Lisa and Kat have been delivering forest school sessions for just over two years in and around Lincoln. Over that time we have worked with schools, charities, local organisations, and independently. It has given us the opportunity to really see the benefits of the forest school approach in different settings and just how important it is to build strong communities alongside deeper connections with nature. 

Forest School is an educational approach that first began in the UK in the 1990’s. It is inspired by the forest kindergartens in Sweden, the modern scouting movement and a number of learning theories. It focuses on the holistic development of participants, building resilience, confidence, independence and creativity. Through careful observations and reflection the forest school leader creates a programme tailored to the individual needs of learners. The programme supports developing the physical, social, emotional, linguistic, cognitive and spiritual aspects of learners. It takes place in a woodland or natural environment to help foster a relationship between learners and the natural world, which in turn facilitates a long-term environmentally sustainable attitude. 

Forest School programmes take place over a long period at regular intervals and with the same group of learners. Because of this I have seen very strong communities build around the programme of sessions. At regular groups for home educated children the parents become vital support networks for each other. At regular sessions for adults with mental health concerns good friendships have developed which provide much needed connection at other times. This extended period also gives the opportunity to really understand individuals needs and find creative ways to scaffold learning and development.

Forest school is becoming more mainstream in early years settings and in private schools, but we would like to see it reach a wider range of people.  Sessions are sometimes provided by schools and charitable organisations, but often only for a day or two and for large groups. Independent sessions charge families to attend, putting them financially out of reach for lower income families and sessions often occur in places accessible only by car.

Land and Leaf Collective is a social enterprise that provides high quality programmes and channels profits and funding into projects, which make forest school sessions free at the point of access and available to those who will benefit most. This comprises programmes sold to schools and other organisations, professional development sessions, programmes for families such as holiday clubs and home educators alongside funded long-term projects for children who need extra support, free after school and holiday clubs for children in areas of socio-economic deprivation and free and/or subsidised forest school parent and child groups within the city.

We also offer support to forest school leaders and outdoor practitioners who operate independently of nurseries, schools, and/or colleges. Land and Leaf Collective provides a framework of support for practitioners to explore ideas and create classes, sessions, and ongoing courses in nature. We hope that this will facilitate a wider culture of outdoor learning and play sessions across the city and the wider county.