Forest School Natural Woodland Kit

Bring nature-based learning to life with the Forest Schools Natural Woodland Kit. This comprehensive collection of natural and creative resources encourages children aged 3 years and over to explore woodland materials, create artwork and investigate wildlife and habitats through hands-on outdoor learning.

Key benefits

• Comprehensive collection of natural woodland resources for hands-on exploration and creative learning

• Encourages loose-parts and open-ended play, allowing children to arrange, build, investigate and create in their own way

• Supports the observation and comparison of natural textures, shapes, sizes, colours and patterns

• Provides opportunities for transient art, nature crafts, clay activities and woodland creations

• Wildlife houses and a feeder encourage children to explore living things, habitats and caring for the natural environment

• Suitable for Forest School sessions, outdoor classrooms, nature areas and continuous provision

• Made from durable, recyclable materials

Educational value

• Encourages curiosity, observation and hands-on investigation

• Supports early scientific enquiry through sorting, comparing and examining natural materials

• Develops creativity through painting, modelling, pattern-making and construction

• Supports early mathematics by encouraging children to count, order, group and compare objects

• Develops communication and language as children describe materials, discoveries and creative ideas

• Encourages children to learn about wildlife, habitats and caring for the environment

• Supports child-led exploration alongside planned science, art, mathematics and environmental activities

About active play and the early years

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

• Outdoor learning can support physical development, coordination and spatial awareness

• Natural materials offer sensory-rich opportunities to investigate different shapes, colours, textures and patterns

• Open-ended resources encourage imagination, creativity and problem-solving

• Group exploration supports communication, cooperation and turn-taking

• Regular outdoor experiences can help children develop confidence, curiosity and a positive connection with the natural world

Outdoor learning is widely associated with physical development, confidence, communication, cooperation and hands-on understanding of the natural world.

Suggested uses

• Sorting and comparing acorns, pine cones, feathers, branches, wood slices and dried moss

• Creating patterns, pictures and transient artwork using natural loose parts

• Making woodland models and decorations with air-drying clay

• Painting and decorating leaf stones, wooden plaques, bunting and activity boards

• Creating natural collages, small-world scenes and imaginative constructions

• Building the dormouse house and exploring how wildlife shelters support different habitats

• Positioning the ladybird house and squirrel feeder in a suitable outdoor area

• Discussing woodland animals, habitats, seasonal changes and caring for wildlife

• Using natural resources for counting, matching, ordering and early mathematics activities

What’s included

Care and safety information

• Suitable for ages 3 years and over

• Activities should take place under appropriate adult supervision

• Natural materials may vary in size, shape, colour, texture and appearance

• Check all components for wear, damage or sharp edges before each activity

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

• Wildlife houses and feeders should be positioned securely in a suitable outdoor location

• Children should wash their hands after handling natural materials, clay or outdoor equipment

• Store the air-drying clay according to the instructions on its packaging

• Allow wet or damp natural materials to dry thoroughly before storage

Specifications

• Forest School natural woodland exploration and creativity kit

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

• Supports loose-parts play, environmental learning, creative activities and early scientific enquiry

• Made from durable, recyclable materials

• Colours, contents and natural materials may vary

• Suitable for ages 3 years and over

• Hessian roll size: 160cm L x 30cm W