Forest School Education

Experience a connection with nature

How to arrange forest school programs in the UK for nature-based learning?

Forest school trips emphasize outdoor skills, risk-taking, and wellbeing - aligning with holistic development in natural settings.

Forest school is an innovative educational approach that allows children to learn and develop through hands-on experiences in a natural, woodland environment. The concept was established in the 1990s and has been based on a Scandinavian template. Forest school usually involves regular sessions of at least 2 hours at a time and takes place over the course of 24 weeks or more, and crucially the experience spans at least two different seasons. The idea is to give children an immersive way to build a deep connection with nature, and in turn, develop their physical, emotional, social and intellectual skills.

Natural settings, with a rich array of trees, plants, and wildlife, provide children with endless opportunities for exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. Through immersive activities like den building, nature crafts, and plant and animal identification, children develop improved motor skills, teamwork abilities, and a sense of independence and self-confidence.

The learning approach of forest school also supports language development and emotional well-being, as children are encouraged to discuss their experiences, as well as their feelings and ideas. Whether you are looking for somewhere local to visit regularly, or a longer duration residential stay, if you are looking to give your class time in nature away from the pressures of the indoor classroom a forest school experience offers a refreshing and highly effective addition to traditional classroom learning.

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Popular school trip March 2026 !

Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre - Swanage

location icon School Trip South West
apple icon Subjects: Accommodation Only, Bushcraft, Fieldstudies, Forest School, Geography, Environmental Geography, Human Geography, Physical Geography, Geology, History, Local History, Medieval, Prehistory, Saxons, Victorian, World War, Physical Education, Science, Biology, Team Building, Watersports, Wildlife, SEN


Experience the transformative power of nature with our forest school programme. Moving beyond the pressures of a traditional classroom, our approach allows children to slow down and reconnect with their environment. Many students live within urban areas leading a busy life and have little chance to ...

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Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre - Swanage
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children in hard hats and safety harnesses on an adventure activity
Rootd Adventure
map pin London & South East

Encouraging nature engagement is a focus of our Rootd residentials. Children explore their surroundings through woodland games and activities, including forest foraging, tree detectives and tracking and signs, and they come away with a deeper appreciation of nature and the British woodland.
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colourful butterfly kite being used in a life cycles workshop
NatureLab Butterflies: Life Cycles and Habitats
map pin in-school workshop

Blending interactive classroom learning and outdoor nature exploration, this workshop allows your pupils to observe and interact with butterflies and other minibeasts. Through their observations, they will develop their connection with the natural world, aligning with forest school principles.
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Day Trips at Bore Place
Day Trips at Bore Place
map pin London & South East

Join us on a fun day out on a woodland adventure! Our Team Challenge Day gives your students a whole day outside, exploring the farm together, and learning outdoor skills. These activities are best...
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building at the hive activity centre
Unforgettable Residentials at The Hive
map pin London & South East

The Hive is in the heart of Epping Forest, and we are able to offer Forest School sessions on our beautiful 7 acre site or we can come out to local schools and run sessions in your grounds led by our...
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Image for a residential school trip in Dorset KS2 KS3 KS4
Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village - Corfe Castle
map pin South West

Experience the transformative power of nature with our forest school programme. Moving beyond the pressures of a traditional classroom, our approach allows children to slow down and reconnect with...
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bug hotel
Living things and Habitat Heroes
map pin in-school workshop

Learning about our planets precious biodiversity is vital because it lays the foundation for understanding the importance of preserving the natural world, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.
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Sayers Croft
Sayers Croft
map pin London & South East

Sayers Croft is nestled at the foot of the Surrey Hills and provides outdoor experiences for 27,000 visitors p.a. of all ages and abilities. We offer bespoke residential and day visits for schools, community groups and DofE Award participants
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The Sustainability Centre Residentials
The Sustainability Centre Residentials
map pin London & South East

The Sustainability Centre offers residential trips, day visits, forest school, farm visits and alternative education within our stunning 55 acre woodland. This provides access to beautiful countryside in the South Downs National Park.
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children on climbing wall
Ackers Adventure Day Trips
map pin West Midlands

At Ackers Adventure, we offer Forest School sessions in our beautiful woodland area, providing engaging and exciting activities that encourage children to explore, discover, and learn through nature....
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aerial view of whitehough outdoor centre
Whitehough Outdoor Centre
map pin North West

Bring the classroom to the great outdoors at Whitehough Outdoor Centre! Set in the beautiful Pendle Hills, our action-packed school trips and residentials blend adventure with learning- activities include climbing, bush-craft, archery and much more!
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big school camp trailer and camping equipment
Big School Camp South
map pin East Midlands, West Midlands, London & South East, East of England, South West, North East, North West, Yorkshire

We offer a range of unique and innovative outdoor activities with a residential experience delivered on your school's premises. Our camps help you deliver a full outdoor learning experience with 100% participation for all and at a very low costs
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school science lesson with test tube
Xplore! Science Outreach
map pin in-school workshop

Xplore! Nature is an educational forest school site at Northop. Xplore! Nature focuses on hands-on and experimental learning in natural environments. At Xplore! Nature children are encourages to...
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Ackers Adventure Residential centre
Ackers Adventure Residential centre
map pin West Midlands

Forest School Experience At Ackers Adventure, we also offer a Forest School experience for children, designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence through hands-on learning in nature....
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aerial view of a church and some lakes
Residential & Day Trips at The Chellington Centre
map pin East of England

Children can practise a variety of forest skills including shelter building, fire lighting, wood craft, as well as learning about trees and wildlife surrounding the centre. This programme is...
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biological illustrations
NatureLab Naturalist Maria Merian: Life Cycles
map pin in-school workshop

Combining interactive classroom learning and outdoor exploration, your pupils will discover pioneering naturalist Maria Merian, then follow in her footsteps by observing and recording minibeasts in their school grounds. This workshop focuses on insect life cycles and reproduction.
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poster about hive activity centre
Unforgettable Day Visits at The Hive
map pin London & South East

The Hive is in the heart of Epping Forest, and we are able to offer Forest School sessions on our beautiful 7 acre site or we can come out to local schools and run sessions in your grounds led by our...
> read

The Sustainability Centre
The Sustainability Centre
map pin London & South East

Sustainability in action! Come and visit us for a day or more to learn all about looking after the planet in our beautiful 55 acre woodland site nestled in the stunning South Downs National Park. Packed with hands on activities for all ages.
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Conway Centres Delamere
Conway Centres Delamere
map pin North West

Situated in a magical and inspiring forest environment our popular Delamere centre is a fantastic venue for woodland based activities, whether they be of an outdoor an adventurous, Arts or field studies nature.
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big school camp equipment
Big School Camp North
map pin East Midlands, West Midlands, London & South East, East of England, South West, North East, North West, Yorkshire

We offer a range of unique and innovative outdoor activities with a residential experience delivered on your school's premises. Our camps help you deliver a full outdoor learning experience with 100% participation for all and at a very low costs
> read

school group in life jackets enjoying gorge walking and giant stand up paddle boards
The Wilderness Camp
map pin North East

Forest school activities + 50 acres of ancient woodland and lake + experienced and passiontate staff = The Wilderness Camp, Join us for a host of forest school activities for both KS1 and KS2...
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Booking Forest School Trips - Frequently Asked Questions

7 March 2026

Why choose forest school?
Forest school offers children the chance to engage directly with nature through activities like building dens and practicing fire skills. It’s a fantastic way for children to develop resilience, learn about ecology, and gain confidence in their abilities. Plus, being outdoors in a calming environment can really help with focus and emotional wellbeing.

Should I go for a forest workshop or a full trip?
Workshops are great if you want a quick, hands-on experience. Think of them as a taste of forest learning, usually costing between £150 and £400. Full trips, especially residentials, give children a deeper immersion into outdoor life, perfect for older kids or those wanting a more comprehensive experience, often in local woods or national parks.

Are there free options for forest school activities?
Absolutely! Many local woods are free to access, and some national forests offer permits for group visits. These free options are fantastic for schools or groups on a tight budget, providing plenty of space for exploration without extra costs.

Top 10 forest school trips from Outdoor Leads 2026:
1. **Local forests for den building** - a great way to introduce children to woodland habitats close to home.
2. **In-school forest workshops** - perfect for integrating outdoor learning into the classroom.
3. **The New Forest, Hampshire** - known for its ancient woodland and wildlife.
4. **Sherwood Forest, Nottingham** - famous for Robin Hood, with plenty of history and adventure.
5. **Lake District woods** - stunning scenery with opportunities for trail walking and wildlife spotting.
6. **Scottish Highlands forests** - rugged terrain and unique flora and fauna make for an exciting trip.
7. **Welsh Brecon Beacons** - beautiful landscapes with plenty of outdoor activities.
8. **RSPB forest reserves** - ideal for birdwatching and conservation-focused activities.
9. **Adventure centres with bushcraft** - excellent for hands-on survival skills and team building.
10. **Eden Project’s tropical forests** - a fascinating contrast to temperate woods, with immersive rainforest experiences.

Are forest school trips suitable for children with SEND?
Yes, they can be adapted to meet different needs. We often use softer activities, like listening to nature sounds or gentle exploring, and ensure paths are accessible. Smaller group ratios help to create a calm environment where every child can participate comfortably.

What’s the typical budget for a forest school trip?
If you’re opting for free woods and transport, costs can be as low as £3 to £10 per child. For entry to adventure centres or paid workshops, expect to pay around £5 to £15 per child. Residentials generally range from £120 to £250 per child, depending on the location and activities involved.

Are there grants available for outdoor education?
Yes, many organizations and local authorities offer grants or funding schemes to help cover the costs of outdoor learning trips. It’s worth exploring these options to make forest school experiences more accessible for all children.


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