Forest School

 

"That is what learning is.  You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way."
- Doris Lessing

What is Forest School?

At Forest School, children are taken out into the woods once a fortnight for a whole day to do a variety of educational and fun activities amongst the trees, from building dens to making musical instruments. 

Rangers from Forestry Commission Scotland started up a Forest School in West Lothian in August 2004.  Forest School helps children appreciate the natural world and can help build self-esteem and confidence.  Through regular visits to special woodland sites, individuals can master tasks of increasing complexity and learn associated social skills.

Positive feedback

Feedback from all involved has been really positive:  Amongst the comments received from from parents are:

“My daughter is more aware of the environment, sleeps better on a Wednesday night [Forest School day] and comes home from school enthusiastic about what she has done, without being prompted!”

“My child has become more independent with a lot more confidence.”

“My daughter has more energy and is more inquisitive about her surroundings.”

“Forest School has been of great benefit to my child.  They are learning new skills every week that will be with them for life; things that we took for granted as kids.”

More information

For more information see the Forest Education Initiative pages.