forest school

Children develop emotionally, physically, intellectually, spiritually, mentally, and in their behaviour. Much of the curriculum of national primary schools is addressed within Forest School, through the games, activities, story-telling, crafts, identifying what is in our natural environment, the importance of biodiversity, and care of the woodland.

Forest School provides the rich opportunity for Nature to be a co-teacher. Children become confident, empowered, and resilient as they progress through the course of Forest School. Each child learns at their own pace, and with their own unique processes. Children learn to manage risks in a safe environment with clear boundaries, led by fully trained staff.

All partipants recieve health and well-being benefits from a prolonged time outdoors in the Forest. Play is central to Forest School and this philosophy is practiced with the knowledge base of child development theorists and therapists such as Montessori, Steiner, Froebel, Dan Huges, John Dewey. The Natural School of Art also applies the Reggio Emilia Approach; the child’s 100 languages, nature as third teacher and documentation of creations. Forest School is influenced and dependant upon the cycles and seasons of Nature.This circular pedagogy set in the outdoors is as ancient as they come. Not only does Forest School develop children for an innovative, resilient, and evolutionary present and future, it connects each individual to the archaic wisdom of their roots, of their ancestors, of the natural rhytmns of Nature. There is no greater sense of belonging and sense of place.

As Forest School leaders, we are there to inspire and encourage participants of any age through an innovative, long-term and educational approach in the outdoors. We are fully trained and certified Forest School Leaders. Each member of staff are trained in Outdoor First Aid. There will always be a member of staff present with their First aid training. As trained Forest School Leaders, we are able to identify and capitalise on the varied oppurtunities for learning that emerge from the children's interaction with the woodland. Our role extends to researcher so we are continuously learning ourselves.

what is forest school?

Forest School is centred around a child led approach to learning. Activities and games are provided that allow for a holistic development in each child individually, and as a community.

These are one day/half day workshops which suit community based events or festival events aimed for children only. They are also available for schools through Heritage in Schools. Natural resources presented for child-led creative engagement with arts and crafts.

Wild Art & Forest School based activities

Animal themed and sensory games.

Activities to spark imagination, well-being, connection to nature through craft or creative writing.

Wild clay and foraged items for form and print. Minerals to grind for paint making.

Wool for sensory play and activities to flex fine motor skills.

Prompts to encourage creative engagement and nature awareness.

Seasonal full day immersions in the woods for families which include crafts, sensory activities for adults as well as for children. Fire-side enchantment. We also offer nature exploring for special occasions such as Halloween and Christmas – food making and sharing over the fire.

These are offered with two certified forest school leaders and volunteers where available. Please fill in an enquiry form or reach out through email with interest and subscribe to our newsletter!

Different prices depending on the number within the family.

Seasonal and Limited offers

Families in the Forest

Available if scheduling permits in the summer season. Please fill in an enquiry form, subscribe to the newsletter, or send me a direct email with interest.

For children only. Price varies depending on the number of days and hours.

Forest School Camp

These are 6 week 1-1.5 hour block sessions available when demand is high or through community/county organisational booking. For parents and their toddlers and preschoolers.

Make sense through mark making with natural materials. Exercise motor skills of co-ordination and balance as well as fine motor skills through arts and crafts.

€12 per session (for parents rather than communities. Sibling concession €10)

let's connect

Playful Pines

Adapted single workshops also available for seasonal child-led crafts in preschools or community centres (€165 for Half Day: 1-2 hour delivery of session.

Half-Day including prep, planning and materials. Some additional materials provided by the organisation and school where needed. Info for Community Organisations who pay the fee instead of the parents)

principles of forest school

1. Regular Sessions

Forest school is a long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off or infrequent visits; the cycle of planning, observation, adaptation and review links each session.

2. Woodland Setting

Forest school takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.

3. Community

Forest school uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development, and learning.

3. Community

Forest school uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development, and learning.

4. HOlistic development