Forest School

Listen to an audio clip here of a pupil taking about his Forest School experience

Read a poem here written by a family after taking part in sessions over the summer holiday

Download Forest School Handbook here

Forest School is a way of working with people using nature, the outdoors, and practical activities to develop confidence, self-esteem and a sense of achievement. Sessions are often with young people, and are particularly effective with people who have extra difficulties in their lives. All Forest School programmes follow these basic principles:

  • They are a series of sessions with the same group of people
  • They take part in a natural setting, often in a wood, to support connection with nature
  • They are learner-centred, enabling choice
  • They aim to develop participants’ resilience, confidence, independence, team work, positivity, and creativity
  • They allow supported risk-taking
  • They are run by qualified practitioners

To find out more, contact Cathy Gruba at cathy@westcumbriariverstrust.org

Photo Gallery