Forest School Gear

What to wear and bring to Forest School

It could be said that there is no such thing as bad weather - only unsuitable clothing! With this in mind, please dress for the weather and remember that lots of layers are best and easiest to manage. Please remember we run Forest School in ALL weathers!  You will also need to wear old clothes that you don't mind getting muddy, as at certain times of the year there is plenty of muddy play! 

At Northlands Wood, we firmly believe that getting muddy is an essential part of experiencing Forest School and the benefits of this to our children are physical, psychological and emotional; to this end please ensure that your children are sent to school dressed appropriately.

Children come to school in their outdoor clothes, and bring their full school uniform, together with their school shoes (in a named bag), to change into if needed, after the session.  Please supply an additional named carrier bag for any items that are particularly muddy!

Thank you! 

Standard (for safety) :-

• Long hair must be tied back.

• Wellington boots or waterproof hiking boots, with spare socks.

• Long sleeved top and long trousers, long socks (not ankle socks) to avoid scratches & ticks.

Note: no football shirts allowed

• A jumper as it can get cool in the woods under the trees.

• Waterproof coat and waterproof trousers.

• Full water Bottle and healthy snack.

• Lunch (if requested)

Extra as required:-

Winter - Cold, Wind, Rain :-

• Waterproof boots or snow boots with several warm pairs of socks, or ordinary wellies with thick pairs of socks inside them.

• Ski or snow trousers with layers underneath (tights, leggings, jogging bottoms etc) 

• Body - outer ski clothes are best, and as many layers as possible. Thin layers next to the body with long sleeves, and then jumpers, jackets and a waterproof top layer. 

• Snood or neck warmer;  no scarves.

• Gloves and warm hat

Note: waterproof trousers/cagoules etc are good but lots of layers will be required to keep the children warm.

Summer: Heat or rain :-

• Hat and sunscreen to be applied before school, as our sites are not fully shaded.

• Trainers allowed if instructed by Leader

Note: the woods are a much cooler environment so the standard clothing stated above is still required 

Waterproofs can be put in a bag if hot.