Forest School
Our Forest School sessions
Our Forest School sessions help to deliver and support the Natural Curriculum. They offer a fantastic opportunity for children to forge a deeper connection with nature while honing skills that foster independence and creativity.
Forest School Information to download
Our programme consists of six or more sessions, accommodating groups of approximately 12 to 15 children or young people. Sessions typically span consecutive weeks, each lasting at least two hours. Additionally, we offer pre-visits and informative talks for schools, parents, and children before the sessions commence.
With our Level 3 qualified Forest School leaders work closely with school staff to tailor our sessions to accommodate all ages, abilities, and interests, to ensure all needs are met.
As the weeks progress and children grow more comfortable in the Forest School environment, they are encouraged to take the lead in their play. Our leaders are adept at recognising and nurturing individual learning styles, allowing children to learn at their own pace.
Example activities include:
- Den building
- Safe fire lighting and fire management
- Campfire cooking
- Scavenger hunts
- Boat building
- Woodcraft activities using simple tools and natural resources
- Stories with themes of the natural world
- Sculpture and art using natural materials
Benefits:
- All children can benefit from a self-led learning opportunity in a natural setting.
- Promotes cross curricular and resilience building approach.
- Outdoor time crucial for health and wellbeing across all ages.
- Facilitates opportunities for holistic development, including physical development, emotional intelligence and developing social skills, cognitive development and creativity.
© Ian Cameron-Reid
Booking
For more information on which activities can be carried out on a particular site or area, please contact the relevant Education Centre. Please note that due to high demand, we recommend six months advance booking.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
We take child protection and safeguarding very seriously. Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Statement sets out how we implement child protection and safeguarding across the Wildlife Trust and who to contact if you have questions or concerns.