PRINCIPLES OF FOREST SCHOOL PROVISION
Quality Forest School holds all key principles that shape and govern the Forest School ethos. There are many forms of outdoor education and all have enormous value, however, Forest School is unique in its reach, delivery and effect.
These principles are;
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.
Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Further reading on the roots which underpin our Willow & Wild approach to Forest School:
Willow&Wild facilitates activities with an excellent balance between independence, safety and fun. It’s an environment where children are encouraged to explore, take appropriate risks, develop confidence and learn through outdoor play, whilst maintaining clear boundaries and a strong focus on safety and wellbeing.
I have enjoyed seeing how this has influenced my children. I have seen their confidence continue to grow in outdoor environments. They are more adventurous, resilient and capable in the woods, and they have developed a genuine love of nature and being outdoors. As a parent, there are few things more valuable than seeing your children develop confidence, competence and joy in the natural world.
by Sue Kerr | May 2026
Super, super thank you guys! It’s such a blessing to have you here and give the kids truly special opportunities to play and learn outside.
by Daniel Green | Sept 2026
Thank you Sanchia and Zoe, our kids are so lucky to have such an amazing club in the village. They love it and have come back with such amazing creations!!! Thank you!
by Luck Kirkham | Sept 2026
My daughter really loved W&W and came back every day excited to show me what she’d made and to tell me about her adventures in the river and forest. She’s already asking when she can go back, so it’s a relief to find something that she loves doing for the holidays!
by Helen Wain | Sept 2026
Willow & Wild Forest School in Noss Mayo has been really positive for my child and she has had the opportunity to spend lots of time outdoors (in all weathers) exploring, learning and having adventures.
I especially love the ethos of encouraging children to take risks safely, build confidence and discover what they’re capable of. She’s always making, creating and exploring, and there’s plenty of fun along the way.
It’s lovely to see her come home muddy, happy and full of stories about her latest adventure! A really special place that gives children the freedom to be curious, creative and enjoy being outdoors.
by Danni Hince | Sept 2026
Willow & Wild is exactly what you'd want from a forest school experience... Teddy and Bella absolutely loved it. It's nurturing and child-led, with all the muddy, outdoorsy fun you’d expect. They explore in all weathers, splash in streams, follow their curiosity and come home with brilliant crafts and woodwork creations.
Every time, they were buzzing about their day, the friends they’d made and asking, “When can we go again?” Such a lovely, wholesome experience.
by Lucy Tregedeon | Sept 2026