More About Forest School

Forest School is an inspirational process that offers children and young people regular opportunities to develop self confidence and self esteem through hands on learning experiences in a local woodland setting. Forest Schools originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s as a way of teaching about the natural world. By the 1980s it became an integral part of the Danish early years programme. It became clear that these woodland based activities helped develop children's confidence, self esteem and teamwork skills. A study in 2005 concluded " .. the benefits for all the children who took part were significant - they all saw great improvements in their abilities to listen and communicate. I don't know what it is about an outdoor environment, but away from the classroom they become lot more relaxed. They are taking risks and this gives them confidence."

The value of Forest Schools is child led learning, based on small, achievable tasks. Children have the freedom to explore the ever changing environment, to take risks and assess risks for themselves. Being outside 'touches something deep' within children, stimulating imagination and the senses; thereby building foundations for further learning. It is intended to be an integral part of the child's curriculum; a continuing, evolving experience.

“The amount of time and contact children have with nature is declining; fewer than 10% now play in natural places such as woodlands . . . compared with 40% of children 40 years ago. Research shows that children who are introduced to nature will continue to visit natural landscapes in adulthood and be committed to retaining them.”
Observer Magazine 10 January 2010