Why your next school trip should be to the forest

Young child in waterproofs pokes a stick into a log, with holly leaves in foreground.
Photo credit: Muddy Puddles

Visiting the forest on your next school trip

5 reasons why visiting woodlands with your class should be top of your list.

There’s a lot to consider when maximising the time you spend outside of the classroom plus a range of different attractions competing for your attention.

To help with your planning, here are 5 ways visiting a Forestry England site this term will enhance your children’s learning. 

1. Hands-on experiences 

Watch as your class grow in confidence, embracing new ways of communicating and working together, while developing physical skills and new knowledge. Forests are an essential resource for hands-on experiences, putting classroom learning into context. 
 

2 young brothers hold on to a large green leaf studying it's shape and size
Man digging in front of log pile

2. Discover sustainable forest management in action 

Help pupils develop an understanding of trees and forests that they won’t forget and engage in conversations about future conservation. The forests we care for are one of the best places to see how sustainable forest management works. Your class will be able to understand how we shape landscapes for people, wildlife and timber.
 

3. Spark imaginations and nurture ideas

There’s space to think and room for ideas to grow in the forest. A change to environment can be challenging for some. However teachers often note that pupils who aren’t so well suited to the classroom flourish during outdoor learning. For regular forest learning inspiration, sign up to our termly newsletter.  
 

Three children in forest holding hands, and grabbing hold of trees and sticks
Photo credit: Muddy Puddles
Beech trees
Photo credit: Gareth Browning

4. Learning at the heart of your local forest

Did you know that 99% of school children live within one hour’s drive of a Forestry England site? Our forests span the country, meaning your local woods are often closer than you think. Visits can be unstructured (just let us know you’re coming) or planned in advance with a learning provider. We’re here to help with all the practicalities of booking a trip, so find your local forest and plan a trip today.

5. Inspiring ways to deliver the curriculum 

Download our free resources, spanning pre-school to KS5. They provide support with meaningful outdoor learning ahead of, and during, your visit. There’s no limit to what your class can learn in the forest! We’re here to help you make the most of your outdoor learning experiences. 
 

Autumn learning westonbirt

Ready to book a visit?

Search for your nearest forest and plan an educational forest visit for your class this term.

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Child looking at bug through magnifying glass, near pink flowers

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