

LITTLE CHESTNUTS PRESCHOOL
THE FOREST GARDEN


Our 'Forest' Garden​
Having access to a garden and offering Forest School–inspired experiences provides children with opportunities to learn in a different and deeply meaningful context. In this environment, children engage in practical, hands‑on activities and take part in small, achievable tasks that build confidence and competence. They develop teamwork skills, practise independence, and learn to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience. For many children, especially those less familiar with woodlands or green spaces, these experiences help them grow comfortable in natural environments and can spark a lifelong connection with the outdoors.
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Our forest garden offers a natural yet carefully managed space where children can safely explore, take appropriate risks, and make sensible decisions about how to navigate unfamiliar or unpredictable situations. Whether they are investigating natural materials, using tools, or building shelters and dens, children learn to assess risk, think critically, and trust their own judgement. As their confidence grows, so too does their self‑esteem, which has a positive impact on their emotional and mental wellbeing.
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The forest garden enables children to be more active, more independent in their learning, and more willing to think beyond the ‘norm’. It provides real‑life experiences, fosters creativity, and allows children to experience nature first‑hand—supporting their holistic development in a rich, authentic way.



Forest School












