Fantastic Forest Schools

How did Forest Schools begin?

Forest Schools originated in Scandinavia in the 1950’s when learning went outside the classroom. This opportunity to explore and learn about the natural world proved a great success. Its reputation brought it to the UK, where it continues to grow.

What is Forest Schools?

Forest Schools consists of a minimum of six regular sessions. Activities are carefully planned in conjunction with the curriculum and thoroughly risk assessed. Activities include: shelter and playground building, learning to safely build and cook on fires, creative weaves, mud sculptures and woodland crafts. Depending on the age group they will learn to use different tools. The child’s natural inquisitiveness and enthusiasm leads them into many areas of learning. We then help to deepen this understanding.

The activities are small and child led ensuring success. This allows them to learn from their current level of understanding and develop their personal creativity. Adults are there to support learning and ensure safety allowing the children to explore the many stimuli provided by the resources of the natural environment.

Results?

Research has shown this inspirational approach helps develop confidence, self-esteem, emotional and social skills whilst developing a connection and respect for the natural environment. The careful planning ensures success, helping children with challenging behaviour take a more positive approach. We all know when we are happy and confident we achieve so much more. This approach allows children to develop independence, learn how to take responsibility and manage risk in a controlled way.

What can Essex Wildlife Trust offer?

Three of our experienced environmental education officers have completed their Level 3 Forest School training and can

• plan in conjunction with the teacher

• set up the health and safety precautions

• provide all the tools, equipment and resources

• give a presentation to teachers and parents

• help you sort out the right outdoor clothing

• set up a forest school at a nature reserve, a suitable local space or school grounds

Schools Outreach

Schools Outreach is now offering Forest Schools. You may have the ideal spot in or close to your grounds or, with our many reserves across the county we could help you to find an area within walking distance of your school. Regular access to the outdoor environment and practical activities will help enhance learning within all areas of the curriculum.

Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre

Many schools visit the beautiful and diverse Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve for a wide range of exciting hands on activities. Forest Schools provides the opportunity for young people of all ages and abilities to feel the freedom of the outdoors on a regular basis. Everything will be provided to enable young people to learn many practical and creative skills and boost their self-esteem and learning.

Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre

Our Hanningfield Education Officer is experienced in working with secondary school children, youth groups and young people with behavioural and emotional difficulties. The large areas of woodland provide the perfect environment for Forest Schools ensuring a safe environment in which to develop many practical skills that will help build independence, social and emotional skills.

Cost - £50 for a half-day Forest School session (up to 2 sessions per day) at an EWT centre and £75 + travel expenses for Outreach visits. We are available to give introductory presentations to interested cluster groups.

For more information on Forest Schools please contact:

Schools Outreach Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough, Colchester
Schools Outreach Officer - Anna Rule
01621 862993 (Mondays)
annar@essexwt.org.uk

Fingringhoe Wick Visitor Centre, Fingringhoe Colchester
Education Officer – Laura Hopkins
01206 729678
lauraho@essexwt.org.uk

Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre, South Hanningfield
Education Officer – Becky Gibson
01268 711001
beckyg@essexwt.org.uk