Curious about Forest School? (FAQs)
What is Forest School?
Forest School is an outdoor, child-led approach to learning, with it’s roots in Scandinavia. Children explore, play, and build confidence through hands-on experiences in nature.
Sessions are guided by trained leaders who encourage curiosity, resilience, and care for the natural world.
We problem solve and learn together about:
The changing seasons & how to adapt to have fun in all weathers!
Plants and their uses in the world (foraging/ medicine/ building)
Local wildlife, bugs and ecosystems
How to care for the environment through individual and group environmental projects
Building dens and lighting fires
How to use tools tools like knives for whittling or saws for chopping wood (when they are ready!)
We climb, dig, play with sticks, and we learn how to do these things safely
Myths and legends
Mainly though, we want children to really connect with the world around them, and feel a deep sense of wonder and respect for all the little (and big things) that we share the world with. We see this every time we work with children, and it’s why we do what we do!
What age is Forest School for?
Wavy Woods sessions are designed for children aged 3–12 years. Each group is supported to learn at their own pace, with activities suited to their stage of development, from simple nature play to bushcraft skills.
What do children do at Forest School?
Every session is different! Children might build dens, use tools safely, cook over a campfire, create art from natural materials, or simply explore and play. The focus is on learning through doing — following their interests in a safe, supportive environment.
Is Forest School safe?
Yes, and safety is at the heart of every session. All activities are risk-assessed, and we encourage children to learn how to assess and manage risk themselves. Leaders are fully trained in outdoor safety, first aid, and child protection.
What should my child wear?
Forest School is all-weather learning, so we say: there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing! Children should wear warm layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear. We recommend clothes that can get muddy - mud washes out easily and the fun is endless!
See more on our information page for parents.
How does Forest School help children learn?
Being outdoors builds confidence, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Research shows that learning in nature supports wellbeing, focus, and emotional resilience. Plus, children love it.
Do you run Forest School in Northern Ireland?
Yes! Wavy Woods Forest School is based at various venues in Northern Ireland, offering sessions for schools, groups, and families. Our aim is to help children connect deeply with local nature while developing lifelong skills. Check our booking page to see what’s on.
If we aren’t operating in your area please check our list of Forest Schools, Bushcraft Centres and Outdoor Learning Providers in Northern Ireland, organised by County.
How can parents get involved?
We also provide free and paid resources that help you learn how to make the most out of being outdoors with your children, and all of the benefits around building confidence, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, that it brings.
Research shows that learning in nature supports wellbeing, focus, and emotional resilience — and children love it.
Try checking out our 5 minute Scandi Forest School re-set, that will help you quickly calm, connect and co-regulate with your child (with little to no prep required).
How is Forest School different from normal School?
Forest School isn’t about lessons at desks — it’s about learning through experience. Instead of following a fixed timetable, children choose activities based on their interests. There are no tests or worksheets; learning happens naturally through play, exploration, and teamwork, like group environmental projects in the woods.
Though we support the curriculum, we also aren’t replacing the mainstream school system. However children develop confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills that can enhance their learning back in the classroom too.
Ok… but my child’s school says they are already a ‘Forest School’. How is this different from that?
That’s great news! We are starting to see schools now including outdoor learning or Forest School-style sessions, and we love that.
Wavy Woods Forest & Beach School offers something a little different & more in-depth:
Our sessions are led by qualified Forest School practitioners who follow the full Forest School ethos and Forest School Association 6 principles.
We work in authentic woodland settings with time and space for children to explore deeply, rather than short classroom extensions.
We run regular, progressive sessions that allow skills and confidence to build week by week.
We think of what schools do as a wonderful introduction, and Wavy Woods as a chance to experience the full roots and branches of Forest School learning.