Uncategorized Archives - Forest School Learning Initiative

Creating a Motivated and Inspired Forest School Learning Environment

Introduction At the heart of every inspired Forest School learning environment is a belief that children learn best when they are trusted, valued, and given space to explore. When children are empowered to take measured risks, follow their curiosity, and direct their own learning, they become motivated, confident, and deeply engaged. This child-led approach —…

Empowering Children to Risk-Manage at Forest School

Introduction Risk is a natural and essential part of learning. At Forest School, children are encouraged not to avoid risk but to understand and manage it. By doing so, they develop crucial life skills such as confidence, judgement, and responsibility — all within the supportive and structured environment of nature-based learning. Far from being reckless,…

Barriers Preventing Children from Accessing Nature

Introduction In recent decades, children’s connection with the natural world has declined dramatically — a shift often described as “nature deficit disorder.” While many children still enjoy time outdoors, regular and meaningful experiences in nature are becoming less common. Understanding the barriers that prevent children from spending time outside is essential if we want to…

The Vital Connection: Why Kids Need Nature in Their Lives

In today’s increasingly digital world, children spend a significant amount of time indoors, glued to screens. However, research overwhelmingly suggests that spending time in nature is crucial for a child’s healthy development. Here’s a look at the compelling benefits of fostering a connection with the natural world in our younger generation. 1. Enhanced Cognitive Functioning:…

What worked well – an essay by one of our Hackney March 2018 students

Whole School Impact – When beginning my training, senior leaders were uncertain of the impact Forest School would have. Since sessions started, we have received a wealth of positive feedback. We are reorganising the topic curriculum across all year groups to incorporate “green” campaigns from September 2018. I have received further CPD opportunities on sustainability and…

A Reflection of the Course

“A Positive Challenge” I was excited and nervous mixed feeling when I started the course.That was why Ichose a monkey (person) looking at a butterfly and half coloured a person looked worried holding onto a branch tightly. I was not sure what to do to complete the course and that made me feel some pressure.…

Can you train as a Forest School Leader? YES YOU CAN!

Many of the people who would like to become Forest School Leaders and dream of being able to work in this way with children are most anxious about the level and quantity of written work needed. So what can we do about this. Firstly, to feel anxious about the written work is completely normal! Many…

Australian Reflection on the Course

This ‘Reflective Diary’ is from one of our students on the Victoria, Australia Course. “With thanks to Chris and the Team at Forest School Learning Initiative for the knowledge, inspiration and facilitation along this journey.” Here are some of my highlights: With an outdoor and Scouting back ground I have always felt comfortable and am…

Course Discounts

Do you really want to do the course but the funds won’t quite stretch for full price? Check out our newest price incentives: 1. Sending 2 or more students from one setting could get you up to £150 off. 2. If another person from your setting wants to do the course at a later date…

Conferences

Forest School Learning Initiative are excited to once again be holding multiple conferences. The London locations are Hackney, Greenwich and we are also running one at Red Wood Education Centre, Gloucestershire. For more information please contact us