about us
Discover more about our forest school in worcestershireAbout our Forest School
At our Forest School, we believe in nurturing the holistic development of your child, and the benefits are truly remarkable. By joining our sessions, your child will have the chance to flourish in so many ways. They’ll grow in confidence, finding their own voice amidst the rustling leaves and towering trees. With each adventure, they’ll embrace independence, learning to navigate the wonders of nature with a sense of self-assurance.
About me
My name is Fiona. For over 15 years, I worked as a veterinary nurse, caring for animals and supporting their wellbeing. Life took a new direction when I became a mum. Raising six children is an adventure in itself, but having two children with special educational needs (SEN), introduced me to something that changed everything: Forest School.
I saw firsthand how being outdoors transformed my children—their confidence grew, their mental health improved, and their love for learning flourished in a way that traditional settings couldn’t offer. Inspired by this, I trained as a Forest School Leader, qualifying in 2022. Since then, I’ve been leading sessions in primary schools, running sessions during the holidays, as well as working freelance for others.
Now, I’m taking the next step by training in Therapeutic Forest School, deepening my ability to support children through nature-based learning. My passion lies in helping young people reconnect with nature, build resilience, and find joy in the outdoors. Nature has a way of healing, teaching and inspiring. I’m grateful everyday to be part of that journey for so many people.
healthy outdoor activity
From climbing trees to building dens, every activity challenges your child’s body and strengthens their resilience. And as they tackle challenges together, they’ll develop problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the forest, drawing on their imagination, creativity, and practical know-how.
Join us on this incredible journey of growth and discovery at our Forest School. Together, let’s watch your child thrive amidst the wonders of nature, embracing every opportunity to learn, grow, and explore.
Forest School FAQS
What is Forest School?
Forest School embodies a child-centered approach to learning that fosters holistic development through regular sessions. This long-term program encourages play, exploration, and guided risk-taking, nurturing confidence and self-esteem through hands-on experiences in natural surroundings.
With a developmental ethos shared by numerous trained practitioners worldwide, Forest School traces its origins to the outdoor lifestyle known as friluftsliv, prevalent in Scandinavia where it first emerged. Introduced to the UK in 1993, it has flourished ever since.
Beyond mere knowledge acquisition, this process supports learners in social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and intellectual growth, fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment for experimentation and risk-taking. By instilling a profound connection to the world and one's place within it, Forest School cultivates problem-solving skills, self-belief, and resilience through real-world challenges. Here, risk is viewed holistically, encompassing more than physical danger—it's an integral part of growth and development.
Forest School empowers participants to become healthy, resilient, creative, and independent learners, with research backing its positive outcomes. Yet, beyond the academic realm, the genuine love for Forest School among both learners and leaders speaks volumes about its impact.
Forest School in the UK may appear as a modern concept, yet it draws upon a deep-rooted tradition of outdoor education stretching back to the 19th century. Influential figures across Europe and the UK, including Wordsworth, Ruskin, Baden Powell, Leslie Paul (founder of Woodcraft Folk in 1925), Kurt Hahn (founder of Gordonstone and a pioneer of outdoor education centers), Susan Isaacs, and the Macmillan sisters, all contributed to the groundwork for what we now recognize as Forest School.
In the 1970s and 80s, as the education system gravitated towards a more teacher-centric approach focused on outcomes, particularly in numeracy and literacy, there emerged a shift. This period saw the inception of the national curriculum. In response to this trend, the 1990s witnessed a surge in alternative educational models, within which Forest School found its place.
What activities do you offer during Forest School sessions?
Our Forest School sessions feature a wide range of nature-based activities, including bushcraft, wildlife observation, outdoor games, storytelling, and creative arts. Each session is designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and connection with the natural environment.
Why not join us at our forest school in the clent hills in Worcestershire
Do children need any prior experience or special equipment to join Forest School?
No prior experience or special equipment is required! We welcome children of all backgrounds and abilities to join us at Forest School. All they need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to explore the great outdoors.
What safety measures do you have in place during Forest School sessions?
Safety is our top priority at Forest School. Our experienced and qualified instructors undergo rigorous training in outdoor first aid and risk assessment. We maintain a low instructor-to-child ratio and adhere to strict safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable learning environment for all participants.
Find our more about our forest school in the Clent Hills Worcestershire
What are the benefits of attending Forest School?
Forest School offers a multitude of benefits for children, including improved physical health, enhanced social skills, increased confidence, and a deeper connection to nature. Participants develop resilience, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of environmental stewardship through hands-on outdoor experiences.
Can parents/guardians participate in Forest School sessions?
While our Forest School sessions are primarily designed for children, we encourage parents/guardians to get involved whenever possible! We value the importance of family engagement in outdoor learning and welcome parents/guardians to join us for special events, volunteer opportunities, and parent-child activities.
Discover more about our forest school in Worcestershire and book online here
What happens in case of inclement weather?
Rain or shine, Forest School goes on! We believe that every weather condition offers unique learning opportunities. Our instructors are trained to adapt activities to suit the weather and ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. We recommend dressing appropriately for the forecast and embracing the elements with a spirit of adventure!
What are the Forest School ethos six principles?
The Forest School ethos has six principles, which were agreed by the UK Forest School community in 2011.
- Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
- Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
- Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
- Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
- Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
- Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.
Join us at our forest school in Worcestershire in the Clent Hills
How can I enrol my child in Forest School?
Simply visit our Booking page to view our upcoming sessions and registration details.
We have people travel from all over Birmingham and Worcestershire including Kidderminster, Blakedown, Halesowen, Bromsgrove, Rubery, Hagley, Stourbridge and Romsley
