Forest School Nature Exploration Kit

Explore the natural world through hands-on investigation with the Forest School Nature Exploration Kit. Available in Starter and Mega options, each kit provides observation and collection equipment for studying minibeasts, plants and other natural discoveries. Suitable for children aged 3 years and over.

Key benefits

• Provides a coordinated collection of equipment for nature exploration and outdoor learning

• Encourages children to observe minibeasts, plants and natural materials in greater detail

• Includes multiple viewers and magnifiers so several children can investigate together

• Supports woodland exploration, minibeast hunts and supervised pond-dipping activities

• Available in Starter and Mega options to suit different group sizes and learning environments

• Made from durable, recyclable materials

Educational value

• Encourages curiosity, observation and hands-on investigation

• Introduces early scientific skills such as collecting, examining, identifying and comparing

• Helps children learn about wildlife, plants, habitats and seasonal change

• Supports communication and language as children describe discoveries and share ideas

• Encourages children to ask questions, make predictions and discuss their observations

• Supports collaborative learning, cooperation and turn-taking

About active play and the early years

• Active play allows young children to learn through movement, exploration and first-hand experiences

• Outdoor investigation encourages children to walk, bend, reach, collect and carefully handle suitable natural objects

• Nature exploration can support curiosity, problem-solving and an understanding of the world

• Shared investigations help develop communication, cooperation and social skills

• Sensory-rich outdoor experiences introduce children to different colours, shapes, textures, sounds and habitats

• Regular opportunities to play and learn outdoors can support children’s physical development, confidence and connection with nature 

Suggested uses

• Hunting for insects and minibeasts

• Examining leaves, flowers, bark, moss and other plant material

• Collecting and comparing rocks and other suitable natural objects

• Taking part in nature walks and outdoor scavenger hunts

• Observing suitable aquatic specimens during supervised pond-dipping activities

• Comparing discoveries by colour, shape, size, pattern and texture

• Learning about woodland wildlife and different habitats

• Recording and discussing seasonal changes

• Creating group investigation stations during Forest School sessions

Starter kit includes

• 1 x stand containing 6 magnifiers

• 6 x Mini Beast Viewers

• 6 x Powerscopes

• 1 x Large Bug and Aquatic Container

• 1 x Giant Magnifying Pot

• 3 x nets

Mega kit includes

• 1 x Seasons game

• 1 x stand containing 12 magnifiers

• 12 x Mini Beast Viewers

• 12 x Powerscopes

• 1 x Large Bug and Aquatic Container

• 4 x artificial grass investigation areas

• 6 x nets

• 12 x Mini Collectors

• 4 x handheld leaf-shaped chalkboards

• 12 x Mini Scoopers

Available options

• Starter Kit

• Mega Kit

Care and safety information

• Suitable for ages 3 years and over

• Activities should take place under appropriate adult supervision

• Show children how to collect and observe natural discoveries carefully and responsibly

• Living creatures should be handled gently and returned safely to their habitat after observation

• Do not collect or handle unknown plants, fungi or potentially harmful creatures

• Pond dipping should only take place beside a suitably assessed habitat under close adult supervision

• Children should wash their hands after handling natural materials and outdoor equipment

• Clean and dry all reusable equipment thoroughly before storage

• Inspect each item for wear or damage before use

Specifications

• Forest School nature observation and exploration kit

• Suitable for early years settings, primary schools and group activities

• Supports nature exploration, minibeast observation and early scientific enquiry

• Available in Starter and Mega options

• Made from durable, recyclable materials

• Colours and contents may vary

• Suitable for ages 3 years and over