Useful Links
Below are some web sites that might be useful. Especially if you are doing some research on Forest School.
"Down the Woods" has collected these websites from courses, books and search engines to give a background into some of the research that has been done.
The opinions and evidence here are not necessary endorsed by "Down the Woods" and are intended to help those who like research and evidence to discover in theory what Forest School is about.
"Down the Woods"
believe the best way to discover Forest School is to visit a session, watch the magic and chat to the children!
www.bbc.co.uk/thrillseeker/den_building
www.learningwithsouthglos.org/eyfs/acrobat/resources/GuidanceForGoodPractice2010.pdf
www.earlyexcellence.com/den_play.html
www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/engplay-idea-25.pdf/$FILE/engplay-idea-25.pdf
www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fce-growing-adventure-report.pdf/$FILE/fce-growing-adventure-report.pdf
www.edu.plymouth.ac.uk/Oelresnet/Documents/Forestschoofinalreport2.Doc?Page=17736
www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/161165.htm
www.friluftsframjandet.se/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=39265&name=DLFE-5521.pdf
www.forestresearch.gov.uk/website/forestresearch.nsf/ByUnique/INFD-5Z3JVZ
www.foresteducation.org/images/uploads/Physical_Activity_at_Forest_School_Research.pdf
www.foresteducation.org/images/uploads/Pilot_Project_Report_2006-2008_1.pdf
Summary of Research on Forest School References
Borradaile, L. 2006 'Forest School
Scotland: An Evaluation', Edinburgh: Forestry Commission Scotlan
www.forestresearch.gov.uk/pdf/ForestSchoolfinalreport.pdf/$FILE/ForestSchoolfinalreport.pdf
Davis, B., Rea, T. and Waite, S. 2006
'The special nature of the outdoors: Its contribution to the education of
children aged 3-11′
Australian Journal of Outdoor Education 10(2): 3-12.
www.oric.org.au/Resources/AJOE_22.html
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Massey, S. 2005 'The benefits of Forest
School experience for children in their Early Years': Worcestershire LEA.
www.worcestershire.gov.uk/home/worcs_forest_school_research-2.pdf
Maynard, T. 2003 'Forest School Swansea
Port Talbot: An Evaluation', University of Wales Swansea: Unpublished
www.swan.ac.uk/staff/academic/HumanSciences/maynardtrisha/
Maynard, T. 2007 'Forest Schools in Great Britain
An initial exploration', Contemporary
Issues in Early Childhood 8(4): 320-331.
www.wwwords.co.uk/rss/abstract.asp?j=ciec&aid=3133
Murray, R. 2004 'Forest Schools project
evaluation: A study in Wales ', London: New Economics Foundation.
www.neweconomics.org/gen/uploads/bheolf55nxgesmexvhdh0v4529072004140937.pdf
'"Such Enthusiasm – A Joy to See" An Evaluation of Forest School in
​Murray, R. and O'Brien, E. 2005
​
England': Forest Research.
www.forestresearch.gov.uk/pdf/ForestSchoolEnglandReport.pdf/$FILE/ForestSchoolEnglandReport.pdf
O'Brien, L. and Murray, R. 2007
'Forest School and its impacts on young children
Case studies in Britain', Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
6(4): 249-265.
www.forestresearch.gov.uk/fr/INFD-5Z3JVZ
Swarbrick, N., Eastwood, G. and Tutton, K. 2004
'Self-esteem and successful interaction as part of the forest
school project'
Support for Learning
19(3): 142-146
direct.bl.uk/bld/PlaceOrder.do?UIN=154203094&ETOC=RN&from=searchengine
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The two below are experimental studies of the benefits to children's physical and motor skills
form playing in a forest environment
Fjørtoft, I. 2001 'The Natural
Environment as a Playground for Children:The Impact of Outdoor Play Activities
in Pre-Primary School Children', Early
Childhood Education Journal 29(2): 111-117.
gis.esri.com/library/userconf/proc00/professional/papers/PAP462/p462.htm
Fjørtoft, I. 2004 'Landscape as
Playscape: The Effects of Natural Environments on Children's Play and Motor
Development', Children, Youth and
Environments 14(2): 21-44.
www.colorado.edu/journals/cye/14_2/article2.pdf
Forest School (the Scandinavian model) is mentioned in this document as particularly promising
approach to education outside of the classroom.
House of Commons Education and Skills Committee 2004-2005 'Education outside the classroom '
London: The Stationary Office.
www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmselect/cmeduski/120/12002.htm
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