Forest School continues to grow in popularity across nurseries, preschools, and reception classrooms. Rooted in exploration and child-led learning, it provides meaningful opportunities for early years children to build confidence, curiosity, independence, and a deep connection with the natural world.
If you’re an Early Years Practitioner wanting practical Forest School activities, ideas, and support—this guide is packed with inspiration you can use right away.
You’ll also find direct links to Muddy Puddle Teacher® resources and accredited training to strengthen your practice.
⭐ Why Forest School Matters in Early Years
Forest School encourages children to:
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Take appropriate risks
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Develop fine and gross motor skills
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Strengthen communication and teamwork
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Build emotional regulation through sensory experiences
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Learn holistically through play
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Develop respect for nature and sustainable thinking
For practitioners, it’s also a wonderful way to enhance the EYFS curriculum outdoors.
Explore the Muddy Puddle Teacher® philosophy here:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk
Top Forest School Activities for Early Years
🌿 1. Nature Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts help develop observation, classification, and language skills.
Ideas:
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Find objects by texture (smooth, rough, soft)
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Hunt for living things
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Collect natural items to sort into groups
Try the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Scavenger Hunt Resources:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/product-category/outdoor-learning-resources/
🌳 2. Stick Construction Challenges
Sticks are one of the most versatile natural materials.
Ideas:
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Build miniature dens
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Create stick letters or numbers
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Make bridges to test strength
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Build shapes or stick mobiles
For step-by-step ideas, see the Stick Play Activities:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/?s=stick
🫕 3. Mud Kitchen Imaginative Play
Mud kitchens support sensory exploration, capacity concepts, role play, and teamwork.
Activity prompts:
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Make “forest soup”
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Create nature cakes
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Experiment with textures
Access Muddy Puddle Teacher® Mud Kitchen Activities:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/?s=mud+kitchen
🍁 4. Leaf Art & Nature Crafting
Simple and low-prep nature crafts support fine motor development and creativity.
Ideas:
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Leaf crowns
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Nature collages
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Leaf threading
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Stick-and-leaf wands
Find curriculum-linked nature craft activities:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/product-category/outdoor-learning-resources/
🐛 5. Mini Beast Hunts
A brilliant way to introduce early science skills.
Tools: small trays, magnifying glasses, ID cards.
What to look for: worms, woodlice, beetles, snails, ants, spiders.
Try the Muddy Puddle Teacher® Mini Beast Activities:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/?s=mini+beast
🍂 6. Tree & Bark Rubbings
A simple yet powerful sensory and artistic activity.
Benefits:
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Fine motor development
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Vocabulary building (rough, bumpy, patterned)
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Close observation of nature
Download bark and tree activities:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/?s=bark+rubbing
🌬️ 7. Sensory Nature Walks
Encourage children to engage all their senses outdoors.
Prompts:
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What can you hear?
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How does this leaf feel?
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What colours can you see?
Explore sensory-focused outdoor activities:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/?s=sensory
💦 8. Puddle Science
Rainy days are perfect for learning.
Investigations:
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Sink or float
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Ripple observations
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Jump height measurements
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Finding reflections
Stormy day and wet-day activities:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/?s=rain
🔨 9. Simple Tool Use (Supervised)
Great for building confidence and responsibility.
Ideas:
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Peeling sticks
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Hammering golf tees into logs
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Using child-safe hand drills
Supportive guides available here:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/?s=tools
🐦 10. Bird Watching & Feeding
A calm activity that builds patience, observation, and environmental awareness.
Ideas:
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Make bird feeders
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Keep tally charts
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Learn common bird calls
Bird investigation activities:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/?s=bird
🌱 Forest School Tips for Early Years Practitioners
✔️ 1. Use a child-led approach
Follow the children’s interests—sticks, mud, bugs, puddles—these are all valuable starting points.
✔️ 2. Keep it simple
Nature provides what you need; minimal equipment often works best.
✔️ 3. Create predictable routines
Safety circles, songs, warm-up games, and calm reflection time build confidence.
✔️ 4. Dress for the weather
Waterproofs, layers, and appropriate footwear ensure children can fully engage.
✔️ 5. Risk assess—but don’t restrict
Forest School embraces appropriate risk-taking; set boundaries but allow freedom.
🎓 Want to Develop Your Forest School Practice Further?
The Muddy Puddle Teacher® Training provides accredited, practical courses for Early Years Practitioners who want to confidently deliver high-quality outdoor learning.
Explore all training options here:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training/
Popular courses include:
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The Muddy Puddle Teacher® Practitioner Training
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Outdoor Learning in the Early Years
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SEN Outdoor Learning Training
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Seasonal and topic-based CPD modules
You’ll also find:
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Printable activity cards
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Outdoor lesson plans
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Early Years Forest School ideas
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Outdoor curriculum bundles
Browse the full resource library:
👉 https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-resources/
🌲 Final Thoughts
Forest School offers children rich, hands-on experiences that boost confidence, imagination, and emotional well-being. With simple, nature-based activities and supportive training, Early Years Practitioners can bring the Forest School spirit into everyday learning—whether you have access to a full woodland area or just a small outdoor space.