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Muddy Faces

Why forests & woods?

Why Forest School? What is it about being around trees that is so important?

The ethos of Forest School can be applied to any outdoor environment: in a field at the back of your setting or on a beach – the emphasis of Forest School is the approach to the individual’s development and any outdoor space can provide many of the resources you need to do this.

But wooded areas do have a special quality - read on for some reflections on why...

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Woods and forests are special places for humans; we are linked to the woods as a place to forage for food and resources to create shelter and live in

In more recent history the woods were important for providing employment (building ships and houses). It is only a relatively new way of living that has disconnected us from these wonderful places, so diverse and rich.

Groups and individuals are often much more relaxed in a woodland environment (after the initial excitement/novelty has reduced). Woodlands are a fantastic learning environment: resource-rich, sheltered, challenging yet safe (as long as they are properly maintained). Woods are often close to local communities, and forever changing. Changes happen throughout the year, daily, weekly, seasonally and can even change during the session.

Woods provide a challenging, comfortable and exciting place to learn.

The case for woods

See also

Woods & forests

Specialist organisations, projects and resources in the UK and internationally, dedicated to education, identification, conservation, management and reporting of trees, forests and woodlands.

Read More about Woods & forests

Forest Bathing aka Shinrin-yoku

Popularity is increasing for this mindful practice first developed in Japan in the 1980s, following scientific studies conducted by the government.

Read More about Forest Bathing aka Shinrin-yoku
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