Having recently just moved to Cornwall I was intrigued to search out alternative means of education for my nature loving four year old. I knew Cornwall would have lots to offer in this field as it is surrounded by the beauty of nature every where you go! Cornwall’s Forest schools take advantage of Cornwall’s stunning natural landscapes, including its lush forests, picturesque coastlines, and diverse ecosystems, to create immersive learning environments that foster a deep connection with the natural world.
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 Cornwall and across the country.
Here is an impressive run down of all Forest Schools in Cornwall that I came across in my search.
Badger Forest School, Bodmin
Badger Forest School aims to Connect People with Nature and each other through a variety of exciting learning opportunities in a range of outdoor environments. They have a long term learning partnership with Forestry England and Wheal Martyn Clay works, both sites offering beautiful woodlands. They aim to give children and adults a positive learning experience in an outdoor environment.
Badger Forest School have an impressive range of Forest School session each week. Ranging from ‘2 hour drop off’ sessions for home ed kids and Parent and Toddler activities. They even have a session for Dad and kids (Dangerous Dads) which is much needed. Based in the beautiful Cardinham Woods.
Where: Cardinham Woods, Bodmin, PL30 4AL
When: Lots of sessions during the week/weekend
Outside Tribe Pre School, St Merryn
Outside Tribe are a small Forest Pre School / Kindergarten that offers OFSTED Registered Childcare and Education for children aged 2 years 9 months to 6 years. They run a parent and toddler group and also welcome older Home Educated / Flexi educated children.
This Forest School In Cornwall is tucked away in a valley near the sea, with orchard, meadow and woodland, there is plenty of space to run, climb and explore. With a private path to the beach, and a cosy wooden cabin to snuggle in, there couldn’t be a more perfect place to be a child! Outside Tribe also offer their popular Holiday Clubs where kids can make dens, swing on the rope swings, laze in the hammocks, create a messy meal in the mud kitchens, cook over the campfire, build, make and create.
Where: The Orchard, Trethias Farm, Treyarnon Bay, St. Merryn, Padstow
When: Forest School is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in term time and sessions currently run from 9.30am to 2.30pm. The Pre School is open 38 weeks of the year. Stay and Play Monday mornings 9.45 till 11.15, term time only (close for January and February)
Website: https://outsidetribe.co.uk/
Wild Warriors, Polzeath
Wild Warriors is an exciting, active adventure club born from a love of the great outdoors. Incorporating fun forest school activities. They aim to encourage, inspire and continue learning with the next generation of explorers, medics, creatives, teachers, conservationists, and adventurers…. Wild Warriors believe that getting children outside simply helps everyone to think outside of the box and creates more challenge, builds resilience and confidence for all, which equips you so well for life in general.
Wild Warriors Forest School in Cornwall offer a bespoke array of Wild activities; injecting enthusiasm and fun into schools, homeschool groups, holiday clubs, beach sessions, parties and festivals.
Where: Bespoke. Polzeath Beach during summer
When: Bespoke
Website: https://wildwarriors.org.uk/
Naturally Learning Nursery, Cornwall
Multiple locations set within the beautiful Cornish landscape, Naturally Learning offer an early years’ experience with the magic of childhood at its heart. Naturally Learning is a place to make meaningful memories, connect with nature and learn skills for life. Integral to the group’s ethos is the importance of nurturing each child as a whole, where the positive development of children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual wellbeing is encouraged. It offers quality childcare for babies, toddlers and pre-school children, and holiday clubs. Naturally Learning is an indoor setting with lots of opportunities to explore the outdoors.
Where: Charlestown, Truro Forest School, Truro, Blackwater, Falmouth, Nansledan
When: Year round
Website: www.naturallylearning.co.uk
Heart of the Woods, Carbis Bay
Set in Cubit Woods, Heart of the Woods currently offer forest school sessions to: Home education students: These are currently run once monthly on a Friday afternoon for 3 hours, with an age range of 4-11 years. Schools & early years: Offering one-off sessions tailored to a topic/current curriculum or blocks of regular forest school sessions.
Also offering ‘Kernow Dads Group’, ‘Tots in the Trees’ and ‘Nature Explorer’ weekly sesions.
Where: Cubit woods, A 26 acre woodland in Carbis Bay, West Cornwall
When: Contact
Website: https://heartofthewoods.org/
Little Tree Woodland School, Constantine
Little Tree Woodland School are an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted registered woodland school (actually in the woods), near Constantine in Cornwall, for children aged 3 – 7 years old. They also run days during school holidays for children aged 4-10. During the day outdoors, the children have the freedom to choose between self directed play (e.g. den building, exploration) or the adult-led activities, (e.g. using a hand drill to make medals).
Where: Potager Garden, Constantine, Falmouth, TR11 5RF.
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 9.30 – 3.
Website: https://littletreewoodlandschool.com/
Newquay Forest School
Newquay Forest School Cornwall is an outdoor learning centre based in a private woodland just outside of Newquay in Cornwall. This facility offers a wide range of packages for youth groups, schools and scouting groups of all ages. Also facilites Beach and Forest School Training for adults. Keep an eye out for potential Home Ed sessions.
Where: 1 Mountjoy Cottages, Colan, Newquay, TR84LN
When: Contact
Website: www.newquayforestschool.co.uk/
Little Owls Forest School, Via Ferrata
Little Owls Forest School in Cornwall run fun and relaxed Forest School sessions for 2-5 year olds and their parents/carers. The two-hour sessions are held on a weekly basis. With access to wild play areas, nature trails and stunning views. The sessions include nature themed activities and crafts including: den building, fire lighting, whittling, clay work, foraging, natural paint art, campfire cooking and so much more!
Where: Via Ferrata, Goodygrane Activity Centre, Cornwall, TR10 9BX
When: Wednesday Morning, 10am to 12pm, booked in half termly blocks.
Website: https://littleowlsforestschool.co.uk/forestschool/en/page/home
Wyld Thyngz, St Mellion
Wyld Thyngz is an Ofsted registered preschool. They are based in 14 acres of ancient woodland with a mixture of broad-leaf and coniferous trees. Shelter is provided by their cosy Yurt in the Dirt with compost toilets and cooking facilities. For the youngest children they offer Little Thyngz, a parent and child session. Wyld Thyngz, is the Forest School Kindergarten, and takes unaccompanied children of 3-7 years. Really Wyld Thyngz is a group unaccompanied by parents for home educated and flexi schooled children aged 5-11 years.
Where: Nearest postcode: PL12 6QP
When: Term Time and holiday sessions.
Website: https://wyldthyngz.co.uk/
Gwarnick woodland School, Truro
Gwarnick Woodland School is a creative, fun and exciting outdoor adventure club. They are a family-run forest school running parent and toddler sessions, school group activities, holiday clubs and fun-filled woodland parties.
Where: Outside Truro
When: Parent and Toddler Tuesdays and Fridays
Website: https://www.gwarnickwoodlandschool.co.uk/
Truro Forest School
Nestled in the heart of Truro, Truro Forest School in Cornwall sits within a small woodland where children are free to explore in their natural world. Led by Forest School Teachers, the qualified and experienced team provide outdoor learning in a safe and natural environment. Outdoor alternative to indoor Day Nursery.
Where: Kenwyn Rd Truro
When: Daily
Website: https://truroforestschool.co.uk/
Zelda School, Gweek
Zelda School has a unique philosophy, which aims to develop happy, self-disciplined and motivated children. Children aged 2-7 learn in a natural environment through play and projects and spend most of the day outside whatever the weather. This is a place where parents and members of the wider community can take an active role in school life, and where people are not measured against each other, but against their own potential. Zelda follow the EYFS curriculum for children up to the end of their reception year and is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Where: Holifield Farm Project, Bonallack Lane, Gweek, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6UJ
When: Daily
Website: http://zeldaschool.co.uk/
