Forest schools are a unique approach to education that have gained popularity in the UK in recent years. While its roots go much further back, the forest schooling that we recognise originally developed in Denmark in the 1950s. Forest schools have spread to countries all over the world, including the UK. In this blog post, we'll explore the history of forest schooling, how it came to the UK, and what makes it such a popular educational model.
The concept of forest schools can be traced back to the work of Danish educator and author, Fröbel, in the early 19th century. Fröbel believed that children should have the opportunity to play and explore in nature as a way to develop their physical, social, and emotional skills. He also believed that nature could serve as a classroom, where children could learn about the world around them through hands-on experiences and observation.
In the 1950s, the idea of forest schools was further developed by educators in Denmark and Sweden. These early forest schools were designed to provide a more holistic approach to education that focused on the child as a whole, rather than just their academic abilities. Children at forest schools were encouraged to explore, play, and learn in a natural environment, and the curriculum was designed to be flexible and responsive to the interests and needs of the students.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the concept of forest schools began to spread to other countries, including the UK. The first forest school in the UK was established in 1993 at Bridgwater College in Somerset. Since then, the popularity of forest schools has grown significantly, with hundreds of schools now operating across the country.
So what makes forest schools so popular in the UK? One reason is that they offer a unique educational experience that is very different from traditional schools. Forest schools provide a more hands-on, experiential approach to learning that allows children to engage with the natural world in a meaningful way. This can be especially beneficial for children who learn best through hands-on experiences, as it allows them to learn in a way that is more engaging and meaningful to them.
Another reason for the popularity of forest schools is that they can provide a more relaxed and less stressful learning environment for children. Traditional schools can often be quite structured and can place a lot of pressure on children to perform academically. Forest schools, on the other hand, offer a more relaxed and less pressured atmosphere, which can be beneficial for children who may struggle in more traditional educational settings.
There is also evidence to suggest that forest schools can have positive impacts on children's physical and mental health. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have a number of benefits for children, including improved physical fitness, reduced stress and anxiety, and enhanced social skills. Forest schools provide children with the opportunity to spend significant amounts of time in nature, which can help to promote these positive health outcomes.
Despite the popularity of forest schools, there are some challenges that need to be considered. One challenge is the cost of running a forest school, as it can be more expensive to provide the necessary resources and equipment for outdoor learning. Additionally, forest schools can be more difficult to run in urban areas where there is less access to natural spaces.
Despite these challenges, the popularity of forest schools in the UK shows no signs of slowing down. According to data from the Forest School Association, the number of forest schools in the UK has increased by over 50% in the past five years, with over 1,000 schools now operating across the country. This growth is likely to continue as more and more parents and educators discover the benefits of this unique approach to education.
Forest schools have gained popularity in the UK due to their unique educational approach and the numerous benefits they can provide for children. Forest schools offer a more hands-on, experiential approach to learning that allows children to engage with the natural world in a meaningful way. This can be especially beneficial for children who learn best through hands-on experiences, as it allows them to learn in a way that is more engaging and meaningful to them. Additionally, forest schools can provide a more relaxed and less stressful learning environment for children, which can be beneficial for children who may struggle in more traditional educational settings. There is also evidence to suggest that forest schools can have positive impacts on children's physical and mental health, as spending time in nature can have a number of benefits for children. Despite some challenges, such as the cost of running a forest school and difficulties in running them in urban areas, the popularity of forest schools in the UK continues to grow as more and more parents and educators discover the benefits of this unique approach to education.
Greenways Forest School is based in Hackney, London. For more information and to book click here
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