Forest School Knowledge Base Please send case studies, activity ideas etc to [email protected] for inclusion in this knowledge base Blog Glowing Embers Green Man Guest Blog FSA in the press Forest School set up administration and finance FSA Administration FSA and Members in the Press FSA Policy Statements and Actions Internal policies and procedures International Partnerships MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION Minutes of Directors’ Meetings FSA Resources Conference FSA produced guidance notes Local group produced resources Promoting Quality Forest School Learning and development Planning and delivering Forest School Practical skills Campfire Cooking Craft Skills Fire lighting and management Hand tools Knots and lashings Public Resources Report Book reviews Clothing reviews Research Reviews Woodland environment Shelter building Species Identification Tool reviews KB tag Activity Idea Article Case Study Guidance Note Reading List Podcasts Reflections on the Forest School Research Symposium: A Journey of Inspiration and Connection Reflections on the Forest School Research Symposium: A Journey of Inspiration and Connection Symposium Follow up - Professional Perspectives and Practices of UK Forest School Programmes for Autistic and Non-Autistic Learners: A National Survey Symposium Follow up - Professional Perspectives and Practices of UK Forest School Programmes for Autistic and Non-Autistic Learners: A National Survey Forest School Research Symposium - Guest Blog Forest School Research Symposium - Guest Blog Doctoral Researcher Perspective: Forest School Research Symposium Doctoral Researcher Perspective: Forest School Research Symposium Knight, S. 2024, Forest School Forward, Horizon Magazine, May 2024, pp 14-16 Knight, S. 2024, Forest School Forward, Horizon Magazine, May 2024, pp 14-16 FSA Guidance Note: Low ropes FSA Guidance Note: Low ropes Bringing Children Closer to Nature Report - Sylva Foundation Bringing Children Closer to Nature Report - Sylva Foundation Deborah Benham Conference 2023 - Keynote Speaker - Resource list Deborah Benham Conference 2023 - Keynote Speaker - Resource list Tree Safety and Woodland Management Plans <strong>Tree Safety and Woodland Management Plans </strong> ‘Back to the Future’, a talk given at the FSA Conference ‘Ten Year Celebration’ by Sara Knight ‘Back to the Future’, a talk given at the FSA Conference ‘Ten Year Celebration’ by Sara Knight 2022 conference booklet 2022 conference booklet Forest School Association Conference Workshop Schedule 2022 - 10 Years of the FSA Forest School Association Conference Workshop Schedule 2022 - 10 Years of the FSA FSA National Conference 2022 - Sponsorship Invitation FSA National Conference 2022 - Sponsorship Invitation FSA National Conference 2022 - Celebrating 10 years of the FSA - Stallholder Call Out FSA National Conference 2022 - Celebrating 10 years of the FSA - Stallholder Call Out 2022 AGM video and election results 2022 AGM video and election results BOOK REVIEW - World Tales for Family Storytelling53 Traditional Stories for Children aged 4-6 years BOOK REVIEW - World Tales for Family Storytelling<br>53 Traditional Stories for Children aged 4-6 years 'Loose Parts Play' using man-made materials at Forest School: advice to insurers 'Loose Parts Play' using man-made materials at Forest School: advice to insurers Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Covid-19 amendment to FSA Recognised FS Provider benchmark for First Aid Covid-19 amendment to FSA Recognised FS Provider benchmark for First Aid New FREE Booklet from the FSA: 'How to set up a Forest School – from the roots up!' New FREE Booklet from the FSA: 'How to set up a Forest School – from the roots up!' Outdoor Teacher resources - a comprehensive online resource to support Forest School and Outdoor learning Outdoor Teacher resources - a comprehensive online resource to support Forest School and Outdoor learning EQUALITY and DIVERSITY Policy EQUALITY and DIVERSITY Policy Webinar Recording - Introduction to Mental Health First Aid at Forest School with Ben Sherratt Webinar Recording - Introduction to Mental Health First Aid at Forest School with Ben Sherratt nCorona / COVID-19 and Forest School nCorona / COVID-19 and Forest School Children's Anxiety about the Covid19 infection (and dealing with our own stress) Children's Anxiety about the Covid19 infection (and dealing with our own stress) FSA Guidance Note on the Child Protection Safeguarding Terminology FSA Guidance Note on the Child Protection Safeguarding Terminology FSA Guidance notes on Anaphylaxis and Tree Nuts FSA Guidance notes on Anaphylaxis and Tree Nuts COVID - 19: Advice for FSA Members COVID - 19: Advice for FSA Members FSA Guidance Note: Rope Swings FSA Guidance Note: Rope Swings The Forest School Association is going to China The Forest School Association is going to China ‘Forest School & Autism' - A Review by Jon Cree ‘Forest School & Autism' - A Review by Jon Cree FSA Guidance Note: General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 25th May 2018 FSA Guidance Note: General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 25th May 2018 (NO LONGER RUNNING) Enhanced DBS Checks for FSA Members: A new partnership with Adventure Plus (NO LONGER RUNNING) Enhanced DBS Checks for FSA Members: A new partnership with Adventure Plus FSA Recognition of Forest School Qualifications FSA Recognition of Forest School Qualifications Press release - New professional standards for Forest School Trainers Press release - New professional standards for Forest School Trainers FSA Conference 2017 Summary FSA Conference 2017 Summary Building Learning Power at Earthlings Forest School Building Learning Power at Earthlings Forest School FSA Guidance Note: Principle 1 Long-term Forest School Programme FSA Guidance Note: Principle 1 Long-term Forest School Programme Jay Griffiths, author of Kith: The Riddle of Childscape Jay Griffiths, author of Kith: The Riddle of Childscape Neuroscience and Forest School: Margot Sunderland Neuroscience and Forest School: Margot Sunderland Ofsted registration for Forest School: FSA Guidance Note Ofsted registration for Forest School: FSA Guidance Note Recognising Forest School Providers Recognising Forest School Providers Earth education and Forest School Earth education and Forest School Adventure, Woods and Early Education By Sara Knight Adventure, Woods and Early Education By Sara Knight Natural Play in the Forest: FS evaluation (families) Natural Play in the Forest: FS evaluation (families) Natural Play in the Forest: FS evaluation (children) Natural Play in the Forest: FS evaluation (children) If you go down to the woods today.... : Building confidence and changing behaviour in a Cornish woodland If you go down to the woods today.... : Building confidence and changing behaviour in a Cornish woodland Adventure, Woods and Early Education By Sara Knight Adventure, Woods and Early Education By Sara Knight Case study guidance notes Case study guidance notes Recycled Christmas Tree Den Design Recycled Christmas Tree Den Design Introduction to Shelter Building Introduction to Shelter Building Introduction to Knots and lashings Introduction to Knots and lashings Clamping and Bracing Work Clamping and Bracing Work Introduction to Hand Tools Introduction to Hand Tools Wood smoke inhalation Wood smoke inhalation Birch Bark as a Tinder Birch Bark as a Tinder Campfire Entertainment Campfire Entertainment Introduction to Fire lighting and management Introduction to Fire lighting and management Whittling projects Whittling projects Mud! Mud! Make a Traditional Evergreen Wreath Make a Traditional Evergreen Wreath How to make a Bowsaw for the price of a blade and cover How to make a Bowsaw for the price of a blade and cover Christmas Wreath Christmas Wreath Introduction to Craft skills Introduction to Craft skills eartheasy campfire advice and recipes eartheasy campfire advice and recipes a large collection of scouting favourite recipes a large collection of scouting favourite recipes Introduction to campfire cooking Introduction to campfire cooking Forest School and the Learning Outside the Classroom manifesto. By Jon Cree Forest School and the Learning Outside the Classroom manifesto. By Jon Cree Climbing Trees (and rocks) Climbing Trees (and rocks) Insurance Insurance Handbook Handbook Introduction to Planning and delivering Forest School Introduction to Planning and delivering Forest School Mindfulness Mindfulness An evaluation of the Penhaligon's Friends Tree Haven Project An evaluation of the Penhaligon's Friends Tree Haven Project The Learner-Centred Principle by Jon Cree The Learner-Centred Principle by Jon Cree Compound Flexibility Compound Flexibility Introduction to Learning and Development Introduction to Learning and Development OfSTED good practice example: Improving teaching and learning using the outdoor environment: Lavington Park Federation OfSTED good practice example: Improving teaching and learning using the outdoor environment: Lavington Park Federation How FS has been integrated in the curriculum at Ashton under Hill school How FS has been integrated in the curriculum at Ashton under Hill school Introduction to Forest School set up Introduction to Forest School set up Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Birch (Betula spp.) Birch (Betula spp.) Spring – Tapping for Birch Sap Spring – Tapping for Birch Sap Introduction to Forest School and the woodland environment Introduction to Forest School and the woodland environment Rukka Rainwear, by Cathy Pearce of Acorn Antics Rukka Rainwear, by Cathy Pearce of Acorn Antics The Index for Inclusion; developing learning and participation in schools The Index for Inclusion; developing learning and participation in schools Storytelling for a Greener World – Environment, Community and Story-Based Learning Storytelling for a Greener World – Environment, Community and Story-Based Learning Managing Risk in Play Provision: Implementation Guide Managing Risk in Play Provision: Implementation Guide myForest – woodland management planning application designed specifically for education myForest – woodland management planning application designed specifically for education Standard letter supporting Forest School and FSA policy Standard letter supporting Forest School and FSA policy Letter challenging requirement for increased level of insurance cover Letter challenging requirement for increased level of insurance cover The Forest School handbook: FSA guidance note The Forest School handbook: FSA guidance note Health and Safety guidance notes Health and Safety guidance notes UK knife law: FSA guidance notes UK knife law: FSA guidance notes First Aid for Forest School: FSA Guidance Note First Aid for Forest School: FSA Guidance Note National conference 2015: Condover Hall, Shropshire National conference 2015: Condover Hall, Shropshire Outputs from Forest School Association national conference 2013, Derwent Hill OEC Outputs from Forest School Association national conference 2013, Derwent Hill OEC Outputs from Forest School Association national conference 2014, Danbury Essex Outputs from Forest School Association national conference 2014, Danbury Essex Minutes of Directors’ Meetings Minutes of Directors’ Meetings MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION UK Awarding Bodies offering Forest School qualifications UK Awarding Bodies offering Forest School qualifications Intellectual property rights – ‘Forest Schools’ Intellectual property rights – ‘Forest Schools’ Trademarking of generic terms Trademarking of generic terms Purpose and Quality of Education Parliamentary inquiry 2016 Purpose and Quality of Education Parliamentary inquiry 2016 Forest schools: fires, trees and mud pies Guardian Newspaper Forest schools: fires, trees and mud pies Guardian Newspaper How can teachers introduce forest school principles to their curriculum? Guardian How can teachers introduce forest school principles to their curriculum? Guardian Sara Knight on the radio 26th September 2013 Sara Knight on the radio 26th September 2013 Screen-based lifestyle harms children’s health Screen-based lifestyle harms children’s health Open fires and pointy sticks: The rise of Scandi-style nurseries in the UK Open fires and pointy sticks: The rise of Scandi-style nurseries in the UK Letter from our counterparts in South Korea Letter from our counterparts in South Korea Forest Kindergartens in Korea – two associations meet Forest Kindergartens in Korea – two associations meet FEN and FSA working together (joint statement) FEN and FSA working together (joint statement) FSA Response to the English Government Consultation on the Proposed Changes to the English National Curriculum FSA Response to the English Government Consultation on the Proposed Changes to the English National Curriculum Jon Cree reviews “Developing a Forest school in Early Years Provision” Jon Cree reviews “Developing a Forest school in Early Years Provision” All
Reflections on the Forest School Research Symposium: A Journey of Inspiration and Connection Reflections on the Forest School Research Symposium: A Journey of Inspiration and Connection Symposium Follow up - Professional Perspectives and Practices of UK Forest School Programmes for Autistic and Non-Autistic Learners: A National Survey Symposium Follow up - Professional Perspectives and Practices of UK Forest School Programmes for Autistic and Non-Autistic Learners: A National Survey Forest School Research Symposium - Guest Blog Forest School Research Symposium - Guest Blog Doctoral Researcher Perspective: Forest School Research Symposium Doctoral Researcher Perspective: Forest School Research Symposium Knight, S. 2024, Forest School Forward, Horizon Magazine, May 2024, pp 14-16 Knight, S. 2024, Forest School Forward, Horizon Magazine, May 2024, pp 14-16 FSA Guidance Note: Low ropes FSA Guidance Note: Low ropes Bringing Children Closer to Nature Report - Sylva Foundation Bringing Children Closer to Nature Report - Sylva Foundation Deborah Benham Conference 2023 - Keynote Speaker - Resource list Deborah Benham Conference 2023 - Keynote Speaker - Resource list Tree Safety and Woodland Management Plans <strong>Tree Safety and Woodland Management Plans </strong> ‘Back to the Future’, a talk given at the FSA Conference ‘Ten Year Celebration’ by Sara Knight ‘Back to the Future’, a talk given at the FSA Conference ‘Ten Year Celebration’ by Sara Knight 2022 conference booklet 2022 conference booklet Forest School Association Conference Workshop Schedule 2022 - 10 Years of the FSA Forest School Association Conference Workshop Schedule 2022 - 10 Years of the FSA FSA National Conference 2022 - Sponsorship Invitation FSA National Conference 2022 - Sponsorship Invitation FSA National Conference 2022 - Celebrating 10 years of the FSA - Stallholder Call Out FSA National Conference 2022 - Celebrating 10 years of the FSA - Stallholder Call Out 2022 AGM video and election results 2022 AGM video and election results BOOK REVIEW - World Tales for Family Storytelling53 Traditional Stories for Children aged 4-6 years BOOK REVIEW - World Tales for Family Storytelling<br>53 Traditional Stories for Children aged 4-6 years 'Loose Parts Play' using man-made materials at Forest School: advice to insurers 'Loose Parts Play' using man-made materials at Forest School: advice to insurers Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Covid-19 amendment to FSA Recognised FS Provider benchmark for First Aid Covid-19 amendment to FSA Recognised FS Provider benchmark for First Aid New FREE Booklet from the FSA: 'How to set up a Forest School – from the roots up!' New FREE Booklet from the FSA: 'How to set up a Forest School – from the roots up!' Outdoor Teacher resources - a comprehensive online resource to support Forest School and Outdoor learning Outdoor Teacher resources - a comprehensive online resource to support Forest School and Outdoor learning EQUALITY and DIVERSITY Policy EQUALITY and DIVERSITY Policy Webinar Recording - Introduction to Mental Health First Aid at Forest School with Ben Sherratt Webinar Recording - Introduction to Mental Health First Aid at Forest School with Ben Sherratt nCorona / COVID-19 and Forest School nCorona / COVID-19 and Forest School Children's Anxiety about the Covid19 infection (and dealing with our own stress) Children's Anxiety about the Covid19 infection (and dealing with our own stress) FSA Guidance Note on the Child Protection Safeguarding Terminology FSA Guidance Note on the Child Protection Safeguarding Terminology FSA Guidance notes on Anaphylaxis and Tree Nuts FSA Guidance notes on Anaphylaxis and Tree Nuts COVID - 19: Advice for FSA Members COVID - 19: Advice for FSA Members FSA Guidance Note: Rope Swings FSA Guidance Note: Rope Swings The Forest School Association is going to China The Forest School Association is going to China ‘Forest School & Autism' - A Review by Jon Cree ‘Forest School & Autism' - A Review by Jon Cree FSA Guidance Note: General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 25th May 2018 FSA Guidance Note: General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 25th May 2018 (NO LONGER RUNNING) Enhanced DBS Checks for FSA Members: A new partnership with Adventure Plus (NO LONGER RUNNING) Enhanced DBS Checks for FSA Members: A new partnership with Adventure Plus FSA Recognition of Forest School Qualifications FSA Recognition of Forest School Qualifications Press release - New professional standards for Forest School Trainers Press release - New professional standards for Forest School Trainers FSA Conference 2017 Summary FSA Conference 2017 Summary Building Learning Power at Earthlings Forest School Building Learning Power at Earthlings Forest School FSA Guidance Note: Principle 1 Long-term Forest School Programme FSA Guidance Note: Principle 1 Long-term Forest School Programme Jay Griffiths, author of Kith: The Riddle of Childscape Jay Griffiths, author of Kith: The Riddle of Childscape Neuroscience and Forest School: Margot Sunderland Neuroscience and Forest School: Margot Sunderland Ofsted registration for Forest School: FSA Guidance Note Ofsted registration for Forest School: FSA Guidance Note Recognising Forest School Providers Recognising Forest School Providers Earth education and Forest School Earth education and Forest School Adventure, Woods and Early Education By Sara Knight Adventure, Woods and Early Education By Sara Knight Natural Play in the Forest: FS evaluation (families) Natural Play in the Forest: FS evaluation (families) Natural Play in the Forest: FS evaluation (children) Natural Play in the Forest: FS evaluation (children) If you go down to the woods today.... : Building confidence and changing behaviour in a Cornish woodland If you go down to the woods today.... : Building confidence and changing behaviour in a Cornish woodland Adventure, Woods and Early Education By Sara Knight Adventure, Woods and Early Education By Sara Knight Case study guidance notes Case study guidance notes Recycled Christmas Tree Den Design Recycled Christmas Tree Den Design Introduction to Shelter Building Introduction to Shelter Building Introduction to Knots and lashings Introduction to Knots and lashings Clamping and Bracing Work Clamping and Bracing Work Introduction to Hand Tools Introduction to Hand Tools Wood smoke inhalation Wood smoke inhalation Birch Bark as a Tinder Birch Bark as a Tinder Campfire Entertainment Campfire Entertainment Introduction to Fire lighting and management Introduction to Fire lighting and management Whittling projects Whittling projects Mud! Mud! Make a Traditional Evergreen Wreath Make a Traditional Evergreen Wreath How to make a Bowsaw for the price of a blade and cover How to make a Bowsaw for the price of a blade and cover Christmas Wreath Christmas Wreath Introduction to Craft skills Introduction to Craft skills eartheasy campfire advice and recipes eartheasy campfire advice and recipes a large collection of scouting favourite recipes a large collection of scouting favourite recipes Introduction to campfire cooking Introduction to campfire cooking Forest School and the Learning Outside the Classroom manifesto. By Jon Cree Forest School and the Learning Outside the Classroom manifesto. By Jon Cree Climbing Trees (and rocks) Climbing Trees (and rocks) Insurance Insurance Handbook Handbook Introduction to Planning and delivering Forest School Introduction to Planning and delivering Forest School Mindfulness Mindfulness An evaluation of the Penhaligon's Friends Tree Haven Project An evaluation of the Penhaligon's Friends Tree Haven Project The Learner-Centred Principle by Jon Cree The Learner-Centred Principle by Jon Cree Compound Flexibility Compound Flexibility Introduction to Learning and Development Introduction to Learning and Development OfSTED good practice example: Improving teaching and learning using the outdoor environment: Lavington Park Federation OfSTED good practice example: Improving teaching and learning using the outdoor environment: Lavington Park Federation How FS has been integrated in the curriculum at Ashton under Hill school How FS has been integrated in the curriculum at Ashton under Hill school Introduction to Forest School set up Introduction to Forest School set up Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Birch (Betula spp.) Birch (Betula spp.) Spring – Tapping for Birch Sap Spring – Tapping for Birch Sap Introduction to Forest School and the woodland environment Introduction to Forest School and the woodland environment Rukka Rainwear, by Cathy Pearce of Acorn Antics Rukka Rainwear, by Cathy Pearce of Acorn Antics The Index for Inclusion; developing learning and participation in schools The Index for Inclusion; developing learning and participation in schools Storytelling for a Greener World – Environment, Community and Story-Based Learning Storytelling for a Greener World – Environment, Community and Story-Based Learning Managing Risk in Play Provision: Implementation Guide Managing Risk in Play Provision: Implementation Guide myForest – woodland management planning application designed specifically for education myForest – woodland management planning application designed specifically for education Standard letter supporting Forest School and FSA policy Standard letter supporting Forest School and FSA policy Letter challenging requirement for increased level of insurance cover Letter challenging requirement for increased level of insurance cover The Forest School handbook: FSA guidance note The Forest School handbook: FSA guidance note Health and Safety guidance notes Health and Safety guidance notes UK knife law: FSA guidance notes UK knife law: FSA guidance notes First Aid for Forest School: FSA Guidance Note First Aid for Forest School: FSA Guidance Note National conference 2015: Condover Hall, Shropshire National conference 2015: Condover Hall, Shropshire Outputs from Forest School Association national conference 2013, Derwent Hill OEC Outputs from Forest School Association national conference 2013, Derwent Hill OEC Outputs from Forest School Association national conference 2014, Danbury Essex Outputs from Forest School Association national conference 2014, Danbury Essex Minutes of Directors’ Meetings Minutes of Directors’ Meetings MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION UK Awarding Bodies offering Forest School qualifications UK Awarding Bodies offering Forest School qualifications Intellectual property rights – ‘Forest Schools’ Intellectual property rights – ‘Forest Schools’ Trademarking of generic terms Trademarking of generic terms Purpose and Quality of Education Parliamentary inquiry 2016 Purpose and Quality of Education Parliamentary inquiry 2016 Forest schools: fires, trees and mud pies Guardian Newspaper Forest schools: fires, trees and mud pies Guardian Newspaper How can teachers introduce forest school principles to their curriculum? Guardian How can teachers introduce forest school principles to their curriculum? Guardian Sara Knight on the radio 26th September 2013 Sara Knight on the radio 26th September 2013 Screen-based lifestyle harms children’s health Screen-based lifestyle harms children’s health Open fires and pointy sticks: The rise of Scandi-style nurseries in the UK Open fires and pointy sticks: The rise of Scandi-style nurseries in the UK Letter from our counterparts in South Korea Letter from our counterparts in South Korea Forest Kindergartens in Korea – two associations meet Forest Kindergartens in Korea – two associations meet FEN and FSA working together (joint statement) FEN and FSA working together (joint statement) FSA Response to the English Government Consultation on the Proposed Changes to the English National Curriculum FSA Response to the English Government Consultation on the Proposed Changes to the English National Curriculum Jon Cree reviews “Developing a Forest school in Early Years Provision” Jon Cree reviews “Developing a Forest school in Early Years Provision” All