We see quite a lot of forest schools at Myfoto, we have captured a lot of great images over the years of the fantastic outside learning that the organisation provides to primary schools in the UK. One of the best we have seen is West Street Primary School’s Forrest School which takes place in a real great outdoors, a genuine forest in the extremely picturesque Wycollar Country Park on the edge of the Lancashire/Yorkshire border in Eastern Lancashire just outside Colne.

What is a Forest School?

Forest schools have been gaining popularity in the United Kingdom as an innovative approach to education. These schools take learning out of the traditional classroom and into the great outdoors, providing students with hands-on experiences in nature that promote learning and development in a variety of ways.

The concept of forest schools originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s, and has since spread to other countries, including the UK. The philosophy behind forest schools is that children should have the opportunity to learn and explore in a natural environment, where they can develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them.

One of the key benefits of forest schools is that they provide students with a unique learning environment that is not found in traditional classrooms. Children are able to explore and discover the natural world through hands-on activities such as building shelters, creating fires, and exploring the forest. These activities help children to develop important skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience.

Another benefit of forest schools is that they provide children with the opportunity to develop a sense of connection to nature. Children who spend time in nature are more likely to develop an appreciation for the environment and a desire to protect it. This is particularly important in today's world, where many children spend a majority of their time indoors, disconnected from nature.

In addition to the benefits for children, forest schools have also been shown to have benefits for teachers. Teachers who lead forest school sessions have reported that the experience has helped them to develop a deeper understanding of their students and to build stronger relationships with them.

Despite the many benefits of forest schools, there are still some challenges to be addressed. One of the main challenges is that forest schools require a significant investment in terms of time and resources. Additionally, forest schools may not be accessible to all children, particularly those living in urban areas.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of forest schools make them a valuable addition to the UK education system. As more schools begin to adopt this approach, we can expect to see children who are more connected to nature, better equipped to face the challenges of the world, and better prepared for the future.