Forest School Information for Parents 2016-17
What is Forest School?
Forest School is a concept which came to the UK from Scandinavia where outdoor learning is integral
to the countries culture. A qualified Forest School Leader will take children into the woods. Within
this rich environment children will play, explore, create things and learn tool skills and fire craft.
Children develop a relationship with nature and learn how to look after the environment. Sessions are
very child led with play and exploration given a high priority. The Forest School leader will follow the
children’s interests and set achievable tasks or activities. They will help the children take supported
risks, reflect and experiment to reach their goals. The Forest School leader will look for ways to
develop the whole child and take particular care to build emotional intelligence.
What Are the Benefits?
Children benefit from the rejuvenating properties of the woodland and attending Forest School can
reduce stress and encourage mindfulness. Children develop a relationship with nature and learn that
we look after our environment. Children become well rounded resilient learners who are keen to
explore and experiment. They are able to reflect on their achievements and make modifications if
they have not achieved the desired outcome. Children learn to take appropriate risks and how to
keep themselves and other safe. Children may also learn practical skills such as flora and fauna
identification, woodland management, tool skills, foraging skills and fire craft.
Who is Mel Evans?
I am a home educating mother of two boys with a passion for outdoor education. I fell in love with
Forest School when my eldest son was three. After taking him to many, many Forest School
sessions I began volunteering at Wilderness Wood helping with its stewardship. I became involved in
the Home Education groups at Wilderness Wood and ran ‘Streamside Club.’ At this point I decided it
was time to take the plunge and study to become a fully-fledged Forest School leader. I have just
completed full Level 3 Forest School Training. During this training I ran a Forest School group for
Home Educated children. I have also assisted with school groups visiting Wilderness Wood and am
running Wild Art workshops over the summer holidays.
When will sessions take place?
Sessions will start on the 14th of September and finish on the 19th October for half term. There will be
a session from10.30am to 12.30pm for children aged 5-8 and a session from 2pm-4pm for children
aged 9-12. If your children fall into two groups and you would rather they stayed together we can
discuss this.
Where will sessions take place?
The sessions will take place at Wilderness Wood in Hadlow Down (TN22 4HJ). For those of you that
don’t know the woodland this is a wonderful location. The wood comprises of 65 acres of broadleaf
woodland and coniferous plantations. It is working woodland as well as a recreational resource
offering the children a variety of experiences. For more information visit www.wildernesswood.org
What will the cost be?
Sessions will cost £6.00 per session per child. Payment should be made for the six sessions in
advance. Wilderness Wood members are offered a special rate of £5.00 per session per child.
How can I reserve a place?
Places will be allotted on a first come first served basis. In order to reserve a place please return
completed consent forms make payment to the payment details provided. I would also welcome any
feedback on what you and your child are hoping to get out of the sessions .
Where do we meet?
We will meet at the ranger point outside the café 5-10 minutes before the start of the session. Please
try and be on time as we will be walking down into the woods.
What about insurance and First Aid provisions?
I have full insurance and am qualified in outdoor first aid. I also have a current DBS certificate.
Who is responsible for risk assessments?
As the Forest School Leader I am responsible for making risk assessments. The site will be fully risk
assessed for hazards before the start of the sessions. Action will be taken to reduce risk and make
the site accessible. A safety sweep will be done directly before each session using the ‘Site
Checklist’ found in the forms section of the information pack. The group, individuals, activities, fire
and tools will all have their own risk assessments and these are available on request.
What kinds of things do you do at Forest School?
The possibilities for Forest School activities are limitless and will vary throughout the seasons.
Examples of possible activities include:
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Building Dens
Using clay to make models, leaf prints or tree guardians
Making paint from natural materials
Using tools and lashings to make things such as furniture or ladders
Fire craft and campfire cooking
Making ‘wild tea’ using the storm kettle
Making boats and floating them in streams
Building ‘Dead Hedges’
Using natural dyes and ‘Hapa Zome’
Foraging
Tree and plant identification
Exploring woodland animals habitats and tracking them
Mini-Beast safaris
Learning knots and using ropes to create swings and slack lines
Putting up hammocks and enjoying a quiet space to observe nature
Making natural cordage from nettles or brambles
Making beads from Elder and using them to create jewellery or puppets
Whittling and making things with tools
Making charcoal on the fire
The Forest School process is very fluid and child led and I will give the children opportunity to reflect
at the end of each session and make suggestions for the next week’s session. There will also be
much opportunity to play, explore and take part in some really fun group games.
Should parents accompany children?
Parents are welcome to accompany their children down into the woods. Alternatively if the children
are happy to go alone you may leave them and go and enjoy the woodland or have a coffee in the
café. I would ask any parents accompanying their children to familiarise themselves with the Forest
School ground rules. This will enable them to lead by example.
Do children need to bring anything with them?
Please can children bring a piece of fruit or two and we will prepare a fruit platter to share as a snack.
I may bring an additional shared snack or we might cook something on the fire so please let me know
on the consent form if there are any specific dietary requirements. All children will need to bring a
drink.
What should children wear?
Children will need to wear suitable outdoor clothes and boots including waterproofs in wet weather. In
fine weather long trousers and a long sleeved t-shirt is preferable to guard against scratches and
insect bites.
Do we have to commit to all six sessions?
Forest School works best as a long term programme. This allows the leader to form a rapport with
the children and bond the group together. This results in a safe learning and playing environment
where children can grow and develop holistically. Initial sessions will be used to make observations
so future sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of the children. It is also a wonderful
experience to see the woodland throughout the seasons. Over the six weeks we will see the leaves
change colour and the myriad of fungus at the site appear. Chestnuts will begin to ripen and beech
nuts and acorns will fall.
What happens after the six sessions are finished?
Before the end of the six sessions I will email details of the next six sessions. These will commence
on the 2nd November and run until the 7th December.