As the summer holidays approach, families across the UK are preparing for the annual challenge of keeping children entertained for six long weeks. Whether balancing work commitments, childcare arrangements or simply finding enough activities to fill the days, many parents and guardians find the long break can quickly become a juggling act. Screen time often creeps up, routines disappear, and the pressure to constantly organise activities can feel overwhelming.
But a growing number of families are turning to nature for a solution.
According to Woodlands.co.uk, outdoor learning and forest school sessions are becoming increasingly popular as parents look for affordable, healthy and engaging ways to keep children active over the summer months.
Forest schools encourage children to spend time outdoors learning practical skills, building confidence and connecting with nature through hands-on experiences such as shelter building, wildlife exploration, campfire cooking and woodland crafts.
Research and case studies from forest school programmes show that outdoor learning can help improve confidence, resilience, teamwork and wellbeing, whilst reducing the amount of time children spend in front of their devices.
Lisa Bradford, Founder of Willow Bushcraft CIC in Kent, operates a Forest School working with children from disadvantages backgrounds in a woodland provided by Woodlands.co.uk, as a part of their social forestry initiatives. Lisa said:
“Children don’t need constant entertainment during the summer holidays – they need opportunities to explore, take managed risks, be creative and spend time outdoors. Some of the biggest breakthroughs we see happen around a campfire, building a shelter or simply spending time in the woods. Nature gives children space to grow.”
Not every outdoor learning experience needs to take place in a formal Forest School setting. Parents, grandparents and carers can introduce children to many of the same activities during family visits to local woodlands and green spaces.
Simple ideas include:
• Building small dens from fallen branches (where permitted)
• Wildlife spotting and bug hunts
• Woodland scavenger hunts
• Nature art using leaves, sticks and pinecones
• Learning to identify different trees and plants
• Listening for birdsong and spotting woodland wildlife
• Keeping a nature journal or sketchbook
When visiting woodlands, families should always respect the rules set by the woodland owner, stick to designated paths where required, leave no trace, take litter home and avoid disturbing wildlife. Activities such as fires, cutting vegetation or building larger structures should only be undertaken where permission has been granted.
Anton Baskerville, of woodlands.co.uk added “You don’t have to enrol in a Forest School to enjoy the benefits of outdoor learning. A few hours spent exploring a woodland with children can spark curiosity, creativity and a lifelong appreciation for nature. The important thing is to enjoy these spaces responsibly and respect the woodland, wildlife and any rules put in place by the owner.”
Woodlands.co.uk works with woodland owners, schools and community groups across the UK to encourage greater access to nature and outdoor education.