Developing a woodland space for educational access

The purpose of this resource is to provide guidance for woodland owners considering opening up their space for educational access and offering support for safe practices and practical suggestions to get you up and running.

Two reports published by Natural England in 2022 demonstrated that high-quality learning outside of the classroom in natural environments can deliver a wide array of positive health and learning outcomes.

Whether it is for schools or community groups, woodlands provide wonderful natural settings for children and young people to play, explore, discover, learn and gain real life experiences. Not only can these experiences support the development of new skills and knowledge, but they are also great for physical, personal, and mental development. These experiences can guide pro-environmental behaviour in later life and support health and wellbeing.

Learning outside can be delivered in low-cost ways, this document will lead you through all the things to consider whether you are wishing to offer ad hoc sessions or regular all-year-round activities.

This document was created by Sam Goddard – Cambium Sustainable  and Bill Goddard – Rooted Structures  in partnership with the Forest Education Network, England with support from the Woodland Access Implementation Plan.