Forest School
Child led educational approach to outdoor learning.
What is Forest School
Forest School is a child led educational approach to outdoor learning that offers children and young people hands on learning experiences in a woodland or any natural environment that has trees.
It is an ethos that values all learners as equal, unique and valuable; and aims to nurture children’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being and support their development through play, exploration, creativity, learning life skills, mindfulness, sharing circles and risk taking.
Forest school creates a safe container in a natural environment for children to explore their relationship to the wild, learn life skills, be in community with their peers and experience all the benefits and wonders nature has to offer
Elements of Forest School
We provide Forest School programmes and seasonal nature-based workshops for children, young people, and families. Our programmes are adaptable to suit the specific needs of each group. Elements of the programmes can include:
Nature Exploration
Mindfulness & Sensory Activities
Nature arts & crafts
Bushcraft skills, fire lighting, safe tool use
Wild cooking, responsible foraging, herbal medicine
Learning about native plants & trees and local fauna
Seasonal rituals, storytelling, song sharing
Team building activities
Enviromental projects
Personal reflection & Group Sharing
Forest School Benefits
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Child-Led Learning
Child-led learning is a educational approach that prioritizes the interests, curiosities, and choices of the child in guiding their own learning journey. By respecting their interests and choices, it fosters a love of learning, independence, and holistic development. This approach not only enhances academic skills but also nurtures emotional and social growth, preparing children for lifelong success and fulfilment.
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Connection with Nature
Forest School creates the space for children to form their own unique bond and connection with nature and a sense of stewardship for the environment. The outdoor learning approach allows children to experience the different seasons and cycles, learn directly about nature from nature and develop a life long love and appreciation for the natural world.
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Heritage & Culture
Reverence and respect for nature was once a very natural part of culture all over the world. We celebrate the Irish seasonal festivals and ancestral practices and traditions. We also encourage the sharing & celebration of different cultures and their traditions. Children learn about the native plants, trees, folkore, traditional crafts, wild foods, herbal medicines and seasonal practices.
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Risky Play
Positive risk taking can be defined as pushing the boundaries of learning, trying something new and moving out of your comfort zone. In a supportive environment children practice taking risks that challenge themselves. They are encouraged to try, make mistakes, fail, try again and gently overcome fears and anxieties. This builds a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to success.
