HAVE you heard about Forest School and want to find out more? From parents to childcare professionals and teachers, you might be wondering why your child is attending one, or curious about setting one up yourself.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are offering taster days in north and south Hampshire in spring and summer, to help you gain more of an insight into Forest School.

Based mostly outdoors, they will demonstrate the Forest School approach to child development and learning, describe the theories and teaching styles and importantly will involve participation in typical Forest School activities.

So what is Forest School? Forest School is an inspirational child-led process, which uses hands-on practical learning and skills development set in a woodland or other outdoor environment.

Confidence The aim is to use the relaxing effects of learning in nature to help children develop self-esteem, confidence, communication skills and independence.

First developed in Sweden in the 1950s, the benefits of Forest School are internationally recognised for children and young people of all ages and abilities.

The trust has qualified Forest School leaders delivering programmes for schools and groups at various sites including at Blashford, Testwood, Swanwick and Bouldnor Forest nature reserves and a variety of sites in the north of the county – though they are very popular so planning ahead is advised! It also runs the full Level 3 training course to prepare childcare professionals to become Forest School leaders and set up, deliver, plan and monitor all aspects of a Forest School programme.

Kathy Grogan, the trust’s education officer at Bouldnor, who has run Forest School on the Island since 2006, said: “There is overwhelming evidence that learning outdoors aids children’s ability to concentrate; the Forest School ethos raises children’s self-confidence and selfesteem, helps them to manage their own behaviour and supports all areas of their learning and development.”

Kathy continues: “Students completing the course are such talented practitioners who care deeply about the children and families they work with and are so excited about adding Forest School to the educational opportunities already provided in their primary and pre-schools.”

Sarah Tribe from Boscombe, who recently completed the course, said: “The training was delivered in such a magical location with trainers who were really knowledgeable and experienced but more importantly, friendly, approachable and so passionate about Forest School.

“I left with a spring in my step, woodsmoke in my hair, loads of new ideas and an eagerness and confidence to begin delivering Forest School myself.”

The trust is keen to effectively engage children with nature and provide genuine learning opportunities that help them value the natural world. This comes as recent research finds that the amount of time children spend outside has dropped by 50 per cent in just one generation, and the growing disconnect between society and nature is bringing with it evidence of increased physical and mental health issues that can be solved by connecting with nature from a young age.

The taster days will be held on February 28 in Rotherwick, Hook, on July 12 at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, and on October 17 in Bouldnor Forest on the Isle of Wight, for a cost of £50.