Be Free Forest School
Your local specialists in Environmental Education & Forest School. Delivering bespoke, green programmes in Broxbourne.
Social skills & Communication
Children learned to problem solve, gaining increased awareness of the consequences of their actions through team activities such as sharing tools and participating in games and play. Language development was prompted by the children’s sensory experiences, story telling and debate – giving language and context for its use.
Knowledge & understanding
The children developed an interest in the natural surroundings and respect for the environment, begun to use names for plants, trees and seeds in their conversations and observations and were motivated to talk about what they had noticed!
Confidence & motivation
Children have the freedom, time and space to learn and develop independence, and look forward to coming back again. Kids and adults could concentrate over long periods of time on building, making, searching, talking.
Physical skills
Improvements are characterised by the development of physical stamina, gross and fine motor skills.
In 2018 Be Free Forest School was founded to bring a different kind of learning to mainstream schools in Hertfordshire and Enfield. Be Free are establishing Forest School programmes in primaries which inspire children to be eco active, to make a positive impact and nurture their relationship with nature. We work hard to design and implement programmes which increase independence, self-esteem, problem solving skills, resilience and install a love for learning. Our ethos is this: every child should have access to nature, and that positive relationships and connections with the natural world, together with their community, safeguard the future of our planet and brings positive wellbeing.
Get Started
You're an Educator
Primary, Secondary, Home School, Flexi. We offer bespoke programmes for educators (Cheshunt, Broxbourne and surrounding) which are outdoors in all weathers, adventurous and fun. Holistic development, wellbeing and developing a lifelong connection with nature are at the heart of our programmes. Programmes last 6 weeks minimum, and sessions are 2 hours long. Nurture groups, whole class, excluded pupils, SEN, half class, EBMH Note: we don't offer PPA cover, your teachers deserve the benefits of being out in nature as much as your students, we approach the class as a whole - with holistic wellbeing at the heart of each session.
You're a Parent
If we’re providing sessions in your child’s school already, hello! If we aren’t (yet), send your headteacher a link to the educators page for them to find out more. Birch Community ‘Young Adventurers Club’, bookings for guests and members are handled directly by Birch. If you’re looking for community based (Cheshunt and local areas) sessions, join our mailing list (link) for updates on new programmes emerging in 2023!
The 6 Principles of Forest School
#1
Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
#2
Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
#3
Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
#4
Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
#5
Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
#6
Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning.
“Bringing nature into the classroom can kindle a fascination and passion for the diversity of life on earth and can motivate a sense of responsibility to safeguard it” - Sir David Attenborough
Who we are
FAQs
As of October 2022, we run sessions for schools (primary and secondary) and for Birch Community hotel. Community sessions (Cheshunt and surrounding areas) are on the horizon for 2023 – join our mailing list to be kept in the loop.
We’re working on it. Join our mailing list and you’ll be the first to know if we set up a local alternative learning session.
No. In short, Forest School is only magical and transformative when participants’ experience is over time, 6 weeks minimum. We work hard to uphold the Forest School Association’s golden 6 principles, which is why we can call ourselves a Forest School provider.
Everyone can benefit from Forest School, and our experience ranges from little ones 2+ and parents, KS1, KS2 and nurture groups in KS3 too.
Warm layers in the winter, hat, gloves, warm shoes. Sun hat, long trousers and covered shoulders in the summer. If we are delivering FS sessions at your child’s school, you’ll be given detailed information and kit list too.
Feel free to get in touch!
