forest schools education
Forest Schools are nature-based communities where trained practitioners nurture
learner-led exploration and discovery, nurturing meaningful experiences for
positive lifelong impacts. Wellbeing is the foundation of our practice and
through recognising the social, emotional and physical needs of participants we
provide the guidance and facilitation for our time in nature. Through creating
learner inspired experiences based on exploration and discovery, we recognise
opportunities to mentor holistic growth over the course of long-term programmes.
In developing the community, we nurture a culture based on collaboration and of
embracing challenge so that we can allow, over time, for the blossoming of
character, resilience and empathy, and for a greater sense of connection, with
nature and for our shared future. What are the Benefits of Forest Schools?
Improves Confidence Improves Resilience Improves Physical Wellbeing Improves
Empathy Gives an Insight into the Natural World Learner-led Learning Improves
Physical Wellbeing & Motor Development Long-term Observation & Guidance from
Leaders A Typical Day in a Forest School Meeting outside the woodland,
excitement is in the air. The birds are chirping, the gentle wind rolls across
the hills while wellington boots search for puddles. The woodland has been
checked and the equipment is ready to be taken with us, our focus in on the
wellbeing, physical and emotional, of each person within our community.
Gathering together, we check in on how each person is feeling and what they wish
to explore during their time in nature. We introduce new ideas and invite them
to engage our help when they wish to. The woodland space is a blank canvas, full
of textures and materials to enrich the senses and stimulate the learning
journeys that we will all undertake. As leaders we have both an idea for the
direction of the day should learners need us to provide this for them, but also
understand the importance of encouraging them to decide their own direction.
During this time of exploration and discovery, our role as a leader is to
provide the nurturing they need whilst also encouraging them to stay with
challenge and to make sense of the experiences they have. Through review and
reflection their voices are heard, and their emotions are recognised.
