<p>In this lively, idea-packed episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem chat with Dr Shelley Newstead about the roots and reality of playwork. Shelley traces adventure playgrounds from Sorensen in Denmark to Lady Allen in post-war Britain, then explains her PARS playwork model that helps adults articulate what they are doing and why. Expect thoughtful links to Forest School practice, clear language for talking to schools and parents, and practical insight on when to step in and when to stand back. They also tackle funding priorities, teens and play, and how to keep practice reflexive rather than nostalgic.</p><p><br></p><p>Sponsors</p><p><br></p><p>TENTSILE — Tree tents for educators and explorers. Listeners get 10% off with code ForestChildren10.</p><p>Chris Holland — Nature connection resources including his 54-page plant guide. Use our affiliate link: https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast</p><p><br></p><p>⏱ Chapter Timings</p><p><br></p><p>00:00 – Cold open and the promise to keep it normal</p><p>01:06 – Meet Dr Shelley Newstead and what playwork is really about</p><p>03:18 – From practitioner to PhD and why articulation matters</p><p>07:15 – A playwork perspective explained</p><p>11:44 – Sorensen, Lady Allen, and the rise of adventure playgrounds</p><p>18:26 – Grassroots growth and reinventing the wheel</p><p>24:19 – The PARS model for articulating, developing, and evaluating practice</p><p>32:37 – PARS hats for parents and practitioners</p><p>44:17 – Forest School and playwork, overlap and differences</p><p>51:41 – Funding fixed parks versus community play and provision for teens</p><p><br></p><p>🌲 Keywords</p><p><br></p><p>Playwork history, adventure playgrounds, Sorensen, Lady Allen, PARS model, reflexive practice, articulation of practice, Forest School and playwork, teen play, community provision</p><p><br></p><p>🔖 Hashtags</p><p><br></p><p>#ForestSchool #Playwork #OutdoorEducation #ReflectivePractice #ChildLedLearning</p><p><br></p><p>🎧 Catch the full episode:</p><p><br></p><p>Spotify: https://shorturl.at/4WdyI</p><p><br></p><p>YouTube: https://shorturl.at/3qOUs</p><p><br></p><p>Apple: https://shorturl.at/FxfMF</p><p><br></p><p>RSS: https://shorturl.at/A0kx9</p><p><br></p><p>🌐 More Episodes &amp; Support</p><p><br></p><p>Listen to more and access resources at www.theforestschoolpodcast.com</p><p><br></p><p>Support the show and join our community at www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast</p><p><br></p><p>For questions, feedback, or collaboration: [email protected]</p>