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 !

Leighton Hall

location icon School Trip North West
apple icon Subjects: Art, English, Forest School, Geography, Environmental Geography, Human Geography, History, Local History, Prehistory, Twentieth Century, Victorian, Science, Biology, Physics


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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Leighton Hall
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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 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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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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big school camp equipment
Big School Camp Midlands
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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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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Gaveston Hall
Gaveston Hall
map pin London & South East

Gaveston Hall located in peaceful West Sussex countryside on the edge of the South Downs National Park, and is an ideal location for school groups wanting secure a residential experience. With easy access to both central London and the south coast.
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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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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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magnifying glass looking for lichens on a tree trunk
NatureLab Habitat Explorers
map pin in-school workshop

This outdoor workshop allows your pupils to explore the incredible plants, trees and minibeasts found within your school grounds, and develop their knowledge through first hand observation. This aligns with the forest school ethos, developing curiosity and connection with the natural world.
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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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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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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 a residential school trip at Epping Forest Field Centre Outdoor Activity centre in Essex KS2 KS3 KS4 Field Studies School Trips
Epping Forest field centre
map pin London & South East

Students will take part in hands‑on, learner‑led activities in a natural outdoor setting, using the woodland environment to explore, investigate and learn through play and discovery....
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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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