Forest School and Outdoor Learning Research

If you are trying to secure funding for Forest School or Outdoor Learning training this research will help because it is evidence of how beneficial it is.

At one of the settings we work at the OFSTED report mentioned the positive contribution Forest School had made to children’s resilience. This recognition made it easier for the school to justify it’s continued investment in the Forest School.

“The forest school curriculum encourages pupils to learn how to work together and how to support each other. Pupils engage positively with outdoor learning, working together to build dens, make camp fires and explore the outside space. As a result, pupils develop strong friendships, which inspectors observed in the playground, in lessons and when speaking with pupils”

ofsted report forest school fen ditton primary cambridgeOfsted, Fen Ditton Primary School

Bringing children closer to nature (Sylva Foundation, 2019)

A report recording the impacts of Forest School and Outdoor Learning on children’s learning in current education.

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Nature- How nature benefits mental health

Our relationship with nature – how much we notice, think about and appreciate our natural surroundings – is a critical factor in supporting good mental health and preventing distress.

Good from Woods - Into the Woods (Forest of Avon Trust)

An investigation into the potential impacts on health and wellbeing from a range of woodland activities provided in
Forest School style sessions.

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The Benefits of a Forest School Experience for Children in their Early Years (Worcestershire LEA),

A study of the impacts of Forest School children in Early Years settings and how this aids development and learning.

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Natural England's paper on links between learning and the natural environment. (Natural England 2016)

Key findings from the Natural Connections Demonstration Project set up to support schools build learning outside the classroom into their planning and practices.

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Forest school: evidence for restorative health benefits in young people (Forestry Commission and the Economic and Social Research Council, 2008)

A study of how attending regular Forest School sessions can improve behaviour and mental health.

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To what extent can the experience of outdoor learning contexts prevent permanent school exclusion for older learners? (University of Exeter, 2019)

How outdoor experiences can contribute to the learning needs of older learners at risk of permanent exclusion

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Two hours Outdoor Learning a week increases teachers job satisfaction (University of Swansea, 2019)

Exploring why Outdoor Learning should be an integral part of a teacher’s week.

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Physical Activity at Forest School (Forestry Commission Scotland, 2009)

A comparative study of the levels of physical activity of children at Forest School and within the average school day.

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Curriculum-based outdoor learning for children aged 9-11: A qualitative analysis (Institute for Outdoor Learning, 2019)

A study highlighting the benefits of Outdoor Learning as part of the school curriculum.

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Nature Play is Important for the Cognitive Development of Early Learners (Annie Wallin, 2017)

How spending time in nature affects cognitive development.
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Natural play how can we enable children to benefit from nature

How contact with nature benefits children’s physical, mental and social well-being and helps deepen their understanding of nature.

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More Time Spent Engaged in Nature Play During Early Childhood May Lead to Life Long Pro-Environmental Orientation and Behaviour

How frequent and positive contact with nature at an early age can foster pro-environmental affect, attitude, values, and behavior in adulthood. 

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