In a world increasingly dominated by screens and structured indoor learning, forest schools offer a breath of fresh air — and I mean literally.
These innovative educational programs immerse children in natural settings, fostering their development through hands-on exploration, creativity, and child-led activities.
A little bit of history
Forest schools trace their origins to Scandinavia, with early concepts emerging in the 1950s in Denmark.
The first known formalized forest school approach was established in Sweden in 1957 by Gösta Frohm, who created “Skogsmulle” as an outdoor education program for young children.
The concept gained traction in Denmark in the 1950s and 1960s, where parents and educators embraced outdoor learning for preschool-aged children.
By the 1980s, forest kindergartens were well-established across Denmark.
The UK adopted the forest school model in the 1990s after a group of early childhood educators from Bridgewater College visited Denmark and were inspired by the success of its outdoor learning philosophy.
Since then, the movement has expanded worldwide.
What Are Forest Schools?
Forest schools are outdoor-based educational programs that emphasize holistic, child-centered learning.
Unlike traditional classrooms, they allow children to explore, play, and interact with the natural environment in a way that promotes confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills.
Activities range from building dens and observing wildlife to crafting tools and lighting campfires under supervision.
At the heart of forest schools is the belief that children learn best when they are free to explore and follow their interests. The unstructured, flexible nature of these sessions ensures that every child’s unique needs and abilities are respected and nurtured.
The Rise of Forest Schools in the UK
Forest schools were introduced to the UK in the 1990s, inspired by Denmark’s outdoor education model. Since then, they have flourished, with many schools and nurseries integrating forest school principles into their curriculums.
Trained practitioners lead regular sessions, often in local woodlands or natural spaces, ensuring safety while encouraging children to embrace challenges and take manageable risks.
Trained practitioners lead regular sessions, often in local woodlands or natural spaces, ensuring safety while encouraging children to embrace challenges and take manageable risks.
Benefits of Forest Schools
Research and anecdotal evidence highlight numerous advantages of forest schools:
Physical Health : Regular outdoor activities encourage physical fitness, helping combat childhood obesity and promoting overall well-being.
Mental Well-Being: Exposure to nature reduces stress and anxiety, fostering emotional resilience and mindfulness.
Social Skills: Collaborative tasks like building shelters or solving problems enhance communication, teamwork, and empathy.
Cognitive Development: Hands-on learning stimulates curiosity and critical thinking, laying a foundation for lifelong learning.
Environmental Awareness: Early engagement with nature nurtures a sense of stewardship and responsibility toward the planet.
Support for Neurodivergent Children : Forest schools have been particularly beneficial for children with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions.
The natural, unstructured setting allows these children to engage at their own pace, reducing sensory overload while enhancing focus, motor skills, and emotional regulation.
Studies have shown that time spent in nature improves attention spans and decreases anxiety, leading to significant breakthroughs in learning and social interaction.
Forest Schools vs. Scouts: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, forest schools may seem similar to programs like Scouts, but there are key distinctions:
Philosophy and Goals : Forest schools prioritize holistic, child-led learning in natural settings, focusing on personal growth and creativity.
Scouts, on the other hand, emphasize skill-building, leadership, and community service, often within a structured framework.
Structure and Activities : Forest schools are flexible and unstructured, allowing children to follow their interests.
Activities like mud play, tool use, and wildlife observation are designed to inspire exploration. Scouts operate on a more organized schedule, with tasks such as earning badges for knot-tying, navigation, or first aid.
Educational Integration : Forest schools often tie into formal education, with sessions supplementing academic subjects. Scouts are extracurricular, promoting character development alongside practical skills.
While both approaches promote outdoor learning and personal growth, they cater to different needs.
Forest schools suit younger children and those seeking a natural, exploratory environment, while Scouts appeal to families looking for structured skill-building and community engagement.
Challenges of Forest Schools
Despite their many benefits, forest schools face challenges:
Accessibility : Not all families have access to forest school programs due to geographic or financial constraints.
Weather Dependence : Sessions take place in all weather conditions, which may be a hurdle for some children and parents.
Perception of Risk : While calculated risks are integral to the philosophy, some adults may perceive activities like tree climbing or tool use as unsafe.
Forest Schools Around the World
Though rooted in Scandinavian traditions, forest schools have adapted to various cultures and environments globally:
Scandinavia : The birthplace of forest schools, where outdoor preschool education is common.
USA : Programs like nature schools emphasize environmental education and survival skills.
Australia : “Bush Kindy” programs celebrate the unique ecosystems and landscapes of the Australian outback.
Forest School Associations Around the World
For those interested in learning more or finding local programs, here are some notable forest school associations worldwide:
Click here :
Skogsmulle & Outdoor Learning – Sweden (friluftsframjandet.se)
New Zealand Bush Kindergarten & Nature Play (bushkindy.org.nz)
In Conclusion
Forest schools provide a refreshing alternative to conventional education, emphasizing the importance of nature in a child’s development.
By fostering independence, creativity, and environmental awareness, they equip children with life long skills.
Whether your child thrives in the unstructured, exploratory environment of a forest school or enjoys the camaraderie and challenges of Scouts, both approaches offer invaluable opportunities for growth
In a world where screens dominate and nature often takes a backseat, these programs remind us of the profound impact of the great outdoors on young minds.
So, the next time you see a child covered in mud, building a den, or marveling at a beetle crawling across a log, remember — they’re learning in ways that no textbook can teach.
