What is Forest School?

Find out more about what Forest School is, who it's for and how we do Forest School at Kent Wildlife Trust.

Forest School is a type of outdoor education that focuses on providing children with the opportunity to explore and learn about the natural environment. At its core, Forest School is about fostering a deep and lasting connection between children and the natural world, while also supporting their social, emotional, and cognitive development. At Kent Wildlife Trust, we strive to uphold the principles of Forest School:

  • Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than a one-off or infrequent visit. This approach allows learners to build a deep and meaningful relationship with nature and their Forest School site, fostering a sense of connection and belonging that is essential for healthy development.
  • Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment, providing learners with an opportunity to engage with the natural world and develop an appreciation and understanding of the environment around them. This approach fosters a sense of wonder, curiosity and creativity that is often lacking in traditional classroom settings.
  • Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. By engaging with nature and the environment, learners develop a range of physical, emotional and social skills that are essential for personal growth and lifelong learning.
  • Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves. This approach encourages learners to challenge themselves, push their limits and develop their abilities in a safe and supportive environment. It also fosters a sense of self-confidence and self-efficacy that is essential for personal development and wellbeing.
  • Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who are passionate about providing learners with a safe, stimulating and engaging learning experience that is tailored to their individual needs and interests.
  • Forest School uses a range of learner-centered processes to create a community for development and learning, which may include games, exploration and experimentation. By encouraging children to take an active role in their learning, Forest School creates a supportive and engaging environment where everyone has the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in a way that is meaningful and relevant to them.

Photo by Helena Dolby for Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust

What do we do at a Kent Wildlife Trust Forest School?

At Kent Wildlife Trust, we offer Forest School opportunities to a wide range of groups, including schools and home-educated families. Our sessions are led by experienced Forest School practitioners who are passionate about connecting children with nature. Some of the activities we might do during a Forest School session include:

  • Nature walks: The first session will always start walk around the Nature Park, during which children can explore the environment and gain confidence in navigating the space they will be using in future weeks.
  • Den-building: Using natural materials such as branches, leaves and mud, children can work together to build their own shelters and dens. This activity promotes teamwork, problem-solving and creativity, all whilst safely managing risk. Sometimes, we even make mini dens for our cuddly toys to live in!
  • Fire-building: Under the guidance of our experienced facilitators, children can learn how to build a fire safely and responsibly. This activity teaches children about fire safety, as well as providing a practical demonstration of the science of combustion. This is a particular favourite in those chilly autumn and winter months, where the fire provides warmth and the opportunity for hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows!
  • Woodworking and crafts: Using a range of tools under careful supervision, children can learn how to create a range of outputs, including:
     
    • Leaf rubbing art: We collect leaves of different shapes and sizes and use crayons or pencils to create leaf rubbings.
    • Natural bird feeders: We create bird feeders using natural materials such as pine cones, seeds and string.
    • Willow dream-catchers: Using willow and twine, we create dreamcatchers to hang in the garden or above your bed.
    • Twig picture frames: We collect twigs and use them to create picture frames. This is a fun and creative way to display photos or artwork made at Forest School.
    • Nature bracelets: Using elder twigs and string, we create a bracelet to wear.

All the items children craft at Forest School are theirs to take home and keep as a memento of their day!

Who is Forest School for?

At Kent Wildlife Trust, we believe that Forest School is a valuable and enriching experience for all children, regardless of their age, background or ability. Whether your child is an avid nature-lover or has never spent much time outdoors, we can provide a supportive and engaging learning environment that will help them to develop new skills, make new friends and connect with the natural world in a meaningful way.

We offer Forest School opportunities to a wide range of groups, including schools, SEND schools and home-educated families (as well as our Forest School-inspired Nature Tots). Our sessions are led by experienced Forest School practitioners who are passionate about connecting children with nature, with activities designed to promote child-led learning, regular and repeated access to nature, learning through play and appropriate risk-taking. We truly believe that Forest School is a valuable and enriching experience for all children.

So why not check out our Forest School page and see what opportunities we have for you and your family!

Click here

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