What Is a Forest School? A Complete Guide for Beginners
Forest School is becoming more popular across the UK, and for good reason. It helps children develop confidence, resilience, independence and a strong connection to the natural world. Yet, many teachers, practitioners and parents still find themselves asking the same question: What exactly is a Forest School?
If you’re new to Forest School or want to understand how it works, this complete beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Forest School?
A Forest School is an outdoor, nature-based learning approach where children explore, play and learn in woodland or natural environments. Rather than structured, adult-led lessons, Forest School encourages child-led discovery, hands-on experiences and time spent connecting with nature.
Forest School is not one activity, one lesson or one-off experience. It is a long-term, regular programme rooted in play, exploration and supported risk-taking.
The approach originated in Scandinavia and has become widely established across the UK in Early Years, Primary settings, SEND provisions and youth services.
Key Principles of Forest School
Forest School in the UK follows six recognised principles. These help practitioners deliver authentic, high-quality outdoor sessions.
1. Regular, Long-Term Sessions
Forest School happens over many weeks or months. This consistency allows children to build relationships with nature, develop confidence and grow their skills gradually.
2. A Natural, Woodland Setting
Sessions take place in woodland or natural areas. The environment becomes the teacher, offering endless opportunities for discovery and imagination.
3. Holistic Development
Forest School supports emotional, physical, social, spiritual and cognitive growth. It is not about ticking curriculum boxes — it is about developing the whole child.
4. Child-Led Exploration and Play
Children choose how they explore the space. Adults observe, guide and support, but do not control the learning.
5. Supported Risk-Taking
Children learn to assess and manage risk safely. This may include climbing trees, using tools, lighting fires or building shelters — all under skilled supervision.
6. Qualified Forest School Practitioners
Sessions should be led by a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner trained in safe practice, risk management and outdoor pedagogy.
Who Is Forest School For?
Forest School is suitable for all ages and abilities. Many settings use it with:
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Early Years and Key Stage 1
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Key Stage 2
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Year 6 transition groups
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SEND pupils
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Behaviour and SEMH support groups
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Nurture groups
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Home-educated children
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Youth programmes
Its flexible, child-led nature makes it accessible and supportive for every learner.
What Do Children Do at Forest School?
Activities are varied and change with children’s interests, the season and the natural environment. Examples include:
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Building shelters
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Lighting campfires
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Cooking outdoors
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Using tools such as peelers or knives
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Exploring minibeasts and habitats
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Nature crafts
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Whittling
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Sensory play in mud, leaves, water and clay
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Team challenges
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Problem-solving and engineering tasks
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Navigation and tracking skills
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Mindfulness and reflective circle time
Forest School is active, creative and deeply engaging.
Benefits of Forest School
Research shows Forest School has a wide range of benefits for children’s well-being, learning and development.
Emotional Benefits
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Reduces stress and anxiety
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Builds resilience
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Improves confidence and self-esteem
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Encourages independence
Physical Benefits
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Develops strength, balance and coordination
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Encourages active lifestyles
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Improves fine and gross motor skills
Social Benefits
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Supports teamwork and communication
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Encourages empathy and kindness
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Strengthens friendships
Cognitive Benefits
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Enhances problem-solving skills
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Encourages curiosity and inquiry
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Boosts creativity and imagination
SEND Benefits
Forest School is particularly effective for pupils with:
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ASD
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ADHD
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Dyslexia
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SEMH needs
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Communication barriers
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Physical needs (with adaptations)
The outdoor environment reduces pressure, provides sensory regulation opportunities and allows children to succeed in ways they may not indoors.
How Is Forest School Different from Outdoor Learning?
Forest School is a specific, structured approach with long-term sessions and a qualified practitioner.
Outdoor Learning, on the other hand, includes any curriculum activity taken outside — from science experiments to maths trails.
Both are valuable, but Forest School uses a deeper child-led, holistic model that emphasises emotional well-being, nature connection and supported risk-taking.
How to Start Forest School at Your Setting
If you’re considering Forest School for your school or organisation, here are the best first steps:
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Identify a natural space or local woodland
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Ensure risk assessments are in place
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Train a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner
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Start a 6–12 week programme
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Observe children closely and follow their interests
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Introduce fire, tools and woodland skills gradually
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Keep sessions playful and child-led
Do I Need Training for Forest School?
Yes. To lead official Forest School sessions in the UK, you need a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner qualification.
However, many educators begin by exploring outdoor learning approaches first.
If you’re thinking about training, The Muddy Puddle Teacher® offers several accredited courses including:
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Level 1 Outdoor Learning
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Level 2–4 CPD Outdoor Learning
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Level 5 Outdoor Learning Coordinator Course
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Outdoor SEND Specialism Courses
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Early Years Outdoor Training
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Climate and Sustainability Outdoor Training
Browse all training options:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training-packages/
Want to Explore More Forest School Resources?
If you’re ready to bring Forest School ideas into your setting, you can access hundreds of downloadable activities through our resource library.
Browse Forest School and outdoor learning resources:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/category/outdoor-learning-resources/
Conclusion: Forest School Is for Everyone
Forest School is more than learning outdoors — it is a powerful, long-term approach that helps children thrive emotionally, socially and physically. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or a complete beginner, Forest School offers endless opportunities for growth, curiosity and joy.
If you’re ready to begin your Forest School journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.