Author:
Maria Laura Ruozzi
Short summary:
Extending the classroom into Sherwood forest – how about that? The last few weeks we developed a nature walk with the 6th grade at International School Krems around the legend of Robin Hood.
Spring is a season of transformation. Trees awaken from their winter dormancy, buds open into young leaves, and the forest hums back to life with birdsong and warmth. It’s the perfect time to step outdoors, not just to witness change—but to be part of it.
At Green Steps, we believe that nature is the most inspiring classroom, and last week, the forest surrounding the International School of Krems at Göttweig became just that. Our team accompanied a class and their teacher, Ruth, on a 9-kilometre walk through the forest around their school - an interactive journey powered by imagination, storytelling, and supported by technology designed to make learning in nature a fun experience.
Finding Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest
In collaboration with students and class teacher, we called the route Robin Hood, and each stop along the way transformed a tree into a character from the legendary tale. The Green Steps ARK made it possible for the children to encounter Friar Tuck, embodied by a sturdy Western Redcedar; Will Scarlet, represented by a Douglas Fir; and many other members of Robin Hood’s merry band. At each tree, the app offered a short character description along with nature-based questions, encouraging the children to observe, think, and engage.
In teams of three, they learned how to navigate in the forest, identify tree species by examining the leaves, bark, and their shapes and estimate the tree age by measuring the trunk. Some questions asked themto relate their surroundings to historical personalities like Richard Lionheart or the neighborhood St. Georg church —simultaneously increasing their knowledge of ecology and history. Midway through our adventure, we had lunch in the arboretum, a magical spot filled with Giant Sequoias. Surrounded by these giants, it was easy to imagine ourselves in Sherwood Forest. The kids didn’t just walk past these giants—they became friends with them. Robin Hood and Little John took shape in their minds as they measured the trees’ girth and hugged them during a group game. We took a break beneath the sequoias, shared stories, and recharged for the second leg of the trip.
We walked back from the arboretum to the beautiful Göttweig Abbey, where the school is located. Whilst walking uphill, our European Solidarity Corps volunteer, Lyubov, surprised us all by pulling out a ukulele. In true Alan-a-Dale fashion - minstrel of Robin Hood's merry band - she began to sing and play, and soon the children were joining in, filling the forest with music and laughter. A simple moment, maybe, but one that captured everything that Green Steps is about: joy, connection, and quality time in nature.
This wasn't a walk about trees and tales - it was about forming connections. Between children and forests, between science and stories, between awe and education. Through play, hands-on discovery, and emotion, we allow young people to engage with the natural world profoundly - and we believe that kind of learning stays with you for a lifetime. Our Robin Hood trail wasn't just a walk in the woods. It was a reminder that nature itself is a story waiting to be unlocked. Each tree has character, each leaf a role to play in the larger narrative of the forest, and with ARK's help, we can make it possible for children to read that narrative.
Further reading:
• Scaling place-based education through a networked game
Interested to start a nature learning space in your town or school?
• https://ark.greensteps.me/page/create-community/
• https://ark.greensteps.me/page/commons-mentor/
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