A dynamic charity which aims to boost the nature-connectedness and wellbeing of communities while promoting nature time as preventative healthcare.
Everything we do is to enhance the quality of life of our participants; for people to feel a sense of freedom, fun and adventure, while gaining a love of the magic and wonder of nature.
We want to rekindle people’s connection to the natural world, the place that has been home to humans for thousands of years and where our species evolved.
At our sessions, we work with participants to find out their interests and encourage them to use their own initiative, creativity and inspiration. There is something for everyone!
Sessions usually take place in local green spaces and can include a wide range of activities such as den building, fire-lighting and campfire cooking, tool-use and shelter building, rope-play apparatus such as tightropes, tree swings and hammocks, nature detective work to develop awareness of flora and fauna, and natural arts and crafts.
There can also be opportunities to engage in mindfulness and self-regulation strategies and philosophical enquiry, exploring the woods and unstructured free play: superfood for the developing brain and great to bring out adults’ inner-child!
We can also run indoor nature craft sessions to work with groups who may find it difficult accessing the outdoors, especially in colder months.
Forest School was designed for children. However, we often promote many of its ethos and principles at our adult nature sessions too.
Originating in Scandinavia, Forest School (FS) is an inspirational model of education that promotes holistic development through free-play, exploration and supported risk taking. Learner-led practical experiences are enhanced by the diversity and wonder of the natural world.
A minimum of 6-8 sessions take place where leaders support participants to follow their own interests. When people choose their own learning journey they are far more engaged, motivated and experience higher levels of brain activity than if they were following a prescribed task. So at our session blocks, there are always a wide variety of resources and activities to choose from.
The processes within these sessions are so much more than participants simply gathering knowledge and information. Learners develop on all levels – socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually. Within each group, a safe, nurturing, non-judgemental community of learning and trust is created where participants are supported to try new things, learn new skills and take supported risks.
The sense of achievement and ownership participants have of their learning can boost their confidence, self-esteem, independence and happiness.
To learn more about the Forest School concept in the UK, please click the link to take you to the Forest School Association website.
Hear what some of the kids who attended our sessions had to say!
Marnie, aged 6
Cooper, aged 7
Community Interest Company:
Registered Company No. 606929
A dynamic social enterprise in North Ayrshire, Scotland, which aims to ‘rewild’ childhood and reconnect communities with the natural world.
Copyright © 2022 Woodland Wakeup Community Interest Company. All rights reserved.
