Welcome to Forest School Plymouth

Forest School Plymouth is an educational organisation dedicated to providing a safe outdoor environment for children to play, explore and enjoy nature’s perfect playground.

Please Note due to reorganisation we are currently not taking any new bookings.

Children have a natural affinity for the natural world which is quickly stimulated at Forest School. The philosophy behind Forest School Plymouth is based on the Scandinavian Forest School model which became a fundamental part of Early Years Education in Denmark in the 1980s. The philosophy is based on the principle that if children are given experiences that enable them to appreciate and enjoy the natural world this would encourage care and understanding of the natural environment in later life.

This is rapidly becoming popular in the U.K. Current research has shown that Forest School has huge benefits for children and adults, creating a sense of well-being and health.

Where does Forest School take place?

Forest School events take place in established Forest School sites that have been carefully selected for their suitability. A fire circle, often constructed from wood from the forest, creates a safe home area around the campfire. Shelter is provided with a cover to keep children and any equipment safe. Alternatively, sessions can take place in your school grounds or anywhere that has an outdoor space.

What activities will the children be doing?

The children will take part in a variety of activities which could range from a mini beast hunt to making, for example, kazoos or wooden forest friends using real tools. Environmental art will be created from natural objects. Other activities include den building, bush craft, learning the art of fire making, toasting marsh mallows and a large variety of games including team building and confidence building. They will also learn about looking after the natural world and all of the animals and plants in their local environment.

Health and safety at Forest School

There is a strong emphasis on health and safety at Forest School and every site and activity is carefully risk assessed. All leaders have a Level 3 OCN Forest School Leader qualification a current CRB check and outdoor first aid and are fully insured