top of page
Philippa is wearing a red coat and woolly hat reading Sharing a Shell to a group of children in the woods.

What is Forest School?

There are 6 agreed Forest School Principles: 

  • Forest School is a long term process of regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment.

  • Forest School takes place outdoors to foster the relationship between learner and the natural world.

  • Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take appropriate risks.

  • Forest School promotes holistic development, fostering resilience, confidence, independence and creativity. 

  • Forest School is run by qualified practitioners. 

  • Forest School creates a community for development and learning.

(The Forest School Association) 

What makes Seed + Root different to other Forest Schools?

At Seed + Root, we are more than just a forest school — we’re a growing community rooted in nature, connection, and care. We offer children a rich, unhurried experience of childhood: one which is valued and where every child has a voice.
 

We follow the Forest School ethos, but our approach goes deeper. We combine child-led, experiential learning with a deep respect for the land — weaving together play, storytelling, seasonal rhythms, and nature-based learning to create an environment where children feel free, safe, and inspired. Every session is guided by Philippa, a trained forest school leader who gently supports confidence, resilience, and creativity at each child’s own pace.

What Makes Us Different?
At Seed + Root, we believe that nature isn’t just a setting — it’s our teacher, our classroom, and our responsibility. What sets us apart is our commitment to ecological connection and climate action. Children don’t just learn in nature; they learn how to care for it. From planting native species to learning about soil health and biodiversity in hands-on ways, we aim to raise a generation of thoughtful, empowered stewards of the Earth.

 

A Slow Childhood in a Fast World
We honour the beauty of a slow childhood — one filled with open-ended play, time to wonder, and space to grow. In a world that pushes children to move fast and perform early, we offer a gentle counterbalance: a space to breathe, explore, and just be. We offer a deep trust in the natural unfolding of childhood.

 

Whether your child is climbing trees, watching bugs, or quietly listening to the wind in the leaves, they are growing roots — in themselves, in their community, and in the living world around them. At Seed + Root, we’re here to nurture that growth, one muddy adventure at a time.

 

We are a voice for the children, a voice for their future, and a voice for nature.

mushrooms toadstools image
bottom of page