Forest Schools

Annie & Co Nursery and Forest School provides learning through play, emphasizing outdoor experiences regardless of the weather. Their ethos is that every child is unique, and they aim to help each child become their best self. The provision integrates daily forest activities designed to promote resilience, understanding of the natural world, and a healthy lifestyle. They combine child-led exploration with adult-led activities, both indoors in their cabin and outdoors in the woodland setting.

Auchinairn Afterschool Care and Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all children, fostering resilient, confident, independent, and creative learners. They operate as a Forest School Association approved Forest School. Their Forest School provision offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and themselves. They also run an outdoor forest school kindergarten.

Burnside Pre-School achieved official accreditation as a Forest School Provider in August 2022 from the Forest School Association. This accreditation recognises their commitment to good practice and providing children with opportunities to learn, develop, and play using a specialised Forest School approach. The pre-school setting has been committed to the concept of Forest School for many years, investing in staff training for its delivery.

Chichester Forest Schools CIC, established in 2016, is a community Forest School. They utilize the forest school approach and access to nature to foster growth, change, self-discovery, and connection with the natural world. Their focus is on holistic learning through skill development, play, exploration, and building a stronger sense of community. They offer a variety of programmes throughout the year to schools, home educators, and families.

Children of the Forest fosters holistic communities centered around inclusivity, non-judgemental approaches, and intrinsic motivations. Their aim is to help people connect with nature and with each other through these principles. They offer various programs based on these values.

Communitree Outdoor Education aims to reconnect people and the community with nature. They achieve this through activities centered around play, creativity, and ceremony. The organisation offers a range of outdoor learning experiences and is recognised by the Forest School Association (FSA) as a provider.

Established in January 2019 and directed by Mrs Hill, Derby Grammar School's Forest School aims to immerse children in the great outdoors, equipping them with practical and transferable skills. They hold the Forest School Association (FSA) badge, signifying high standards in Forest School and nature connection delivery. Activities like den building, whittling, and fire making are conducted under supervision, with children actively involved in risk assessment. The program encourages exploration, experimentation, resilience, confidence, and well-being, while also fostering an awareness of conservation.

Dorset Forest School is a community interest company with over 12 years of experience, steered by Maddy Irvine and Helen Day. They provide quality Forest School experiences adhering to the Forest School Association (FSA) core principles. Their aim is to promote client-led learning, exploration of the natural world, and develop a sense of belonging and stewardship of the local landscape. They believe outdoor experiences holistically enhance wellbeing, self-confidence, independence, motivation, and resilience.

Earthtime is an award-winning charity, accredited by the Forest School Association, focused on connecting children and young people with the natural environment in Moray. They utilize creative and woodland-based activities to enhance self-esteem, health, and well-being. Earthtime's core social purpose is to improve outcomes for families and young children through exploring, protecting, and enjoying nature. Their ethos centers on nurturing, inclusive, child-led participation in play and nature-based learning activities.

Edgeborough School incorporates outdoor learning into its educational offering. Their Forest School is part of the diverse range of interests and experiences encouraged for pupils. Located within the school's spacious grounds in the Surrey Hills, it provides opportunities for adventure and exploration. Outdoor Woodland Learning is specifically mentioned as part of the Pre-Prep provision.

Elemental Adventures CIC is a not-for-profit social enterprise focused on nature connection for health and wellbeing. They provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect with each other and the natural world. They believe that immersing people in natural environments encourages curiosity, confidence, and wonder through activities like forest school and bushcraft.

Forever Green Forest School is a Recognised Forest School Provider delivering sessions for schools and families across Hillingdon, Harrow, Ealing, Hertfordshire, and surrounding areas. Their approach is child-led, focusing on managed risks to build personal skills, social skills, self-esteem, and motivation. The provider aims to support students in emotional literacy, helping them understand and communicate feelings effectively. Their philosophy centres around the motto: 'Knowing Me, Connecting with my Community, Caring for our Earth', emphasising nature connection for health, environmental awareness, and community building.

The Goodwood Education Trust is an independent charity operating on the Goodwood Estate, providing educational experiences within Seeley Copse, a 20-acre ancient woodland dedicated exclusively to education. Their provision centres around a purpose-built Education Centre, facilitating safe, practical hands-on learning and enrichment activities year-round. The Trust offers several programmes focused on outdoor learning, including farm visits, woodland learning incorporating Forest School sessions, and community initiatives. They aim to work outdoors in most weather conditions.

GoWild Outdoors is an award-winning provider connecting children and adults with the outdoors, primarily operating across Yorkshire, the North West & North Wales. Their Forest School provision uses the natural environment to deepen learning through hands-on experiences. They aim to give participants time to reflect, be inspired, and support development through outdoor activities.

Grace's Day Nursery provides a nursery and pre-school setting aimed at inspiring children to discover their world. Their ethos focuses on fostering confidence, curiosity, and imagination. Forest School is offered as an integral part of their 'Nursery Life' program.

Jack in the Box is a multi-award-winning Nursery and Forest School located in Bosbury. They describe their setting as a place where children engage in activities like singing and forest schools. Their philosophy emphasizes care, passion, play ('Live, Love, Laugh, Learn'), and nurturing children to become 'stewards of our future'.

Kinda Forest School primarily offers 'Forest School for Elders in the Woods', now in its 6th year. Sessions run on Thursdays, featuring a light lunch cooked over the fire followed by activities. The provider focuses on well-being through engagement with nature in a woodland setting. Note: This website (kindaforestschool.com) is stated as the 'old web page', with the main site moved to kindaeducation.org.uk.

Land & Leaf Collective provides Forest School sessions, educational support for schools across various key stages, and Forest School training. Their offerings include nature play, holiday clubs, home education support, inclusive sessions, and woodland wellbeing activities. They operate from woodland locations.

Beccles Forest Schools fiercely protects the right to play freely and is person-centred, wholly embedded in the natural world. They aim to meet the learning, development, and well-being needs of participants by celebrating autonomy and fostering innate curiosity and connection within a cherished community. Their vision is to make every day in nature an opportunity for free play, exploring relationships with the wild world and each other. This approach aims to create sustainable well-being for all involved.

Lime Tree Primary Academy incorporates outdoor learning into its provision for pupils. The school is situated on extensive grounds which feature a working farm. Additionally, there are several dedicated Forest School areas available for use.

Longvernal Primary School is a 'Recognised Forest School Provider' by the Forest School Association (FSA). They are committed to promoting outdoor learning, preparing pupils to be outward-looking global citizens who embrace diversity and respect others and the world. Forest School and outdoor learning are described as an integral part of life at Longvernal.

Luckwell Primary School incorporates Forest School into its curriculum. The school is situated in South Bristol and features significant outdoor space dedicated to learning and play. This includes a specific forest school area, alongside green fields and a basketball court, facilitating outdoor educational experiences for its pupils.

Milford Pre-School Plus offers outdoor learning opportunities as part of its provision. They have a dedicated forest school area. This area is utilised during their Holiday Club activities.

Mottingham Hall for Children offers an award-winning forest school experience for babies, toddlers, and pre-school children from 3 months to 5 years old. The forest school operates within a safe and secure setting located on a unique, leafy property. They provide unique opportunities for children to play and explore in a well-planned, enriching environment, nurturing their natural curiosity about the world.

Nature of Learning provides award-winning Forest School sessions year-round in Ashdon, led by Sarah. The provision focuses on child-led play and fostering nature connection within a beautiful woodland setting. Activities are diverse, including mud kitchen fun, stream play, tree climbing, tool use, fire lighting and cooking, crafts, and nature exploration, promoting holistic development and mental wellbeing for participants.

OutLET provides inclusive training, outdoor alternative education, and play opportunities in Central Scotland. They focus on using nature to enhance health, well-being, education, and belonging, particularly for individuals who face challenges with relationships and regulation. Their approach aims to build confidence, skills, personal agency, and resilience through freedom and joy experienced outdoors.

Blue Sky Federation's Forest School operates based on six core principles. It is described as a long-term process involving frequent and regular sessions held in a woodland or natural environment, rather than one-off visits. The approach aims to foster a relationship between the learner and the natural world, promoting holistic development including resilience, confidence, independence, and creativity. Learning is learner-centred, offering opportunities for supported risk-taking appropriate to the environment and the individual.

Penryn Primary Academy integrates Forest School and Outdoor Learning into its provision. They have a dedicated Forest School & Outdoor Learning Team. This approach appears to be a standard part of the curriculum offered to pupils.

Root and Branch Out CIC nurtures community through nature in Rutland. They engage communities in projects focused on food, the outdoors, nature, and the environment. Their offerings include Forest School, allotment/food growing, woodland management, and sustainable crafts. They work with diverse groups including schools, families, and adults, emphasizing safeguarding, inclusivity, and non-judgmental practice.

Sayers Croft London, located at Paddington Recreation Ground, offers immersive day visits and Forest School programmes within its Wildlife and Forest Gardens. Their Forest School focuses on child-led experiential learning, giving participants a sense of ownership during regular visits. They also provide curriculum-linked outdoor learning workshops with a hands-on approach to understanding the natural world.

Scotswood Garden offers Forest School programmes and training, aiming to inspire and promote learning about nature, the environment, and sustainable living. They provide Forest School sessions for primary and secondary aged children, either within their extensive garden or by helping set up areas within schools. Their education and youth programmes encompass a variety of themes and activities, including pond dipping, environmental arts, and specific youth clubs focused on nature exploration.

Sonning Common Primary School's Forest School offers children the chance to explore an outdoor, semi-wild natural environment under professional guidance. Sessions are provided for Kites and Year 1 children. The program encourages participants to understand and care for the natural world, including its flora and fauna. The school has gained Recognised Provider status from the Forest School Association, highlighting their commitment to outdoor learning.

Clophill St Marys CofE lower school provides Forest School sessions for its pupils. All children in Year 1 receive fortnightly, three-hour sessions throughout the school year in nearby Irene's Wood. The sessions are run in small groups of less than 15 children. The school was the first Forest School Association (FSA) Recognised Forest School Provider in Bedfordshire, achieving this status in Summer 2022 and retaining it. Their provision follows the six core principles of Forest School, offering regular opportunities for children to develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning in a natural environment.

St Mary's Pre-School in Horsham integrates Forest School into its provision for children aged two months to five years. They offer a fun, stimulating, and safe environment where children learn and develop through activities in natural settings. The pre-school is notably the first Early Years Setting in the country to be awarded "Recognised Provider Status" by the Forest School Association.

Stomping Grounds North East is a charity operating throughout North East England. Their mission is to bring communities together and reconnect them with nature, guided by the ethos 'Be wild. Belong together.' They emphasize equity of access, striving to make the benefits of nature available to all as a right, not a privilege. They offer a wide range of outdoor and nature-based activities across the region.

Stonesfield Primary School has a long tradition of Forest School provision where children attend weekly or fortnightly sessions throughout all four seasons. This occurs during five of their seven years of primary school, taking place either on the school's own Forest School site or in local woods. The school views Forest School as an opportunity for children to immerse themselves in nature, positively impacting mental health and wellbeing. It provides opportunities for holistic development.

Strong Roots Childcare aims to enrich the lives of children through synergy with nature. Their philosophy emphasizes evoking wonder, imagination, and traditional play. They operate under the belief that strong foundations are essential for growth, referencing the quote "For a Tree to grow tall, it must first grow ‘Strong Roots’ beneath the rocks".

Tettenhall College offers Forest School as part of its 'Beyond The Classroom' activities within the Prep School. This provision aims to enhance the learning experience for younger pupils through outdoor engagement. It is integrated into the broader school ethos which values creativity and opportunity.

Biophilia Project aims to drive innovation in education by promoting rights-respecting practices, child-led play, and self-directed education to improve children's autonomy and well-being. They seek to create opportunities for schools and local communities to reconnect with nature, addressing the growing disconnection from the natural world. Their philosophy extends these principles to the adult world, fostering environments where all individuals can thrive, learn, and connect with nature.

The Hornbeam Hideout is located in the woodlands of Hampshire and operates as a dynamic community centre. It provides a safe space for people of all ages. Activities are designed to promote learning, personal development, and mental health and wellbeing.

The Stacey Pre-School is described by Ofsted as a welcoming setting where children delight in being outside and relish exploring the natural world. The provider is committed and passionate about providing high-quality care and education. Outdoor learning is a significant aspect of their provision, highly valued by parents.

The World Outside is an outdoor activity, bushcraft and forest school provider based in Kidderminster. They provide opportunities for everyone, from families and individuals, to schools and corporate groups to get outside for fun and curriculum linked activities. Participants enjoy outdoor activities in a relaxed and spontaneous manner through focused and learner-led activities. This approach aims to develop self-esteem, confidence, respect, and foster a positive relationship with the natural world. In 2021, they opened an outdoor Kindergarten providing childcare.

Wheatfen Forest School provides long-term forest school groups for children, young people, and families in Norwich and South Norfolk. They describe Wheatfen as a magical place to learn and have everyday adventures, regardless of age, background, ability, or interests. The provider also offers alternative education provision for school pupils, supported by external charities. Furthermore, they work in partnership with other organisations, using their experience to help embed in-house forest school provision through mentoring and volunteering.

WILDlings provides outdoor experiences including weekly forest school sessions and outdoor adventure parties for all ages. They offer outdoor learning opportunities all year round in a woodland setting. Their services cater to various groups through specific programs like family fun days, school trips, and sessions for home educators.

W.I.L.D. Woodland Inspired Learning & Development is a community interest company based in Glasgow. Their mission is to connect communities with nature by running Forest School sessions and community projects for children and adults. Operating in urban city woodland, specifically Linn Park Local Nature Reserve, they provide opportunities to explore and experience the natural world through practical activities, play, and games.

Wood Learn Forest School Limited is the oldest independent Forest School, Beach School, and 'Bushcraft for Children' provider on the Isle of Wight. Established in February 2010, they became the first Forest School Association (FSA) Recognised Forest School Provider in March 2017, demonstrating excellence in delivery and management. They offer various award courses alongside their core outdoor learning activities, aiming to provide enjoyable real-world experiences.