LONDON — In the heart of north London lies the ancient Queens Wood, a forest hidden away in a metropolis of more than 8 million residents. The sounds of the city seem to fade away as children play in a mud kitchen, pretending to prepare food and saw wood.
These aren’t toddlers on a play date — it’s an unusual outdoor nursery school, the first of its kind in London, following a trend in Scandinavia, Germany and Scotland. It allows children to learn and let their imagination run free, completely surrounded by nature.
“I knew it would be a really great environment for him and great for him to have focused time outdoors with teachers who are trained in forest school ideology,” said Zoe Slotover, as she dropped off her 2-year-old son, Hector.
Primary school teacher Emma Shaw opened the “Into the Woods” nursery in April for children from 2½ to 5 years old. She said the natural environment works wonders.
“Children learn through movement and from doing things,” she said. “So everything is practical and hands-on outside. So the learning comes a lot more naturally, as we don’t have to set up opportunities for them to problem-solve and risk-take because they are all here and they can set their own challenges, which boosts their self-esteem.”
Each morning, children gather at the Queens Wood camp, which the nursery team prepares before the children arrive. A circle of logs provides a place to gather for snacks, stories and songs. The mud kitchen provides an opportunity to make a proper mess and have a sensory experience. A rope swing provides some excitement and a challenge.
The children attending the London school wear fluorescent reflective vests and are encouraged to use items they find in the woods like leaves, seeds and sticks to count and draw.
Forest schools are increasing in popularity in the United Kingdom, with many schools offering short courses building dens, climbing trees and exploring.
University of Reading professor Helen Bilton said the benefits are clear. “In terms of health, it is to do with exercise, and things like that,” she said. “But in terms of education, it is to do with cognitive development, linguistic development, social, emotional. It covers the lot.”
