Forest schools help youngsters connect with nature
Have you heard the term “Forest School?”
This is taking the classroom outside so that pupils can get close up with nature in forest and woodland settings. It is a great opportunity to help educate children about the natural world around them, particularly those from more urban areas.
Shropshire schools have had an excellent take-up of Forest School. However there are always pockets where new links between urban and rural areas can be forged. I have recently been acting on behalf of a landowner in Staffordshire to instigate a Forest School. It is hugely rewarding.
Connecting with nature is something that sparks wonder in us all, for children these “real life experiences” of connecting with the curiosities of nature, be that a bug hunt or holding a frog. Just the feeling of being surrounded by trees and green space can have a significant impact upon them.
From a wellbeing point of view it has been shown that spending time in forests can help improve mood. Indeed volumes will extol the virtues of how the natural world can assist with the healthy growth of children’s emotional and educational abilities, from self-confidence to facing new challenges, self-control to empathy, motivation, focus and perseverance - things which many of us take for granted.
Today’s children can easily be increasingly sedentary, contributing to declines in mental health and an alarming escalation in obesity. Outdoor physical activity has never been more important, as is the live interaction Forest School achieves, leaving behind the IT screen and social media to achieve lifetime skills not only with nature, but face to face with their peers and cohorts.
By providing a dedicated area of land to be used without charge, my client is taking a positive step to facilitating one such Forest School. Of course there are hoops, health and safety and liability being the main concerns.
However break them down into bite size pieces - risk assessments, tree inspections, lifebuoys on the pond, welfare facilities, public liability insurance, most of which are likely to be in your armoury in some guise already. Other considerations are: conflict with shoot, fishermen, neighbouring farmers, and forestry operations, none of which are insurmountable, but will require careful deliberation.
Finally it is essential to draft a written agreement so that both parties understand parameters of the agreement.
Finally, add the utilisation of expertise of education professionals and the generous support of businesses and the project will make forest education more accessible and give future generations a real opportunity to flourish. To find out more visit www.forest-life.co.uk.
Charlie Fitzherbert-Brockholes is an associate partner with Balfours.
