Forest School

Forest School

Forest school is an educational approach that takes learning outdoors. Our purpose built forest school is set within our own private woodland area. This approach has gained popularity for various age groups, including teenagers.


Please see below for some of the detailed benefits of forest school for children and teenagers:

Holistic Development

  • Physical Development: Forest school activities often involve physical challenges like climbing, running, and balancing on uneven terrain. These activities promote the development of gross and fine motor skills.
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  • Emotional Development: Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Teenagers can develop emotional resilience, self-confidence, and self-esteem through outdoor activities in a supportive environment.

Environmental Awareness

  • Connection to Nature: Forest school fosters a deep connection to the natural world. Children and Teenagers gain an appreciation for the environment and a sense of responsibility for its preservation.



  • Ecological Understanding: Students learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, and sustainability through hands-on experiences, promoting a greater understanding of their role in the larger natural system.


Social Skills

  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Many forest school activities involve group tasks, encouraging teenagers to work together, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
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  • Communication Skills: Being in an outdoor, less structured environment allows for open communication and the development of effective interpersonal skills.

Creativity and Imagination

  • Unstructured Play: Forest school encourages unstructured play, allowing teenagers to explore, create, and imagine without the constraints of a traditional classroom setting.


  • Resourcefulness: In natural settings, students often use natural materials to build, create, and solve problems, fostering creativity and resourcefulness.


Health and Well-being

  • Physical Activity: Outdoor activities contribute to increased physical fitness, reducing sedentary behaviors associated with modern lifestyles.

  • Mental Health: Exposure to nature has been linked to improved concentration, reduced symptoms of ADHD, and overall better mental well-being for teenagers.


Resilience and Risk Management

  • Risk-taking in a Controlled Environment: Forest school provides opportunities for teenagers to take calculated risks in a supervised and controlled setting. This helps them develop risk management skills and resilience.


Academic Integration

  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Forest school can be integrated with various subjects such as biology, geography, and ecology, providing a holistic and hands-on approach to learning.


  • Experiential Learning: Real-world experiences in nature enhance understanding and retention of academic concepts.



Independence and Self-Regulation

  • Self-directed Learning: Forest school often allows teenagers to choose their activities and set their own pace, promoting independence and self-regulation.



  • Problem-solving: Dealing with challenges in the natural environment encourages teenagers to develop problem-solving skills and adaptability.


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