Forest Schools: Learning Through Nature and Outdoor Adventure

In an increasingly digital world where children’s lives have become progressively more sedentary and indoor-focused, Forest School education offers a refreshing return to nature-based learning that honours children’s fundamental need for outdoor exploration and adventure. The Forest School movement originated in Denmark in the 1950s, where a single mother named Ella Flatau began taking children to explore the local forests. This simple beginning evolved into the Danish “skovbørnehave” (forest kindergarten) movement, which spread across Scandinavia and became an integral part of early childhood education in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

The approach was formally introduced to the UK in the 1990s when British educators observed these Scandinavian practices and recognised their potential for supporting children’s development. Initially implemented in nurseries, schools, and youth programmes, Forest School has rapidly gained recognition as a powerful educational approach that develops confident, capable, and environmentally aware learners across all educational settings.

For UK families exploring home education options, Forest School principles provide a compelling framework for learning that takes place primarily outdoors, using the natural environment as both classroom and teacher. However, Forest School’s influence extends far beyond home education - it has been successfully implemented in mainstream schools, nurseries, special educational settings, youth programmes, and therapeutic interventions across the UK and internationally. This approach recognises that nature provides unlimited opportunities for discovery, challenge, creativity, and growth that cannot be replicated in traditional indoor settings.

Forest School is not simply outdoor education or nature study, but rather a comprehensive educational philosophy that uses regular, repeated access to natural environments to support children’s holistic development. Whilst this blog post focuses on how home-educating families can incorporate Forest School principles, it’s important to recognise that this approach has proven effective across diverse educational settings - from mainstream primary schools implementing weekly Forest School sessions to therapeutic programmes supporting young people with additional needs.

What Is Forest School?

Forest School is a learner-centred educational approach that takes place regularly in natural environments, typically woodlands, where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences with nature. The approach emphasises process over product, allowing children to develop at their own pace through self-directed exploration and play.

Central to Forest School philosophy is the belief that spending regular time in natural environments supports children’s physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development in ways that indoor learning cannot match. Children develop resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills through navigating natural challenges and learning to assess and manage risks appropriately.

The approach recognises that children have an innate connection to the natural world and that this connection is essential for healthy development. Rather than viewing nature as something to be studied from a distance, Forest School sees the natural environment as a living classroom where children can experience scientific principles, mathematical concepts, and cultural understanding through direct engagement.

Forest School is characterised by regular sessions over extended periods, allowing children to develop deep familiarity with particular natural spaces and observe changes over time. This consistency enables children to build confidence, develop skills progressively, and form meaningful relationships with both their natural environment and their learning community.

Core Principles of Forest School

Regular and Repeated Access: Forest School sessions occur regularly over extended periods, allowing children to develop deep familiarity with natural environments and observe seasonal changes.

Child-Initiated Learning: Children’s interests, questions, and natural curiosity drive the learning process, with adults supporting and extending their discoveries rather than imposing predetermined lessons.

Holistic Development: The approach supports all aspects of development - physical, emotional, social, and intellectual - recognising that these areas are interconnected and develop together.

Appropriate Risk-Taking: Children learn to assess and manage risks in natural environments, developing confidence, resilience, and sound judgement about safety.

Process-Focused Learning: The emphasis is on the learning process and personal development rather than predetermined outcomes or products.

Qualified Leadership: Trained Forest School leaders understand child development, outdoor safety, and environmental education, providing expert guidance whilst maintaining child-centred principles.

Connection with Nature: Deep, meaningful relationships with the natural world are fostered through regular, intimate contact with natural environments.

All Weather Learning: Sessions continue in all weather conditions (with appropriate clothing and safety considerations), helping children develop resilience and appreciation for natural cycles.

Small Group Experiences: Learning typically occurs in small groups that allow for individual attention and strong community relationships.

Tool Use and Craft Skills: Children learn to use real tools safely and develop traditional craft skills like fire-making, shelter building, and woodworking.

Forest School in Various Educational Settings

Before exploring how Forest School adapts to home education, it’s valuable to understand its broader applications:

Mainstream Schools: Many primary and secondary schools now integrate weekly Forest School sessions into their curriculum, taking classes to local woodlands or developing forest areas on school grounds.

Early Years Settings: Nurseries and reception classes frequently adopt Forest School approaches, recognising the particular benefits for young children’s development.

Special Educational Needs: Forest School has proven especially beneficial for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other additional needs, providing alternative learning environments that support diverse learning styles.

Therapeutic Interventions: Mental health services, social services, and therapeutic organisations use Forest School approaches to support young people facing various challenges.

Youth Work: Scout groups, youth clubs, and alternative education programmes often incorporate Forest School principles to engage young people who may struggle in traditional educational settings.

Teacher Training: Many universities now offer Forest School leader training as part of education degrees, recognising its importance in modern pedagogy.

Forest School in Home Education Settings

The Forest School approach adapts beautifully to home education, offering families a structured framework for outdoor learning that can be implemented in local woodlands, parks, beaches, or even large gardens. Many UK home-educating families find that Forest School principles provide the perfect complement to indoor learning activities.

Creating Forest School Experiences at Home

Finding Your Outdoor Space: While dedicated woodlands are ideal, Forest School principles can be applied in any natural environment - local parks, beaches, countryside areas, or even large gardens with trees and varied terrain.

Regular Outdoor Time: Consistency is key - aim for substantial outdoor time several times each week, regardless of weather conditions, allowing children to develop familiarity and confidence in natural environments.

Appropriate Clothing and Equipment: Invest in quality outdoor clothing that allows children to be comfortable in all weather conditions. Waterproofs, warm layers, and sturdy footwear enable year-round outdoor learning.

Basic Tools and Materials: Gradually introduce appropriate tools like hand saws, potato peelers for whittling, magnifying glasses, collection bags, and rope for various activities.

Safety Knowledge: Develop understanding of outdoor safety, risk assessment, and first aid whilst teaching children to identify and avoid potential hazards in natural environments.

Fire Safety Skills: If appropriate and legal in your location, learning to build and manage fires safely provides invaluable skills and magical learning experiences.

Daily and Seasonal Rhythms

Morning Outdoor Time: Many families begin their day outdoors, using morning energy for active exploration and discovery.

Weather Observation: Daily weather monitoring and discussion helps children understand natural patterns and develop weather awareness.

Seasonal Projects: Following natural cycles through seasonal activities like leaf collection in autumn, ice exploration in winter, nest observation in spring, and water play in summer.

Natural Art and Craft: Using materials collected outdoors for creative expression, temporary art installations, and traditional craft activities.

Campfire Gatherings: Regular opportunities for storytelling, song, and reflection around fires (where safely possible) create community and magical learning experiences.

Forest School Curriculum Areas

Environmental Education: Deep understanding of ecosystems, wildlife, plants, weather patterns, and environmental interdependence through direct observation and interaction.

Physical Development: Climbing, balancing, carrying, digging, and navigating varied terrain develops gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and physical confidence.

Risk Assessment: Learning to identify, assess, and manage risks appropriately develops sound judgement and confidence in natural environments.

Tool Use and Craft Skills: Safely using real tools to create useful objects develops practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and sense of capability.

Scientific Understanding: Observing natural phenomena, conducting outdoor experiments, and exploring cause and effect relationships through hands-on experience.

Mathematical Concepts: Measuring, counting, pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving emerge naturally through outdoor activities and challenges.

Social and Emotional Development: Working together on projects, sharing discoveries, and supporting each other through challenges develops emotional intelligence and social skills.

Cultural Connection: Learning traditional skills, understanding local history, and connecting with cultural heritage through outdoor experiences and craft activities.

Benefits of Forest School Home Education

Families who incorporate Forest School principles into their home education often experience numerous benefits:

Physical Health and Fitness: Regular outdoor activity promotes physical development, immune system strength, and overall health and wellbeing.

Mental Health Benefits: Time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and attention difficulties whilst promoting emotional regulation and mental clarity.

Environmental Awareness: Deep, regular contact with nature develops environmental consciousness and commitment to conservation.

Confidence and Resilience: Successfully navigating natural challenges and learning outdoor skills builds self-confidence and resilience.

Creativity and Imagination: Natural environments provide unlimited materials and inspiration for creative expression and imaginative play.

Problem-Solving Skills: Outdoor challenges require innovative thinking and practical problem-solving that translates to other areas of life.

Social Skills: Collaborative outdoor projects and shared adventures develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.

Sensory Development: Rich sensory experiences in natural environments support neurological development and sensory integration.

Attention and Focus: Research suggests that time in nature improves attention spans and reduces symptoms of attention difficulties.

Connection to Place: Developing intimate knowledge of local natural environments creates sense of place and community connection.

Independence and Self-Reliance: Learning outdoor skills and safety develops independence and practical life capabilities.

Seasonal Awareness: Regular outdoor time throughout the year develops understanding of natural cycles and seasonal rhythms.

Getting Started with Forest School Home Education

Start Local: Begin exploring natural areas near your home - local parks, woodland paths, beaches, or countryside areas accessible for regular visits.

Invest in Clothing: Priority should be given to appropriate outdoor clothing that allows comfort and freedom of movement in all weather conditions.

Begin with Simple Activities: Start with basic outdoor exploration, nature observation, and simple collecting activities before introducing tools or complex projects.

Develop Safety Skills: Learn basic outdoor safety, first aid, and risk assessment skills to build confidence for more adventurous activities.

Connect with Others: Join local Forest School groups, outdoor families, or environmental education organizations for support and shared experiences.

Document Discoveries: Keep simple records of outdoor discoveries, seasonal observations, and skill development through photographs and brief notes.

Follow Children’s Interests: Allow children’s natural curiosity about outdoor environments to guide activities and explorations.

Build Skills Gradually: Introduce new tools, activities, and challenges progressively as children demonstrate readiness and interest.

Adapting Forest School for Different Ages

Early Years (Ages 3-6)

Free Exploration: Emphasis on unstructured outdoor play, natural discovery, and sensory experiences with leaves, water, mud, stones, and other natural materials.

Basic Tools: Introduction to simple tools like magnifying glasses, collection containers, and child-sized gardening equipment.

Seasonal Awareness: Regular observation of weather, seasonal changes, and natural cycles through outdoor experiences and nature tables.

Movement and Physical Development: Climbing, balancing, jumping, and running in natural environments to develop gross motor skills and spatial awareness.

Primary Years (Ages 6-11)

Tool Skills: Introduction to more complex tools like hand saws, whittling knives (with appropriate supervision), and bushcraft equipment.

Project-Based Learning: Extended outdoor projects like shelter building, garden creation, or environmental monitoring that integrate multiple learning areas.

Scientific Investigation: Systematic observation and investigation of natural phenomena, wildlife behaviour, and environmental changes.

Traditional Skills: Learning heritage crafts and skills like fire-making, natural dyeing, wild food preparation, and traditional woodworking.

Secondary Years (Ages 11+)

Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead outdoor activities, mentor younger children, and take responsibility for group safety and success.

Environmental Action: Engaging with conservation projects, environmental monitoring, and community action related to local environmental issues.

Practical Skills: Advanced outdoor skills including navigation, extended camping, bushcraft, and survival techniques.

Scientific Research: Conducting genuine research projects related to local ecosystems, wildlife populations, or environmental changes.

Resources for UK Forest School Families

The Forest School Association provides training, resources, and guidance for families and educators implementing Forest School principles. Many regions have qualified Forest School leaders who offer family sessions, training workshops, or consultation for home-educating families.

Local wildlife trusts, national parks, and environmental centres often provide Forest School experiences or can suggest suitable locations for family activities. Outdoor equipment suppliers cater specifically to Forest School needs, providing appropriate tools, clothing, and safety equipment.

Online communities share practical advice about locations, activities, safety considerations, and adapting Forest School principles to different family circumstances. Many areas have outdoor learning networks that connect like-minded families for shared experiences and mutual support.

The Long-Term Impact of Forest School Education

Research consistently demonstrates that Forest School experiences have lasting positive impacts on children’s development. Children who participate in regular Forest School activities often show improved confidence, enhanced creativity, better social skills, and stronger environmental awareness that persists throughout their lives.

The approach helps children develop what researchers call “nature connectedness” - a deep, emotional bond with the natural world that influences environmental attitudes and behaviours into adulthood. This connection becomes increasingly important as society grapples with environmental challenges and the need for environmentally literate citizens.

Forest School also develops what educators call “learning power” - the confidence, curiosity, and resilience that enables children to tackle new challenges and continue learning throughout their lives. These meta-learning skills prove invaluable in higher education, careers, and personal development.

Making the Forest School Choice

Choosing to incorporate Forest School principles into home education represents a commitment to honouring children’s need for outdoor experiences, physical challenges, and connection with the natural world. It requires adults to step outside their comfort zones, embrace uncertainty, and trust in learning processes that may look very different from traditional education.

The approach asks families to prioritise experiences over possessions, process over products, and natural wisdom over artificial learning objectives. It requires patience with weather, comfort with mess, and confidence in children’s ability to learn through exploration and adventure.

For families who embrace Forest School, it often becomes a way of life that extends far beyond formal education. Regular outdoor experiences become family traditions, environmental awareness becomes a family value, and outdoor skills become part of the family’s cultural heritage.

The beauty of Forest School lies in its recognition that children need wild spaces, physical challenges, and unstructured time to develop fully. By providing regular access to natural environments and supporting children’s outdoor explorations, families can nurture confident, capable, and environmentally conscious individuals who maintain their connection to the natural world throughout their lives.

Whether implemented as a complete educational approach or integrated with other learning methods, Forest School principles offer valuable insights for any family seeking to provide rich, meaningful learning experiences that honour children’s natural development and foster deep connections with the environment.

For families considering this path, remember that Forest School is not about specific activities or locations but about attitudes and approaches to outdoor learning. Start with regular outdoor time, follow children’s natural curiosity about their environment, and trust in the profound learning that occurs when children are free to explore, discover, and adventure in the natural world.

Elemental Forest Friends

Waldorf Inspired Forest Groups

Brighton, East Sussex

Elementalforestfriends@gmail.com