According to a survey conducted by the Forest School Association of UK schools, there has been a surge in demand for places. Parents are seeking alternative learning paths for their children because of the mental health benefits of outdoor life.
About 30 years ago, the Forest movement arrived in the UK. There is a passion for open air and nature. The activities done in Forest Schools complement traditional learning. These activities take place in natural environments or woodlands. Activities include games like hide and seek, bushcraft, den building and mud play.
Forest schooling provides a chance to refresh social skills and emotional needs. During the pandemic, when most kids have resorted to social media and video games, forest schooling is a fresh breath of air which every student must experience.
Providers of mainstream education also agree to the benefits of forest schooling. Schools want children to learn and grow but time, money and pressure of the curriculum prevents this from happening. They try to offer outdoor experience but it is often not profound and does not have a huge impact. A forest school is a long term thing which has a deep, profound and positive impact on the psyche of a child.
Schools should take inspiration and make arrangements for children to have this experience at least one a week or once in a fortnight so that children can engage with nature. It also has a very positive effect on academic life.
It will also help students in taking their mind off from tv screens, social media and video games. It will help them to reconnect with mother nature and develop a sense of attachment. Only when the students will have an attachment with nature, will they try to live a sustainable life and preserve nature. It is a wonderful idea and should be adopted globally.