Grow Wild Club Forest School at Woodoaks Farm

Inspirational Outdoor Learning For Children
at Grow Wild Forest School in Maple Cross

Children in the Three Rivers area now have the opportunity to get hands on with nature and enjoy open air play and learning following the establishment of the Grow Wild Club Forest School. Set in a beautiful woodland spot, the school offers nature craft, wild adventures, campfires, plenty of mud and much, much more.

Grow Wild Club is based at Woodoaks Farm in Maple Cross. It was set up by Claire Newell, a local mum of 3 and Level 3 qualified Forest School teacher. As with all Forest Schools, it offers a child-centred inspirational learning process with opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. Children are encouraged to have fun playing and exploring in the woodlands, and are supported in risk taking to help develop confidence and self-esteem.

Forest School History & Principles

Forest Schools first arrived in the UK in 1993 and their roots are in the open-air culture which Scandinavian children enjoy whilst growing up. All Forest Schools are based around 6 guiding principles:

Forest School is a long term process of regular sessions.
Sessions take place in a woodland or natural environment to encourage the development of a lifelong appreciation of the natural world.
Learner-centred processes create a community where children can be themselves, develop and learn.
Forest School aims to foster resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
Learners are offered the opportunity to take supported risks, appropriate to the environment and themselves.
Forest Schools are run by qualified practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.

The Forest School Experience

At Forest School children can connect with the changing seasons. Recent autumnal sessions have included:

Making apple print flags and shiny conker creatures
Exploring the very muddy mud kitchen
Bouncing on the slack line
Hunting bugs and mini beasts
Building mini animal dens
Hot crumpets toasted on the camp fire followed by autumn stories.

The Grow Wild Club offers all children the opportunity to connect with nature, experience freedom and enjoy being in the woods, building important, happy memories. Founder Claire says:

“These outdoor experiences will support their wellbeing, grow their physical and emotional development and guide them throughout their lives.

Forest School is a very special experience and I look forward to welcoming you all in at Grow Wild Club!”

Feedback from attendees has been very positive with one mum saying:

“Thank you for another wonderful morning! It was hard work getting Eleanor to leave. You’ve created such an enchanting space for little ones and big ones alike.”