Forest School

Forest Friends: Learning, Exploring and Growing in Nature

Our vision

Our vision is to encourage curiosity and interest in nature, while building confidence and resilience through managed risks and challenges in an open and welcoming community.

We wish to create a sanctuary where individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can experience the therapeutic power of nature in a nurturing and flexible environment. We aim to foster emotional wellbeing, build independence, creativity and lasting memories, through meaningful exploration of the natural woodland. We wish to highlight the importance of play in learning as well as always providing a choice over how a participant may choose to learn or experience the woodland.

Shetland Pony and Forest Friends is dedicated to providing accessible and enriching experiences tailored to the needs of children, families and SEND individuals. We strive to bring joy, connection and positive change to our community through personalised, nature-based therapy and educational sessions. We believe that nature can have a profound impact in supporting mental and emotional wellbeing.

A mandala of autumn leaves, sticks and fern arranged on a tree stump

Forest School principles

There are six core principles that guide our Forest School sessions. You can find more information on the Forest School Association website, where we are registered members.

Long-term
Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
Nature
Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between learner and the natural world.
Risk
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Holistic learning
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Leadership
Forest School is run by qualified practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Community
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.
Potatoes and vegetables cooking in a tray over a campfire

What happens in a session?

Forest School activities can include:

  • Campfire and campfire cooking
  • Den and shelter building
  • Knot tying
  • Using tools
  • Woodland craft
  • Nature exploration
  • Play!

From the woods

A caterpillar made from a line of conkers with googly eyes, on the grass A clay face with leaf ears and grass whiskers pressed onto a mossy tree trunk A campfire burning in a fire bowl with a kettle beside it Two clay snails with conker shells on a wooden table A pumpkin carved with a paw print, sitting on a tree stump Hands threading a conker onto a string An animal made from oak leaves and twigs on orange card A conker painted with a smiling hedgehog face A conker creature with googly eyes and a moustache on the woodland floor

Come and explore with us

Get in touch to find out about upcoming Forest School sessions.

Get in Touch