in the book, so I found the ideas here to be in sync with living by and loving forests. The book lists all the activities in the table of contents, which I found handy. Then, each activity is given a page or two of description as well as an illustration of some kind (for most of them), small or large. Some illustrations were quite beautiful and certainly evocative of the forest and what the activity is. These illustrations would appeal to both children and adults; they seem to reflect a child-like wonder. If you live by a forest or if you like visiting them, this book will be a handy companion to help get you closer to nature in ways that you will enjoy and will feed your soul.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
July 19, 2020
From grounding, to edible wildflowers, to harvesting bark for baths this book was so much more than I was anticipating. I was expecting simple things: follow a bug, dance in the rain etc. which was also included but the creativity of some of the ideas astonished me! Jennifer, I suspect, may be an earth witch - she goes far beyond the forests' surface and into the deeper things plants and nature can do. As someone that spends a fair amount of time hiking and such in the forest (if AZ has anything that can truly be considered "forests" idk...).
I would certainly recommend this reference book for those that go camping often as it has many fun ideas to keep you and your family entertained. BUT fair warning - she does suggest you play with.. ahem... cow "frisbees" (poop).
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*.
I would certainly recommend this reference book for those that go camping often as it has many fun ideas to keep you and your family entertained. BUT fair warning - she does suggest you play with.. ahem... cow "frisbees" (poop).
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*.
September 9, 2020
Forest bathing, listening to the sounds of the woodland, a good bit of whittling, and even elderflower fritters once you're back home, are all included in this pictorial list of suggestions for the family to be more mindful in nature. I think the book is a success – it wants everyone to stop looking at phones and computers and go for a meander (it even shows how to train your eyes away from the permanent focus on our screens) and see what comes up. As a result you would only need to memorise a few of these new each time and you'd soon find your hours of nature-based leisure filled. While a couple might raise an eyebrow briefly, the text seems to convey great common sense and science where possible about what it suggests. A strong four stars.
July 20, 2020
100 Things to do in a Forest, is a guide of things that, surprise!, you could do when you go out in the forest for a walk in nature.
Unfortunately, the book didn't grab me and didn't make me wish to do anything it proposed. I do enjoy walking in nature and specifically forests, however, to me, most of the included activities sounded like the author didn't really have a hundred things planned and was scraping for ideas. Some of these include breathing, knot tying, counting, and even a how-to for going to the toilet in the woods (btw, I don't know why the author says that women should pee facing the wind, my personal experience actually points to the opposite). And some sounded like littering - dressing trees with human clothing or putting pictures on the trees.
Overall, I feel the book would fare better as a 50 Things to in the Forest, aimed at elementary and middle school students.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Laurence King Publishing Ltd for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
Unfortunately, the book didn't grab me and didn't make me wish to do anything it proposed. I do enjoy walking in nature and specifically forests, however, to me, most of the included activities sounded like the author didn't really have a hundred things planned and was scraping for ideas. Some of these include breathing, knot tying, counting, and even a how-to for going to the toilet in the woods (btw, I don't know why the author says that women should pee facing the wind, my personal experience actually points to the opposite). And some sounded like littering - dressing trees with human clothing or putting pictures on the trees.
Overall, I feel the book would fare better as a 50 Things to in the Forest, aimed at elementary and middle school students.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Laurence King Publishing Ltd for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
July 7, 2020
This is a really neat book. I think it is actually perfect for people to read right now with quarantine and social distancing going on due to Covid19. This book is essentially a list of 100 things to do in the forest just as the title suggests. Although some ideas are obvious, there are a lot of things you may not realize you can do or even would think up to do. I recommend this book for those who are avid outdoorsman as well as amateurs who want some fresh air and something new to do outside. A lot of these ideas such as the shadow drawing and leaf painting would be neat to do with kids.
August 13, 2020
This book was a delight and brought me back to my childhood -I was fortunate enough to grow up in a place with easy access to woodlands and forests, and my friends and I spent much unsupervised time there, exploring, fishing, and catching crayfish.
100 Things to do in a Forest goes a lot further than my friends and I ever did (making jam in the woods would've taken much more planning than we were likely to do,) but there are activities suitable for both children and adults. There's a nice mix of the practical ( building and starting a fire, hanging a hammock,) the spiritual (meditation, solstice celebrations,) and the whimsical (making a grass whistle, whittling, creating land art.)
There are, of course, many sections that only touch the surface of a much deeper subject, such as foraging for edibles and identifying animal tracks and native trees and plants, but this book is a nice starting point for those who haven't been out in the woods in a while.
Lots of ideas for things to do in natural environments, and the illustrations by Eleanor Taylor are quite lovely.
100 Things to do in a Forest goes a lot further than my friends and I ever did (making jam in the woods would've taken much more planning than we were likely to do,) but there are activities suitable for both children and adults. There's a nice mix of the practical ( building and starting a fire, hanging a hammock,) the spiritual (meditation, solstice celebrations,) and the whimsical (making a grass whistle, whittling, creating land art.)
There are, of course, many sections that only touch the surface of a much deeper subject, such as foraging for edibles and identifying animal tracks and native trees and plants, but this book is a nice starting point for those who haven't been out in the woods in a while.
Lots of ideas for things to do in natural environments, and the illustrations by Eleanor Taylor are quite lovely.
October 12, 2020
We absolutely love adventures and exploring the woods. This book was so brilliant, as it gave us lots of fun adventures and activities we could enjoy together, as we explored. Ada found the activities really fun and we loved grabbing the book each day, to decide what to try out next. It is great for a variety of ages and really so worth having!
July 17, 2020
I've learned a lot from this book and I enjoy the outdoors a lot more. A must-read for all nature lovers! Read my full review here:
https://elifthereader.com/books/100-t...
https://elifthereader.com/books/100-t...
July 20, 2020
This is a fun book the illustrations are very well done and the ideas are very interesting.The author explains things well I can't say I would try all the things listed but there is a good variety.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
February 26, 2021
This is a nice little book about things you can do in the forest. There are some really unique ideas in here and some I don't know if I would personally try, but it great to encourage people to spend more time outside.
I received a copy on Edelweiss+ all opinions are my own.
I received a copy on Edelweiss+ all opinions are my own.
March 21, 2023
I bought this book at the gift shop of Arbor Day Farms when I was on a girls weekend last year. It's another one of those books, you don't read in one sitting. There were all kinds of fun things to do to get yourself outside with nature.
September 24, 2020
Good ideas and topics, history, surviving. It has a regular index and by category. Cool ideas to explore and ideas to jump off of. Some could be obvious and others can be built upon.
July 20, 2021
Loved the illustrations!
September 4, 2022
This has some fantastic ideas for simply activities to do in a forest. It suddenly veered into couple communication strategies but on the whole, it was a great collection of things to do.
December 21, 2022
Sweet book with fun activities for all ages
October 21, 2023
i like forests
Read
February 10, 2023Most of the ideas in here are mediocre. Some are truly terrible.
How does the author not have lyme, assuming she actually tried all of these?
The book would be given a 2, but for the lovely art.
How does the author not have lyme, assuming she actually tried all of these?
The book would be given a 2, but for the lovely art.
August 1, 2020
This book is a wonderful mixture of fun activities and useful skills.
Including a wide range of activities, there is so much to try.
I cannot wait to get a finished copy.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a complimentary eARC for review purposes*
Including a wide range of activities, there is so much to try.
I cannot wait to get a finished copy.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a complimentary eARC for review purposes*
August 13, 2020
Wow. This book was absolutely great!
Perfect for people who have little ones and for those who want to learn about nature and fun at the same time, I was particularly impressed with the "Birch Bark Baths" and would love to try one at some point, great for relieving pain and inflammation! Who knew?
This book had it all, drawings, activities, and even advice, some of it tickled me, some of it was interesting and it's something you could read up on before going out to a specific place!
The author has clearly poured in a lot of thought into this book and I love that! The writing is relaxed, fun and playful, so it's less like you're being talked at and more like you're being talked to. Refreshing in books that are informative! I love it!
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
This is definitely a book, I would have on my shelf!
Perfect for people who have little ones and for those who want to learn about nature and fun at the same time, I was particularly impressed with the "Birch Bark Baths" and would love to try one at some point, great for relieving pain and inflammation! Who knew?
This book had it all, drawings, activities, and even advice, some of it tickled me, some of it was interesting and it's something you could read up on before going out to a specific place!
The author has clearly poured in a lot of thought into this book and I love that! The writing is relaxed, fun and playful, so it's less like you're being talked at and more like you're being talked to. Refreshing in books that are informative! I love it!
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
This is definitely a book, I would have on my shelf!
August 30, 2020
"100 Things to do in a Forest" is such a fun, whimsical book that really gets your imagination going! For anyone who regularly walks, hikes or wants to get out into nature this gives some great and yet some strange ideas of things you can do in a forest. Some things are more practical and easy to do and others require much more work and preparation, Wherever you are in your life, getting into the woods is healthy, fun and can improve your overall health and mental outlook!
I highly recommend this to a parent with kids looking for fun things to do outside or someone who is a kid at heart! Enjoy and go out, get this book and go for a hike in your local woods!
I highly recommend this to a parent with kids looking for fun things to do outside or someone who is a kid at heart! Enjoy and go out, get this book and go for a hike in your local woods!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews