Forest School

What is Forest School?

Forest School reaps all the benefits that come through direct interaction with our natural surroundings and being outdoors in all weathers. During these sessions there is a strong emphasis on the importance of free play and independent exploration.

Forest School activities include: 

  • Den building and tree climbing
  • Building a campfire, cooking and telling stories
  • Group games such as hide and seek, and scavenger hunts
  • Bark rubbings, leaf mosaics and wood art
  • Learning to identify trees and plants, sowing seeds and nurturing their growth
  • Bug hunts
  • Using tools to make simple crafts using natural materials

 

Such activities naturally develop language, teamwork, reasoning skills and perseverance. The Forest School is a safe space where children can foster their confidence to assess and take manageable risks, promote creative thinking, and understand their role in looking after the environment. 

This approach derives from Scandinavian countries’ long-held embrace of the outdoors, and also draws upon the learning theories of Jean Piaget, Reggio Emilia and Maria Montessori, to name a few.

Mrs Clio Arbuthnott

Forest School Leader

I am a mum of three, and live in Marlow. I completed the Early Years PGCE teaching qualification in 2019 and became a certified Forest School leader in 2021. I am fascinated by all aspects of child development, and did further study on the beneficial effects of being in nature for learning in children and young people. This, combined with the ancient woodland on our property, inspired the idea to create a Forest School experience for our children which we are now sharing with others at Hill Cottage Woods. Now I am excited to be partnering with Frieth School, being involved in the development of a Forest School site on the school grounds, and delivering a programme for all years through the seasons.