Benefits of Forest School

Forest School takes a learner-centred approach to learning. Sessions are carefully planned to give maximum opportunities for movement and discovery through play and hands-on activities.

The benefits of Forest School are many and varied. Spending time close to nature has been proven to lower stress levels, leading to better ability to focus, higher self-esteem, more confidence, better teamwork and problem-solving skills. The structure of Forest School sessions encourages holistic growth for every learner, building resilience and social skills. 

About Barefoot and Wild

Barefoot and Wild is run by Amber Godwin, a qualified Forest School Leader with a passion for being outdoors and for working with communities in nature.

After completing a degree in Visual Communication in Edinburgh College of Art, Amber worked in the arts for many years, became a parent of two children, and in 2018 completed the Forest School Leadership Training. Considering herself a lifelong learner, Amber has since completed CPD courses, attended Forest School gatherings and has embarked upon deep nature connection journeys for her own development.

Amber is now part of the training team for the Forest School Leadership QQI level 6 qualification through Brigit's Garden, empowering a whole new set of adults to bring Forest School to their local wild spaces.

Benefits of outdoor learning for adults

Time spent in nature is well documented to be beneficial to adults as well as children. Adults who spend time in nature experience lower levels of stress and anxiety and report better overall wellbeing. Our adult workshops may focus on a particular skill or experience, however they are always grounded in nature and seek to deepen participants' connection with the natural world, and to build community.