Why Forest School Matters: New Research and Voices on Outdoor Learning in 2026

Forest School and outdoor learning have been part of early years education in the UK for decades, but now more than ever, new research and educational conversations are shining a light on why learning outdoors truly matters. From emotional wellbeing to school readiness and confidence, the evidence shows that what happens outside the classroom sticks with children for life.

📚 What the Latest Research is Telling Us

Parents and educators are increasingly interested in evidence-based benefits of Forest School education, and recent studies have added depth to what practitioners already see in the woods:

✔ Emotional resilience & wellbeing
Research shows that regular Forest School participation supports emotional wellbeing, helping children develop self-esteem, independence, and a sense of purpose. This is because nature offers space for children to take risks, solve problems, and explore at their own pace, all vital parts of healthy development. New Research – A Longitudinal Study on Forest School | Forest School Association

✔ Social and academic confidence
A longitudinal study found that children involved in Forest School not only grow in confidence socially, but it also has positive ripple effects on academic engagement back in the classroom. New Research – A Longitudinal Study on Forest School | Forest School Association

✔ Enjoyment, attendance & engagement
Some early research suggests that when outdoor learning is part of the weekly rhythm, children enjoy school more, and often attend more regularly on days with outdoor learning planned. Research to explore benefits of forest school on children’s mental health | Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust

All of this adds to the growing body of evidence supporting child-led, nature-based learning as a powerful complement to traditional education.

🌿 Outdoor Play Isn’t Just Fun – It’s Foundational

Growing bodies of research echo what Forest School leaders have long practised: outdoor play isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for children’s development. A UNICEF report highlights that spending time outdoors supports children’s physical activity, social skills, focus, emotional resilience, and even mental health.

This is especially important in a world where many children have less unstructured time outside than ever before. By encouraging play in green spaces, woods, parks, fields, we support a generation that is healthier, happier, and more in tune with nature. The importance of outdoor play (and how to support it) | UNICEF Europe and Central Asia

🏫 How the Educational Conversation in the UK Is Shifting

While not exclusively about Forest Schools, broader education news highlights a renewed focus on outdoor, active, and meaningful learning in schools. This includes mindful use of tools like screens, alongside hands-on, creative problem-solving and outdoor play that help build real-world skills.

All of this reflects a growing recognition that education doesn’t just happen inside four walls and Forest School sits at the forefront of this movement. Schools are using screens in a mindful way | Education | The Guardian

🌼 What This Means for Children in Devon

For parents in Devon, these conversations matter, because they confirm what many of you already see in your own children:

• Increased confidence after Forest School sessions
• Better communication and social interaction with peers
• More curiosity about nature and the world around them
• Greater resilience in facing challenges

At A Touch of the Wild, we lean into this evidence every day, planning sessions that are child-led, nature-based, and rooted in joy and discovery.

🍂 A Learning Approach That Works for All Children

Importantly, research suggests that Forest School approaches benefit children of all abilities, including those with additional needs, by creating inclusive, multi-sensory learning environments that build confidence and reduce anxiety. Benefits of forest schools | Ethos, Principles, Activities, Suitability

This aligns perfectly with our ethos, that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and thrive outdoors.

👣 Ready to Explore the Wild as a Learning Space?

If you’re curious about how outdoor learning could support your child’s development, emotionally, socially and academically, there’s never been a better time to explore Forest School.

🍁 Join our Wild Tots sessions for meaningful outdoor play and learning for toddlers.

🍂 Enquire about Wildlings Forest Kindergarten for a deeper nature-based education journey.

Together, we can make this year one where your child flourishes through nature-rich experiences that stay with them for life.