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Forest Illustration Frame

What is Forest School?

  • It is a child-centered learning process, where learners spend regular, sustained time in a natural, woodland environment. Through exploration, play and risk-taking they build confidence and self-esteem.

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  • The role of the leader is to help facilitate the ideas of the learner and help them reflect on their own development. They introduce specific skills, tools and knowledge as they become appropriate and meaningful to the child’s play.

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  • At Canopy Forest School, we incorporate the principles of Forest School into all of our sessions. The majority of each sessions is devoted to free play. We share stories, eat together in the fire circle and have areas with different resources set up but children are welcome to choose to interact with all, one or none of these. 

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  • We experience and respond to the changing seasons and weather. When students  come regularly, the leader can build a relationship, getting to know them and their interests. They will also grow in confidence as they get familiar with the environment, the leader and other children. 

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There are six key Forest School principles these are:  

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Forest Trail Scene
Child Holding Sticks

Forest School is an experiential learning process. The roots of Forest School go back to the open-air Scandinavian culture of, friluftsliv, or free air life. Forest Schools arrived in the UK in 1993 and they have grown in strength ever since then.

Child Climbing Tree
Outdoor Group Activity
Laughing Kids

In Forest School no single principle takes precedence over the others; instead, they work harmoniously, interlocking to create a unique environment for learning and growth. 

The Benefits

What makes Forest School unique is the emphasis on outdoor learning and having the freedom to explore the ever changing environment during a long term programme.

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Forest school can make a difference in the following ways:

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  • Builds confidence, self-esteem and self-belief

  • Social skills

  • Communication

  • Connections and community

  • Motivation

  • Develops team working skills

  • Promotes independence

  • Physical skills

  • Provides opportunities to take risks in a wild yet controlled environment

  • Provides opportunities to develop thinking skills and solve problems

  • Knowledge and understanding

  • Learning new skills and fosters creativity

  • Complements classroom and workplace learning where skills can be transferred

  • It is lots of fun

Children in wellies

There is plenty of research showing the positive outcomes from Forest School, nature play and spending time outside. Our sessions could be the perfect way for you and your little one to start to experience these benefits. 

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