Schools – we come to you!
We work with schools on their own sites. We offer active learning experiences which complement existing teaching provision. Our hands-on learning approach adds value to the curriculum by providing opportunity to explore and discover nature-based, learner-led activities in your school’s existing green spaces.
This active learning approach supports all learners, including neurodivergent pupils, to develop a range of life skills. Fostering confidence and self-esteem, problem solving and decision-making skills, creative thinking and more. All contributing to the holistic development of pupils, which in turn complements their curriculum-based learning.
Plus, we save you the hassle of risk assessments, costly transport and travel time:
- We risk assess all our activities.
- We have Public Liability Insurance up to the value of £10,000,000.
- We bring our equipment with us to your site.
Enquire today and let us come to you!
What is Forest school?
Forest School describes an approach to learning outdoors, that puts the interests and abilities of the person at the heart of the experience.
It is an approach and a culture that follows a set of six key principles, as set out by the Forest School Association (FSA).
At natur ni, we uphold these principles. These are, in short*:
- Forest School is a long-term process of regular sessions
- 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 holistic development; fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
- Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks.
- Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners.
* Details of how the FSA govern high-quality, UK forest school provision and the full version of the principles is on their website.
Who is Forest school for?
Forest school is suitable for all ages and abilities.
natur ni works with primary school aged children, young people and adults.
Please see our upcoming activities for information on which sessions are for which age groups.
At natur ni we celebrate biodiversity and neurodiversity.
We create inclusive learning experiences. Our experience of working with people who are neurodiverse and people who learn differently, allows us to create a space where people with all learning styles can thrive.
When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.
— Alexander Den Heijer
What are Forest School activities?
What we do in Forest school sessions is decided by and structured around abilities and interests of those taking part.
We may sometimes offer a new activity or experience, especially when getting to know new learners. This helps learners to find out what sorts of skills or new experiences they can try.
Some popular Forest School activities:
- Den building and tree climbing
- Fire lighting
- Campfire cooking
- Foraging
- Using tools: e.g. loppers, saws, hand drills, craft knives for woodcarving or cutting
- Sensory games and activities
- Nature based crafts.
Where is Forest School?
At your location, or at our woodland site near Aberystwyth**.
We have run Forest school at community gardens, growing spaces and in open fields bordered by trees. Forest School can take place in any natural environment or green space.
If you are a school or learning setting that has access to your own green space, then let us come to you (see below)!
**Our woodland site is in development.
We are currently working with a landowner, near Aberystwyth, West Wales. We aim to welcome families and the wider community to forest school sessions near Aberystwyth, Ceredigion in 2025.
If you have access to your own outdoor green space, then let us come to you!