Forest School Education

Experience a connection with nature



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

Forest school trips emphasise 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. It also supports the climate change education strategy. 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 August 2026 !

Edgmond Hall Centre for Outdoor Learning

location icon West Midlands
apple iconAccommodation Only, Bushcraft, Christmas, Citizenship, Forest School, History, Prehistory, Team Building, SEN, Outdoor Learning, Revision Breaks, Archaeology, Physical Education, PSHE, Wildlife, Fieldstudies, Medieval


At Edgmond Hall, children experience Forest School-style activities that nurture curiosity, independence and a deep connection with the natural world. Through hands?on exploration in our woodlands, pupils engage in activities such as shelter?building, fire skills, tool use, nature discovery and outd...

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big school camp equipment
Big School Camp Midlands
map pin East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England

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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accommodation at cumulus outdoors
Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre - Swanage
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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KS1 child with a magnifying glass on a bug hunt
Day Visits
map pin London & South East

Our Forest School programme consists of a series of specialised, natural play-based programmes that put the learning back in the child's hands, letting children thrive and learn from real life experience in a natural setting whilst being facilitated by a trained Forest School leader.
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abseil tower
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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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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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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big school camp trailer and camping equipment
Big School Camp South
map pin London & South East, East of England, South West

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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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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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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Bushcraft fire lighting skills at 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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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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Image for outdoor education trip residential KS2 KS3 KS4
Cumulus Outdoors Curriculum Day Trips
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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children listening to a talk at flamingo land
Flamingo Land
map pin Yorkshire

Did you know Flamingo Land offers educational workshops, tours and self guided workbooks all in the surroundings of an award winning zoo and theme park.
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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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apple press food demonstration at leighton hall
Leighton Hall Outdoor Education
map pin North West

Unique hands-on learning, with fully supervised sessions in forest school, bushcraft and survival skills and a role play 'rescue'. Including shaping wood, making a shelter, lighting a fire and fire safety. Activities include: Building a camp fire, wood whittling, making a shelter and foraging.
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view of 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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Rock climbing at Conway Centres Anglesey
Conway Centres Anglesey
map pin Wales

With direct access to the Menai Strait the venue offers both challenging Outdoor Activities & Creative/Performing Arts opportunities. Set in 169 acres there are an extensive range of on-site activities that last 3hrs so are as productive as possible.
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Image for a residential school trip at New Forest Activities Outdoor Activity centre in Hampshire KS2 KS3
New Forest Activities
map pin London & South East

Schools can learn about the the environment and nature around them with New Forest Activities residential programmes in the heart of The New Forest. This could be anything from foraging for materials...
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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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Image for a school trip at Leighton Hall in Lancashire KS2 KS3 KS4 History School Trips Victorians Bushcraft Wildlife and Art school trips
Leighton Hall
map pin North West

An Orchards' Tale helps children to understand the importance of apple orchards. This session highlights the vital role of pollinators in food production and the human impact on nature. Activities include role play, collecting and pressing apples, preparing food and cooking on an open fire.
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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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