The forest school was first established in 1993, by a team from Bridgwater College who had visited Denmark on an exchange. During their visit, the team felt inspired by the focus the Danish schools give to outdoor activities. On returning to the UK, the team set up the first Uk Forest School – the first of its kind in the UK – which has now become widely accepted across the country as a valuable method of learning for all age and client groups.
Forest School offers a holistic approach to learning in woodland or other natural outdoor settings.
Learning in Forest School is often, but not always, focused on the woodland environment itself, with learners discovering the natural environment and developing a relationship with it through building shelters and camps, exploring fauna and flora and becoming involved in conservation activities.
This teaching approach can be easily be integrated with curricular schools and will help support personal, social and emotional education.