Bristol, what a great city! We are back to where it all began 20 years ago, this time with a 5 year old in tow. Bristol is one of those cities with a great alternative vibe. There is a real emphasis on sustainability and caring for our environment. The whole Forest School initiative has been around for a long time here, so it is interesting to search out all the options this city has to offer.
The forest school movement originated in Sweden in the 1950s, with the aim of promoting outdoor education and fostering a strong connection between children and nature. This innovative approach to learning was introduced to the United Kingdom in the 1990s and has since gained popularity in Bristol and across the country.
Here is a run down of all Forest Schools in Bristol that I came across in my search.
Back2Basic Forest School
Offering Forest School, Stay and Play and Birthday Parties and located on a farm. Half term and summer clubs available.
Back2Basic Forest School aims to help children and young people get up and outside in the fresh air which in turn supports emotional well-being and positive mental health. They aim to promote environmental awareness, sustainability and conservation.
Where: Lawrence Weston Community Farm, Saltmarsh Drive, Bristol, BS11 0NJ
When: Summer Club: Wednesdays 9.30 – 3.30
Website: https://www.b2basics.co.uk/
St Werbergs City Farm
St Werbergs City Farm offer the opportunity for children to play and learn through hands on experiences in a beautiful, wildlife rich environment right in the heart of the city. A small group of up to 15 children will join a level 3 trained member of staff in exploring, working together and learning new skills.
Also offering exciting events throughout the year such as well being experiences for girls and young women, community cooks ups and Woodland Crafts.
Where: Ashley Vale, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9YJ.
When: 2 hours a week over a 6 week period and other seasonable events.
Website: www.swcityfarm.co.uk/programmes/schools/forest-schools-sessions/
Hilltops Forest School, Old Down
Hilltops Forest Schools offers Summer sessions and Tots sessions (aged 4 and under). Offering lots of fun adventures in the woods like Den Building, Crafts a Mud kitchen and lots more! Children must be supervised by an adult.
Also offering unique Birthday parties and special events such as Mothers/Fathers Day. This Forest School is the real deal.
Where: Home Farm, Foxholes Lane, Tockington, BT32 4PF
When: Mondays/Fridays. Check web site
Website: www.facebook.com/p/Hilltops-Forest-School-100090453027024/
Home Ed-Ventures
Home Ed-Venturers runs weekly forest school groups on the edge of Bristol for home-schooled children aged 5-10 yrs old* and 10-14 yrs old. Check the website for Saturday classes for all.
Where: Leigh Court Farm, Pill Road, Bristol, BS8 3RA
When: See website
Website: www.homeedventurers.co.uk/
Wild Wood Bristol Forest School, Long Ashton
Located in the beautiful surroundings of Dawson’s Walk Woodland, only a few miles from South Bristol. These playgroup style sessions offer children opportunities to play, explore and take risks.
Early Birds recommended for children aged 18 to 30 months and Saplings is for Pre School aged children aged 30 months and above (with parents)
Where: Dawson’s Walk Woodland, Festival Way, Theynes Croft, Long Ashton, BS41 9N
When: Mondays and Fridays
Website: www.wildwoodfs.co.uk/
Mini Foresters Preschool, Abbots Leigh
Mini Foresters delivers preschool forest school sessions for 0- 6 years olds. They offer Tiny Trees for 1 to 3 year olds, Forest Folk age 3 to 5, and Saturday Mini Forester for aged 2 to 6. Children attend these sessions with parents/carers.
Where: Leigh Court Farm, Pill Rd, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RA, UK
When: Tuesday, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays fortnightly and once a month Saturdays.
Website: www.miniforesters.co.uk/
The Hideaway Forest school Bristol
The Hideaway Forest school, is located in beautiful secret outdoor spaces that play host to Forest School classes for children and their families. The Hideaway Forest School believes every family should have regular access to a natural environment where they can learn through play, take risks and connect to nature.
Offering Pre-school Young Explorer Sessions for Children aged approx 18 months – 5years, School Holiday Clubs, Forest Parties and Events.
Where: Henleaze, Hortham and Kingsweston
When: Mondays, Wednesday, Thursday and Easter, Summer & Autumn School Holidays
Website: www.hideawayforest.com/
Little Foxes forest school Bristol
Little Foxes Forest School offer Pre School, Nursery, Play Group and a Summer Holiday Club (running for 4 weeks from Mon 22nd July 2024 from Mondays – Thursdays). Founded, run and managed by two ex-primary school teachers. Set in beautiful green spaces in Bristol: Stoke Park Estate and the Westbury Wildlife Park.
Where: Stoke Park BS7 9TD and Westbury BS9 3ET
When: Term time and holiday clubs
Website: www.littlefoxesforestschool.com/
Bristol Forest School
Bristol Forest School offers a variety of sessions for different ages and schedules. These include Parties, School Sessions, Holiday Club days and Staff Training. Established in 2004, BFS is Bristol’s longest running Forest School.
Bristol Forest School’s main site is at Leigh Court Farm in a private woodland (not in Leigh Woods public woodland)
Where: Leigh Court Farm, Pill Rd, Abbots Leigh, Bristol, BS8 3RA
When: See website
Website: www.bristolforestschool.co.uk/
Out There Forest School, Brislington
Out There offer active, outdoor, creative experiences for children aged 2 – 9 years old. Kindergarten is offered as a mainly outdoor affair and is for 2-5 year olds. And Holiday Clubs are for 4-9 year olds located at East Winds Activity Centre, Brislington.
Where: Brislington, Stapleton/Fishponds
When: Term time only and operate four days a week (Monday – Thursday). Holiday Club – Summer and most half terms
Website: https://outtherekindergartens.co.uk/
Kingfishers Forest School, Longwell Green
Offering Parent and Child groups, After School Clubs, Party packages and Holiday Clubs.
Where: Willsbridge Mill, Bristol, BS30 6EX
When: See website
Website: https://kingfishersforestschool.co.uk/