The Muddy Puddle Teacher

S2 E1: Come and explore the magic of the humble stick with authors Jo and Fiona.

Season 2 Episode 1

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Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks


Jo and Fiona are on a mission to encourage more families and children to discover the joys of wild places and to reconnect with nature. By spending time outdoors, children learn vital new skills, find out how to judge risk, and experience the joy and wonder that nature inspires. They also start to understand how we are all connected with the diverse ecosystems on which all of our futures depend.

For over twenty years Fiona and Jo have been writing their inspiring Going Wild books, all packed with an incredible variety of fun activities to tempt children outdoors. The books are designed to be used wherever you live (wild spaces can be found everywhere!) and at any time of year. Their thirteen books include Nature’s Playground, Go Wild, Make it Wild, Run Wild, The Stick Book, The Wild Weather Book, The Beach Book, The Wild City Book, The Den Book, The Wild Year Book, Wild Things, Make This Book Wild and the soon to be published Make Every Week Wild (February 2026). All the activities are designed for the outdoors, and don’t need much preparation. The activities are very varied, ranging from creative and imaginary to practical and games. The books are used by teachers, environmental educators and forest school leaders, families and also some have been used in health care settings to improve and promote well being and mental health. Fiona has a degree in ecology and worked in environmental education for two Wildlife Trusts, and Jo was an educational psychologist before a successful career in creative photography.

They met in the school playground when their children were young and shared some amazing outdoor experiences with their growing families. They are now each enjoying taking their young grandchildren out into nature. As well as writing their books they have given talks and keynote speeches, written articles, run workshops (including for CBeebies), training events for teachers and activities at book festivals and worked with a range of organisations including Natural England, The National Trust, The Forest School Association, Scouts and the Wildlife Trusts.

Our website - www.goingwild.net
Facebook - Going Wild
Instagram - @goingwild1
Emails - fionadanks@gmail.com and jo1schofield@gmail.com

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