What is a Forest School?

What is a Forest School?

Forest Schools create a learner-led environment where individuals have the opportunity to gain life skills through exploration, adventure, freedom and fun. Introduced from Scandinavia in the 1990’s, the concept has been widely adopted in schools, nurseries and local authorities for a range of age groups and abilities. 

Sessions are designed to encourage learning with no specific outcomes. This approach helps individuals to develop social skills and improves their self-awareness and self-esteem. Individuals have the opportunity to develop their sense of responsibility, take risks and problem solve. 

The experience will depend very much on the learner and the leader’s approach, with the focus on helping individuals to thrive and become, resilient, independent and creative. 

All Forest Schools are run by trained Forest School Practitioners. 

What to Expect

We meet as a group on arrival and walk up to the camp. It’s a short walk past the lake and through woodland and gives everyone the opportunity to take in their surroundings.

After arriving at camp we gather around the fire circle, which is where you can leave your belongings for the duration of the session. We welcome everyone and talk through which activities are on offer. We’ll also cover some of the important safety aspects including fire circle rules.

From then on, the children are given the opportunity to take everything at their own pace. No one is made to do anything they don’t want to, and it’s really important to let your children take the lead.

I always say to parents that if your child wants to play in the mud kitchen for 2 hours then let them. As the weeks progress they will gradually move to other areas as they become comfortable and more confident with their surroundings.