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We asked our friends @bornoftheforest to share all about Forest school fun, we are delighted to be sharing this blog post by Vikki Silverwood with you today on Forest School Day 2022. 

I was delighted when Spotty Otter asked me to write a blog entry in recognition of Forest School day on 14^th October as I relish any opportunity to share my love of Forest School with the world!

You may have heard the term ‘Forest School’ before but might be unsure of what it actually is. Is it a forest in a school? School in a forest? Need to take place at a school? It is in fact none of these as Forest School isn’t a place at all. It is an ethos- a transformational approach to learning which puts the learner at the centre; supports holistic growth of the individual person; enables confidence and self-esteem to flourish and connects the learner to the natural world.

As a teacher and parent, I have always known that being outdoors is important for development. That children’s imaginations and creativity come to life outdoors. That by being outdoors children have the physical space to express themselves freely. That children who are either quiet or find concentrating indoors difficult, come alive and thrive from being outdoors. I have always known this. But only now as a Forest School Practitioner do I truly understand.

I now understand that being outdoors builds confidence and resilience like nothing else can. Building dens with natural materials, making a rope swing and using tools to strip bark off a stick. Just imagine as a young child succeeding in these tasks how much pride, exhilaration and motivation to continue these things would bring.

I now understand the value of exposure to manageable risk and that being trusted with fire building, tree climbing and tool use gives children an immeasurable amount of confidence in their own abilities.

I now understand that being in the natural environment builds empathy for others and nature; and that children who spend time outdoors feel connected to the natural world. Mental health professionals acknowledge that maintaining a relationship with nature can be very helpful in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing. The physical health benefits of navigating the forest- building aerobic fitness through running, climbing and jumping; developing coordination and strength; plus improved immune system; strong bones and muscles from exposure to vitamin D from the sun’s rays.

I understand now that the forest and nature are not just important but critical for our children and for our world. How can the future generation champion and protect our environment if they don’t understand it? It is this understanding that drives forward us at Børn of the Forest and other Forest School practitioners alike.

There are many different forms of outdoor education. All are important and valuable but not all outdoor learning is Forest School. Forest School is unique in its reach, delivery and effect. The Forest School Association (FSA) have defined 6 key principles that shape and govern the Forest School Ethos. These are:

• 1.Forest School must be long term and regular and encompass different seasons.
• 2.Forest School must take place in a woodland or natural environment to support the lifelong connection between the learner and the natural world.
• 3.Forest School places the learner at the centre and creates a community for development, learning and simply being.
• 4.Forest School nurtures holistic development, promoting the resilience, confidence, independence and creativity of each learner.
• 5.Forest School offers opportunities for risk taking in a supported manner, appropriate to each individual at their current age/stage.
• 6.Forest School is facilitated by qualified Forest School practitioners who are passionate about what they do and committed to developing not only their participants as learners but themselves as well.
• forestschoolassociation.org
  

We always recommend Spotty Otter to the schools and families we work with and also use Spotty Otter for our own children. The quality is excellent and will withstand even the muddiest of puddles, keeping little ones cozy warm and dry. Their products are such high quality that they will really stand the test of time, meaning they can be handed down from big kid to little kid many times over, not only sustainable for your pocket but the environment too. I only wish they made adult sizes!

If you’re interested in what we do and would like to find out more on our website bornoftheforest.co.uk You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook.