Explore, discover and grow in nature

Our Forest School sessions offer children the opportunity to learn, play and develop in the beautiful woodland at The Sustainability Centre, near Petersfield in Hampshire.

Through regular outdoor experiences, children can explore their surroundings, discover new interests, develop practical skills and build meaningful relationships with others. With the freedom to follow their curiosity, they can learn at their own pace, take on new challenges and grow in confidence.

We offer Forest School sessions for children aged 2–16 years, with activities and experiences tailored to different ages and stages of development.

The benefits of Forest School

Forest School is about more than spending time outdoors. It is a long-term approach to learning that supports children’s development through hands-on experiences in the natural environment.

By returning to the woodland regularly, children have time to become familiar with their surroundings, build relationships and develop their own interests.

Forest School can help children to:

  • Develop confidence, independence and self-esteem.
  • Improve coordination, balance and physical skills.
  • Build social and emotional skills through shared experiences.
  • Develop curiosity, creativity and problem-solving abilities.
  • Learn practical skills and discover new interests.
  • Develop a connection with nature and an appreciation of the environment.

Every child is different, and our child-led approach allows them to explore, participate and learn in ways that suit them.

Our Forest School programmes

Wood Mouse Forest School | Ages 2–5

A woodland adventure for toddlers and pre-schoolers, accompanied by a grown-up.

Wood Mouse Forest School provides a welcoming space for young children to explore the natural world through play, imagination and discovery.

Sessions are child-led, meaning we follow the children’s interests and encourage them to choose how they spend their time. Whether they want to splash in the water, investigate bugs, create something with natural materials or simply enjoy being outdoors, there is plenty to discover.

Activities change with the seasons, offering new experiences as the woodland evolves throughout the year.

Activities may include:

  • Mud kitchens, water play and imaginative games.
  • Bug hunting and exploring the woodland.
  • Stories, songs and group activities.
  • Natural art, crafts and simple woodwork.
  • Den building and rope swings.
  • Fire lighting and opportunities to cook over a campfire.

A typical session begins with meeting the Forest School Leader and walking together to the woodland, often collecting natural treasures along the way. After a welcome song and a discussion about the activities and staying safe, children can choose what they would like to explore, with support from their accompanying adult.

There is time to play, experiment and discover before gathering around the campfire for stories and songs and helping to tidy the woodland.

Session information

  • Age group: 2–5 years.
  • When: Monday mornings during term time.
  • Time: 10am–12 noon.
  • Accompaniment: A parent, grandparent or guardian must attend throughout.
  • Booking: Essential.

Non-mobile babies may attend in a sling or all-terrain buggy. Crawling or toddling siblings under two can only attend if an additional adult is available to supervise them.

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Forest School | Ages 6–16

Develop skills, take on challenges and discover the outdoors.

Our Forest School sessions for older children and young people provide opportunities to build confidence, explore individual interests and develop practical woodland skills.

Through hands-on activities and shared experiences, participants can learn to work together, solve problems and develop greater independence while building a deeper connection with the natural environment.

Activities may include:

  • Fire lighting and campfire cooking.
  • Shelter building using tarps and natural materials.
  • Knot tying and setting up camp.
  • Green woodworking and practical tool skills.
  • Natural crafts and creative activities.
  • Conservation tasks, including dead hedging.
  • Woodland exploration and nature-based learning.

Sessions take place outdoors throughout the year, whatever the weather, so participants should come prepared for changing conditions.

Session information

  • Age group: 6–16 years.
  • When: Monday afternoons during term time.
  • Time: 1pm–3pm.
  • Accompaniment: A parent, grandparent or guardian must attend throughout.
  • Adult-to-child ratio: A maximum of one adult to two children.
  • Booking: Essential.

All sessions are managed by our qualified and experienced Forest School Instructor.

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Learning through the seasons

No two Forest School sessions need to be the same. As the seasons change, so does the woodland, bringing new opportunities to explore, create and learn.

From discovering minibeasts and collecting natural materials to building shelters, developing bushcraft skills and cooking around a campfire, children can experience the natural world in a practical and engaging way.

We encourage children to follow their interests, try new things and learn through experience. There is no pressure to take part in every activity; children are given the time and freedom to explore in their own way.

Term dates and availability

Our Forest School programmes run on Mondays during school term time.

Wood Mouse Forest School takes place from 10am–12 noon, while the Forest School programme for ages 6–16 runs from 1pm–3pm.

Sessions do not run during school half-terms. Please contact our team or visit the relevant programme information for current term dates, prices and availability.

Places are limited, and booking is essential. If you would like to attend in the future, you can join our waiting list to hear about available places.

Planning your visit

Forest School takes place outdoors in all weather conditions. Please wear suitable clothing for the season, with sturdy footwear that can cope with muddy, uneven and potentially slippery ground. Waterproofs and warm layers are recommended, and a change of clothes can be useful, particularly for younger children.

Wood Mouse families are welcome to bring a snack and a packed lunch to enjoy after the session, or visit the Beech Café at the Centre. We encourage everyone to minimise packaging and take their rubbish home.

We want the woodland to remain a special place for children, wildlife and visitors. We encourage everyone to respect the natural environment, minimise waste and leave no trace.

Dogs are not permitted on courses, apart from assistance dogs such as guide dogs and hearing dogs.

We want our activities to be as accessible as possible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. If you have any access requirements or would like to discuss your child’s needs before booking, please contact us so we can explore how best to support your visit.

All sessions are managed by a qualified and experienced Forest School Instructor. As activities take place in a natural woodland environment, the ground may be uneven or slippery, so appropriate clothing and footwear are essential.

Please ensure that an accompanying parent, grandparent or guardian remains with their child throughout the session.

Come and explore with us

Whether your child is taking their first steps into woodland exploration or developing practical bushcraft skills, Forest School offers the chance to learn, grow and discover through meaningful experiences outdoors.

Join us at The Sustainability Centre and give your child the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and create lasting memories in nature.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the education team – education@sustainability-centre.org