Forest School

We run a Forest School which is available for learners of different ages and stages, from pre-school to adult. 

We have a dedicated Forest School site near Daventry but may be able to provide programmes in your own setting or at a suitable site local to you.

Background

A Forest School offers a learner-centred approach with hands-on learning in natural wooded areas, regardless of weather. It involves regular, half-day weekly visits led by a qualified leader. 

Forest School nurtures natural learning instincts, risk management, and positive behavior, focusing on holistic development and independent thinking. 

Activities are child-led, emphasizing curiosity and play, using natural resources to inspire imagination and creativity. 

Experiences include den building, exploring local wildlife, tree climbing, and cooking on a fire.

Benefits of Forest School

Research has shown that attending a Forest School improves the following attributes:

Confidence and self-esteem

Forest School enables emotional growth, self-reliance, time and space to learn and demonstrate independence.

Social skills

An increased ability to build relationships and develop cooperative skills.

Communication

Increased language development.

Motivation

An increased ability to participate and concentrate over longer periods of time.

Physical skills

Improved development of physical stamina and gross and fine motor skills.

Knowledge and understanding

An interest in the natural surroundings and respect for the environment.

Costs

The cost for Forest School is £6.50 per learner (primary and/or pre-school) per session for six sessions. Adults come for free.

Prices for older learners/adults are available on request.

Recommended session times

What you need to bring

We recommend bringing a snack and drink (hot chocolate is traditional!) to either start or end the session, and appropriate clothing and footwear as suggested below: 

• coat
• gloves and snood or scarf in cold weather
• jumper or fleece
• long trousers (summer and winter)
• sun hat or warm hat
• wellingtons or shoes/trainers if the weather is dry (no open-toed shoes or sandals)
• two pairs of socks in winter for additional warmth

We strongly recommend the wearing of waterproof jackets and trousers. Some may be available to borrow from the centre.

Please ensure you have enough adults (not including our Ranger) to maintain any required ratios for the safety of the children. 

Safety

Our team of qualified and experienced Rangers work with the children throughout the session and each Ranger is DBS checked. Settings are required to make arrangements for First Aid for their group.

Find out more about health and safety at Everdon.

Last updated 09 June 2025