Recent research by Murray & O'Brien on behalf of the New Economics Foundation(‘Such enthusiasm – a joy to see’ An evaluation of Forest School in England, October 2005) shows how forest school can help meet government targets as laid out under 'Every Child Matters' (DfES 2004).
A recent study carried out by Lorna Jenner, freelance environmental education consultant and Ffion Hughes, Education Officer of the Forestry Commission Wales on behalf of Forest Research in Wales (the Executive Summary can be viewed here) measured the beneficial effects of forest school with a group of children from Pentre School in N.Wales.
The areas of benefit identified by both studies reflect the outcomes which time and again are associated with Forest School:
Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
Improved social skills
The development of language and communication skills
Improved physical motor skills
Improved motivation and concentration
Increased knowledge and understanding of the environment
Click here for a Summary of Forest School Research compiled by the Forest Education Initiative (this will open in a new window)
