Opening Statement and Purpose

This guidance note sets out a proportionate approach to assessing and managing the environmental impacts arising from Forest School activities in the UK. It is aimed at Forest School Leaders, providers, land managers, and commissioning organisations delivering regular or repeated outdoor learning sessions in woodland and natural settings.

It provides a site- and activity-level environmental impact assessment suitable for educational use, supporting Forest School Leaders to understand and care for the woodland as a learning environment, in keeping with the Forest School ethos of sustainability, participant-led learning and long-term engagement with place. This guidance does not replace the statutory Environmental Impact Assessment required under UK planning legislation.