An initiative that has been gathering popularity over the past 15 years, Forest Schools have become a nationally recognised and innovative approach to education. Using the natural resources of the woodland to stimulate creative, imaginative activities it enables children or adults to achieve and develop confidence through hands-on learning in a wooded environment. It focuses on developing the whole person, leading to increased self-esteem and motivation.
Forest Schools involve regular visits to the woodland classroom throughout the year, in any weather! In an age when many children have few opportunities to be outdoors, it offers them a way to experience a full and enhanced curriculum whilst having fun outdoors.
Forest Schools at the Box Moor Trust
The Box Moor Trust has been providing Forest Schools since 2006. It has proved to be a very worthwhile experience, loved by children, teachers and parents who have been involved. We offer regular sessions over the academic year, run by our team of fully qualified Forest Schools leaders, for local schools.
The sessions are structured but at the same time allow the individual time and space to explore our woodland in a safe environment. Participants can climb trees, build shelters, cook over a fire, whittle sticks, investigate their surroundings, leap in puddles and generally have fun while learning.
Each session encourages personalised learning and is flexible to individual needs, helping to develop healthy bodies, improve social skills, increase confidence and self-esteem and engender a love of the natural world.
Forest schools can be tailored to all ages and abilities.
What are the benefits of Forest Schools?
Forest Schools are great fun. They focus on self-guided learning and play, allowing students to:
- make discoveries and use their imagination
- be physically active and learn to take risks safely
- build their confidence and self-esteem
- take care of themselves and others
- take responsibility
- develop social and co-operative skills
- learn through doing and achieving
- develop language
- learn and understand more about the natural world
- explore and develop at their own pace
