Promoting outdoor learning

By Renzo Spano, Forest School Officer

The Community and Wildlife team supported two days of Forest School Level 1 training in September at Barns Green Primary School in Horsham. The team conducted an initial visit to plan the training and provide some advice on school grounds. This has reaped positive results as areas of grass have since been left to grow instead of being mown regularly.

During the training, 12 teachers engaged in a series of practical activities and were shown how to use tools, make objects out of wood, light fires, create artwork, make shelters and identify birds. This promoted teamwork, problem solving, creativity and physical contact with the natural world, all of which are important for a child’s development.

Teachers were shown that learning does not have to be limited to the classroom but can be done in an outdoor setting. School children are more disconnected from nature than ever before, and research has shown that outdoor learning has a positive impact on educational attainment, wellbeing and promotes care and concern for the environment.

The school has shown a strong interest in supporting outdoor learning in future and has since purchased specialist tools and equipment. Teachers have also enquired on where firewood can be sourced sustainably. This presents an opportunity to connect with the community engagement work supported by the Wilder Horsham project.