Forest School guides & books

How to set up a Forest School – from the roots up!

'This booklet has been created to support people who are looking to set up a Forest School, become a Forest School practitioner or who are ‘Forest School curious’. The document is a reflective tool to help prospective Forest School leaders navigate through common problems encountered by the community during set up and delivery.' Forest School Association, 2020.

Forest School clothing & management of risk

Starting with a look at outdoor clothing this article goes on to offer a good explanation of risk assessments as an integral part of Forest School, as learners develop their self-esteem and learn to manage risk for themselves. Section on the Language of Risk Assessment, and useful links.

Forest School for Wellbeing

'Working with Newcastle University we have created an information booklet for use in schools and other settings who want to explore using forest school to support children and young people's social and emotional wellbeing.' Looks at the benefits of Forest School, practical guidance and measuring impact of Forest School for wellbeing, case studies, links & references. Breeze project, February 2020.

Setting up a Forest School programme

Pointers and issues to consider before creating your Forest School programme. OWL Scotland (Outdoor & Woodland Learning).

Setting up a nursery forest school

'There are few areas of early years practice as rewarding as setting up a forest school for the children in your care. Early years consultant and qualified forest school leader, Tricia Pillay, explores how you can introduce a forest school to your setting.' NDNA, 2019.

Perranporth Pre-School Forest School handbook

This is a very useful Forest School Handbook from a pre-school in Cornwall, which covers: Forest School Ethos, purpose and principles; project policy & rules; PPE, Health & Safety, Fire and Accident & Emergency Procedures; practical equipment list; tool use, hygiene, rope use and disposal of food & waste.

How to Start a Forest School

'Helpful hints and starter information to help you start a forest school.' Little Acorns Forest Schools.

How To Introduce Forest School At Your Setting

Benefits, principles and 11 tips for getting started, from people who have set up their own Forest School provision. Famly, 21 November 2018.

Tips for running a successful forest school where 'magic happens every day'

Tips for practitioners. daynurseries.co.uk, 4 May 2016.

EYFS Best Practice: All about ... forest schools

'The forest school approach is growing in popularity, and it is taking a variety of different formats as settings embrace it in ways that reflect their individual needs.' Includes an interview with Jon Cree, chair of the FSA at the time, and some useful case studies from a range of settings rural and urban. Nursery World, 18 May 2015.

OWL Scotland Forest School Resource Pack

This substantial and excellent pack is a brilliant resource to support Forest School leaders and practitioners working in a range of situations. Sections include: Contents page; 1. General introduction; 2. Planning; 3. Curriculum Links; 4. Early Years; 5. Primary; 6. Secondary; 7. Special Needs; 8. Practical Activities; 9. References; 10. Appendices (lots of v useful info in here!)

The pack contents require some updating since its creation in 2010, but should provide some useful ideas and activities, templates and sample programmes that you can adapt and develop to fit your particular setting and group.

Forest School & Autism – a review by Jon Cree

Jon Cree – director and founding chair of the Forest School Association - reviews & endorses this book as 'a must for ALL Forest School practitioners'. Click here for the full review. 10 May 2018.