Woodland Play in Schools
Woodland Play in Schools project was undertaken to help develop woodland play schemes in schools and early years settings across Scotland.
Re-discovering the importance of play.
Woodland Play
Across the UK, schools are re-discovering the importance of play and its ability to impact on some of the most significant aspects of child development. They’re also discovering that natural environments and materials offer some of the richest play opportunities.
While many schools are now developing their playgrounds to provide these ‘natural play’ spaces, hundreds of schools already have access to a wonderful, but un-used, woodland playground right on their doorstep.
Why did we develop Woodland Play?
The aim of our Woodland Play project was to find out how woodlands in or adjacent to schools could be made accessible for regular play during break times.
With support from Inspiring Scotland and the Forestry Commission, we embarked on a 2-year project with 6 Scottish primary schools that recognised the potential of their woodlands for play but who needed help to turn their aspirations into reality.
Find out how woodland play has benefitted children and school life and learn how schools have successfully dealt with the practicalities of supervision, risk, weather and mud using the resources below.
Short Film
Hear directly from teachers, pupils and supervisors.
Case Studies
We’re bringing over forty organisations together in a big new push to improve school grounds
Other Resources
Our Woodland Play in schools booklet summarises the practical lessons learned by project schools and is the ideal guide for any other school that is interested in opening up their neighbouring woodland for play.
Related Projects
Our projects showcase innovative outdoor learning and play initiatives.
Take a look at our related projects here or explore our full range of past and present projects.
My Nature Play
We want every child across the UK to have the opportunity to play, explore, and learn outdoors every day. That’s why our new My Nature Play project helps young children fall in love with nature by improving their outdoor experiences in their early years settings.
Outdoor Classroom Day
Outdoor Classroom Day is a global movement to inspire and celebrate outdoor learning and play. The campaign days (in May and November each year) act as a catalyst for more time outdoors every day, both at school and beyond.