What is a Forest School?

Forest School is a long-term, learner-led approach to education that takes place in natural settings like woodlands or green spaces. Rooted in Scandinavian outdoor learning traditions and introduced to the UK in the 1990s, it encourages children to explore, take supported risks, and grow at their own pace.

With growing awareness of climate change and the need for outdoor learning, Forest School offers a powerful alternative to traditional classrooms. It supports emotional well-being, builds resilience, and helps children reconnect with nature—something increasingly vital in today’s screen-heavy world.

Modern Forest School in the UK began in the early 1990s, inspired by Danish outdoor nurseries. Practitioners from Bridgwater College brought the concept home and launched the first UK-based training. However, the ethos of learning through nature dates back centuries, when daily life was deeply connected to the land.

Since its introduction, Forest School has flourished across the UK. As academic pressures grow, many schools now use Forest School to support children who struggle in traditional settings. Outdoor learning offers a calm, inclusive space where all children can thrive—especially those who find indoor environments challenging.

According to the Forest School Association, true Forest School practice is guided by six key principles:

• Long-term, regular sessions that follow a cycle of planning, observation, and review.

• Natural settings like woodlands that foster a deep connection with the environment.

• Learner-led experiences that adapt to each child’s interests and needs.

• Holistic development, nurturing confidence, creativity, and independence.

• Supported risk-taking, helping children assess and manage challenges safely.

• Qualified leaders who continuously reflect and improve their practice.

Forest School can be adapted to suit all ages and abilities, from Early Years to Key Stage 2 and beyond. Even schools with limited green space can create dedicated outdoor areas or partner with local woodlands. The result? Confident, capable learners who feel connected—to themselves, to others, and to the world around them.