Forest School

Children in matching rain suits sitting in a row on a log in the middle of a woodland. Just their legs are in shot

Image by Paul Harris/2020VISION

Education

Forest School

Championing the Forest School movement in the North West since 2009

Nurturing childrens' confidence through outdoor learning

Forest School is a child-led, play-based ethos that allows children to explore, learn and play in a safe and supportive natural environment. Harnessing the power of nature to help children grow in self-esteem, develop teamwork skills and initiate their own learning outside of a classroom, Forest School is proven to not only help them grow as people, but develop a genuine love of nature.

Our vision is for a growing movement of primary schools across our region that are passionate about Forest School and the benefits it offers to learners.

The children have really loved exploring the outside environment. The hands-on approach has really allowed children to experiment and enjoy learning without even realising.
St Mary's C.E. Primary School, Manchester

Bring Forest School to your pupils

Our experienced team can help you in all stages of your Forest School journey:

- Volunteering opportunities.
- Forest School delivery programmes and Taster Days at Brockholes Nature Reserve in Preston and The Hive at Moss Bank Park in Bolton for educational facilities and home education groups.
-Delivery programmes and Taster Days in educational facilities with suitable grounds.
-School ground improvements to get your site ready for Forest School.
- Family Taster Days during school holidays.
- Forest School Level 2 and Level 3 courses and Forest School taster days for adults.

Forest School Brockholes trip

Forest School in Manchester

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we have brought Forest School to Manchester since 2015, delivering free sessions and training in educational. facilities across the city.

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Forest School PPL

Forest School in Liverpool

Through Forest School in Liverpool we have worked with Friends of Everton Park, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and more to enrich children's lives, and even use Forest School as a form of therapy.

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At first, the children's self-esteem is low and they ask if it’s okay to do something before trying anything but after six sessions of Forest School the children’s confidence has developed so much, it’s amazing. The pupils who haven’t tried Forest School yet are all desperate to join in now.
Chris Bowcock
Teacher, Our Lady Immaculate Primary School, Liverpool

Forest School taster sessions

If you aren't sure whether Forest School will suit your setting, book a bespoke taster session at our beautiful wetland nature reserve in Preston: Brockholes. Or we can come to you (mileage costs will apply)!

Forest School Taster prices

Manchester Forest School PPL

Our enthusiastic and experienced team can deliver full day or half-day sessions on request for groups of up to 30 children with two of our practitioners. Children will experience specifically designed, practical, hands-on natural play in an outdoor environment.

A full day Forest School session costs £590 for up to six hours.

Taster session activities

  • Safe fire-building and campfire cooking
  • Bushcraft skills using hand tools
  • Shelter-building and woodland games
  • Learning about woodland plants and animals
  • Making environmental art from clay and other natural materials

What to bring along

  • A packed lunch.
  • Sturdy footwear (walking boots or wellies).
  • Clothes appropriate for the weather - be prepared to spend the whole day in the woods.

Refreshments (tea, coffee, juice and biscuits) are provided.

Get in touch

For more information about our Forest School sessions, training, volunteering opportunities and taster sessions: 

T: 01772 872017 

E: eduadmin@lancswt.org.uk 

This project is funded by players of People's Postcode Lottery

Logo of People's Postcode Lottery and Postcode Planet Trust

What have we been up to at Forest School?

Rewilding children and adults across Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.