Forest School Urban Learning Kit

Bring nature-based learning into playgrounds, courtyards and other accessible outdoor spaces with the Forest Schools Urban School Kit. Combining natural materials, observation equipment and creative resources, this extensive 241-piece collection helps children aged 3 years and over investigate wildlife, explore textures and respond creatively to their discoveries.

Key benefits

• Brings nature-based learning into urban schools and settings without immediate access to woodland

• Combines wildlife observation, natural materials and creative resources in one comprehensive collection

• Includes multiple magnifiers, bug viewers and observation jars for group investigations

• Natural loose parts can be used for sorting, counting, construction, art and imaginative play

• Suitable for playgrounds, courtyards, urban gardens and other accessible outdoor spaces

• Made from durable, recyclable materials

Educational value

• Encourages curiosity, observation and hands-on investigation

• Supports early scientific enquiry through close observation using simple equipment

• Helps children compare natural objects by shape, colour, size, pattern and texture

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

• Supports creativity through drawing, clay modelling, natural collage and construction

• Encourages problem-solving, critical thinking and collaborative learning

About active play and the early years

• Active play allows young children to learn through movement, exploration and practical experiences

• Outdoor learning can take place in a wide variety of environments, including relatively small urban spaces

• Exploring natural materials can encourage curiosity, imagination and an understanding of the world

• Hands-on outdoor activities support physical development, coordination and spatial awareness

• Group investigations encourage communication, cooperation and turn-taking

• Outdoor learning can support children’s confidence, wellbeing and connection with the natural world

Suggested uses

• Observing insects and minibeasts using magnifiers, viewers and observation jars

• Comparing acorns, pine cones, feathers, bark leaves and wooden shapes

• Making impressions and patterns in air-drying clay

• Creating natural collages, models and small-world scenes

• Using the wooden boards for drawing, rubbings and craft activities

• Recording observations on the woodland animal chalkboards

• Introducing discussions about wildlife, habitats, plants and seasonal changes

• Creating investigation stations in playgrounds and other outdoor spaces

What’s included

• 30 x acorns

• 30 x bark leaves

• 1 x reel of cotton string

• 80 x natural feathers

• 30 x natural willow sticks

• 10 x natural wooden circles

• 1 x wooden ladybird house

• 10 x wooden A5 activity boards

• 20 x long pine cones

• 1kg x air-drying clay

• 12 x handy magnifiers with storage stand

• 6 x large bug viewers

• 6 x clip-and-go bug jars

• 4 x handheld woodland animal chalkboards in squirrel, owl, rabbit and hedgehog designs

Care and safety information

• Suitable for ages 3 years and over

• Activities should take place under appropriate adult supervision

• Natural items may vary in size, shape, colour and appearance

• Check all natural materials and equipment before each activity

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

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

• Keep small components away from younger children who may place items in their mouths

• Clean and dry reusable observation equipment thoroughly before storage

• Store the clay according to the instructions on its packaging

Specifications

• Urban Forest School exploration and creativity kit

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

• Supports nature observation, creative play and early scientific enquiry

• Made from durable, recyclable materials

• Number of pieces: 241

• Colours, contents and natural materials may vary

• Suitable for ages 3 years and over