Originating from Scandinavia, Forest School is a growing form of outdoor, child-led learning. But what can forest-schooling do for children? And why is it important? I spoke to Holly Hilder, an Essex-based Forest School leader, about her work as owner of Holly’s Forest Sessions. 

‘It’s fascinating – children naturally want to lie in mud, jump in puddles and make mud pies!’ Holly exclaims. She’s been running her sessions for 8 years and says that the children have always loved interacting with everything dirty, muddy, gory and slimy ‘some children take a bit longer to get involved...everyone ends up muddy and happy!’ But running wild in the woods isn't the only attraction; many children also enjoy learning practical skills too. Interestingly, Holly remarks that many children naturally gravitate towards cooking and fire building. She caters to these interests, enabling lots of cooking activities where the children are free to build their own fires to cook food on, using organic materials they’ve gathered and simple fire-lighting techniques. Other popular activities include crafting, fishing, den building, foraging and wood chopping. As always, these are open to the interests of the children since ‘one of the main principles of Forest School is that it’s self-led' and Holly’s plan is always flexible. 

The children love the woodland setting, finding freedom in the fact that ‘they can be a bit noisy, and it just doesn’t matter’. Holly explains her belief that the woodland environment is ‘just the perfect place to teach and learn’ adding, ‘every single child I’ve worked with, they just seem to absolutely love it!’ These groups not only help children with their individual engagement but also provide opportunity for socialising and creativity. From Holly’s extended experience, she has noticed that forest-schooling has a myriad of visible positive effects on the children: ‘it really builds their confidence, assertiveness and competence in life.’ Whether the sessions provide students with creative freedom, social skills or simply a non-restrictive and comfortable environment, one thing is certain - ‘everyone gets really stuck in and has a good time.’ 

In a test-based school system the self-led freedom of Forest School is a much-needed respite for children from classroom pressures. The philosophy of Forest School is vastly different to the usual expectation of visible, linear progress found in most education. Instead, Holly explains that the point of Forest School is not to bring a physical trophy back home, but to enjoy the present experience in the forest since ‘it’s more about the process, not the product.’ This progressive method of schooling works well for young people, especially those who struggle in the classroom and Holly remarks that ‘some of the more challenging children indoors, are really confident and natural and relaxed outdoors.’ 

When I asked Holly what the highlight of her job is, she replied: ‘Just seeing them all having so much freedom... everything is immersed in the natural environment.’ Forest School is a refreshment from everyday boundaries and pressure, allowing children to have the freedom to express themselves in a learning environment that allows them to truly flourish. Hopefully, these generations of nature-loving children will grow up to cherish and protect the natural world of the future.