The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy

Authors: Jon Cree & Marina Robb

This is a practical blueprint for setting up and running Forest School. Within you’ll find pedagogy, risk–benefit guidance, lesson planning and lots of assessment tools.
Jon and Marina are two highly respected UK trainers with decades of experience in outdoor learning and education.
👉 Available from Routledge and Amazon.

The Archimedes Forest Schools Model

Author: Sarah Blackwell

Outlines the structured Archimedes approach — a long-term, child-led model that has trained thousands worldwide. Essential for anyone interested in Forest Schools.
Sarah is the founder of Forest Schools Education and Archimedes Training, and is a pioneer in global Forest School training.
👉 Available at ForestSchools.com and Amazon Kindle. 🌳

The Stick Book

Author: Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield

This activity-packed book provides you with 70 suggestions for things to do with a stick including bushcraft adventures, creative play, woodcraft and conservation, music and more. From building a den to making a magic wand, from a game of 'capture the flag' to creating a sun clock, the possibilities are endless.

👉 Available on Amazon

100 Forest School Activities

Authors: Naomi Walmsley & Dan Walmsley

Packed with practical ideas — fire-lighting, shelter building, storytelling and nature art. A brilliant go-to for quick inspiration.
Naomi and Dan are Forest School leaders with years of hands-on experience running sessions.
👉 Available on Amazon

A Year of Forest School

Authors: Jane Worroll & Peter Houghton

A treasure chest of seasonal activities to engage children all year long — from nature crafts to campfire skills. Ideal for parents, teachers and Forest School leaders.
Jane and Peter are certified practitioners who have led countless woodland sessions.
👉 Available on Amazon

Forest school for All

Editor: Sara Knight

Anyone interested in how to implement the Forest School ethos in their learning environment will be enthused and inspired by this book.

Sara Knight is an experienced early years educator and Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University. She is a trained Forest School practitioner and author of Forest Schools and Outdoor Learning in the Early Years and Risk and Adventure in Early Years Outdoor Play (both published by SAGE).
👉 Available on SAGE and Amazon

Why Prioritising Activities Can Undermine Forest School’s Potential.

Written by Kirsty Bourhill

When most people think of Forest School, they imagine children building dens, making fires, crafting mud faces, or weaving with natural materials. And yes, those things often happen but they’re not actually the heart of Forest School.

In fact, when we put too much emphasis on “doing activities,” we risk taking away the very magic that makes Forest School so powerful.

Forest School is About Freedom, Not Checklists

The beauty of Forest School lies in its child-led approach. Children are given the time and space to follow their curiosity, make their own choices, and discover the world around them in ways that feel meaningful to them.

When sessions are centered around specific activities, it can feel more like ticking boxes - Today we all make bird feeders. Next week we all do leaf art. While these can be fun, they shift the focus from freedom to instruction. Instead of exploring, children may feel they “have to” complete the task and that misses the point.

Activities Are Invitations, Not Obligations.

Of course, activities aren’t “bad.” They can be brilliant sparks of inspiration. A pile of clay, a length of rope, or a set of tools might get children started, but the key is leaving the outcome open. The mud might turn into a monster face on a tree, or it might become pretend food for a woodland café — and both are wonderful!

The trouble comes when adults treat the activity itself as the goal. Forest School works best when activities are just one of many options, not the main event.

What Children Gain From True Forest School.

When we step back and allow children to lead, we see the real benefits of Forest School shine through:

🌱 A stronger connection to nature through hands-on exploration.

🌱 Problem-solving skills from following their own ideas.

🌱 Confidence and independence by making their own choices.

🌱 Creativity that isn’t limited by a set activity or “finished product.”

🌱 Social growth through cooperation, negotiation, and shared play.

These are skills and qualities that last far longer than the stick wand or leaf crown they might take home.

Letting Forest School Be What It’s Meant to Be.

The real potential of Forest School isn’t found in perfectly completed crafts or well-structured lessons. It’s found in muddy knees, curious minds, and the freedom to play and explore.

So next time you hear about a Forest School session, don’t ask “What did they make?” Instead, ask “What did they discover?”

Because that’s where the magic really lives. 🌳✨

Holistic Wellbeing in Nature

Written by Kirsty Bourhill.

Delve into the benefits of connecting with nature for overall wellbeing. Learn about activities and practices that promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and enhance emotional resilience in both children and adults. Explore resources on creating nurturing environments that foster holistic development.

Wellbeing and the Forest School Ethos

In recent years, the Forest School ethos has gained recognition for its powerful impact on children’s development and wellbeing. More than just outdoor education, Forest School is a holistic approach that nurtures the whole child—physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally—through regular, sustained experiences in natural settings. At the heart of this ethos lies a commitment to wellbeing, creating spaces where children can thrive in ways that traditional classrooms sometimes cannot.

The Forest as a Wellbeing Space

Nature has long been recognised as a healer. Stepping into a woodland environment lowers stress levels, boosts mood, and fosters a sense of calm. For children, the forest becomes a sanctuary: a place where the pressures of academic expectations are replaced with open-ended exploration and play. This freedom encourages curiosity, creativity, and joy—key ingredients for positive mental health.

Building Resilience and Confidence

Forest School sessions are designed around child-led learning. Activities such as climbing, fire-lighting, or building shelters present safe challenges that empower children to test their limits. Every achievement, no matter how small, strengthens self-esteem and builds resilience. Importantly, mistakes are reframed as learning opportunities, helping children develop a growth mindset that supports long-term emotional wellbeing.

Supporting Social Connection

Wellbeing flourishes when individuals feel connected, and Forest School nurtures this through collaboration and community. Group tasks encourage teamwork, empathy, and communication. Around the campfire or while constructing a den, children learn to negotiate, problem-solve, and support one another. These shared experiences build strong social bonds, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing a sense of belonging.

Mindfulness in Nature

Forest School naturally invites mindfulness. Listening to the rustle of leaves, noticing the intricate patterns of a spider’s web, or simply breathing in fresh air anchors children in the present moment. These sensory-rich experiences help reduce anxiety and increase self-awareness. Many practitioners weave reflective moments into sessions, encouraging children to express gratitude, share feelings, and recognise the calming effect of the natural world.

Physical Wellbeing and Healthy Lifestyles

Climbing trees, balancing on logs, and carrying natural materials all contribute to improved motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness. Unlike structured sports, these activities are accessible to all abilities and foster a positive relationship with movement. Spending extended time outdoors also supports healthier sleep patterns, boosts immune systems, and instills lifelong habits of connecting with nature for wellbeing.

A Holistic Approach

At its core, the Forest School ethos sees wellbeing not as an add-on, but as a central aim. By nurturing the whole child—body, mind, and spirit—it equips learners with tools for lifelong resilience and happiness. In an age where children face growing mental health challenges, Forest School offers a vital reminder: that wellbeing is found in freedom, connection, and the natural world.

Mixed-Age Groups in Forest School: Why They Matter

written by Kirsty Bourhill

At Forest School, children of different ages learn, play, and explore side by side. This mixed-age approach creates a supportive, community-focused environment that reflects how people naturally interact in everyday life.

How We Support Mixed-Age Learning

Open-Ended Activities

We design tasks—like den building, nature art, tool use, and wildlife exploration—that can be enjoyed at different levels. Younger children learn foundational skills while older children stretch their abilities.

Peer Learning and Mentoring

Older learners often take on gentle leadership roles, showing younger children how to try new skills and supporting them in group activities. This builds confidence and connection for everyone.

Clear Boundaries and Safety Routines

Consistent expectations help all children feel safe and empowered. With clear guidance, children can take appropriate risks and explore independently.

Child-Led Exploration

We follow the children’s interests, allowing each learner to move at their own pace. This keeps sessions engaging, inclusive, and meaningful.

The Benefits for Children

Stronger social and emotional skills such as empathy, patience, and teamwork
Natural leadership opportunities for older children
Improved communication and language development across age groups
A deep sense of community and belonging
Greater creativity and problem-solving skills, inspired by mixed perspectives

A Learning Community That Grows Together

Mixed-age groups make Forest School a uniquely rich learning experience. By exploring nature together, children build confidence, cooperation, and lifelong friendships—no matter their age.

🌿 Why Play Isn’t Always Happy (and why that matters) 🌿

written by Kirsty Bourhill

Research tells us that children don’t build resilience, confidence, and emotional strength by always feeling comfortable or happy. They develop these skills by working through challenge, conflict, and problem-solving in play, with supportive adults nearby.

When children experience frustration, disagreements, or uncertainty during play, they are learning how to:

• manage big emotions

• negotiate and communicate

• persevere when things feel difficult

• solve problems independently

• recover after setbacks

Studies show that play involving challenge helps children develop self-regulation, resilience, empathy, and confidence – skills they carry with them for life. At Forest School, we see these moments as powerful learning opportunities, not something to rush past or fix.

With time, trust, and gentle guidance, children learn that they can cope – even when play isn’t easy 🌲💚

This approach is supported by a wide body of child development research, including:

• Sandseter, E. (2010; 2014) – Research on risky and challenging play shows that manageable risk and uncertainty help children develop resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation.

• Vygotsky, L. (1978) – Play creates a space where children practice self-control, language, and emotional regulation beyond their current abilities.

• Pellegrini, A. (2009) – Peer conflict during play supports social competence, negotiation skills, and problem-solving.

• Hartup, W. (1992) – Children learn vital social skills through conflict and cooperation with peers, especially when adults support rather than intervene too quickly.

• Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University – Executive function skills (such as impulse control, flexible thinking, and emotional regulation) are strengthened through challenge, persistence, and problem-solving.

• O’Brien & Murray (2007); Knight (2011) – Forest School research highlights improvements in children’s confidence, resilience, emotional wellbeing, and independence through child-led outdoor play.