you say
Parents and carers like you say they choose us because our sessions are fun, educational, they trust us to keep their children safe, and love the outdoor, imaginative aspects of what we do.
JOIN THE ADVENTURE! tickets from £40
why choose us
We exist to reverse the status quo of zero risk, excess screen time, passive childhoods. Everything we do gives children opportunities to get active and challenge themselves to improve, both physically and mentally. We believe in a fresh approach to childcare and playwork- where staff are always kind, praise children for trying, help them improve their interpersonal skills, and enable them to experience nature and experience it’s power to improve their wellbeing.
you say
our style
We create relaxed environments where children have safe, self directed, positive group experiences. Your children will meet excellent role models, and our comprehensive policies, procedures and risk assessments work behind the scenes so they have the best day possible.
our staff
Our session leaders have qualifications and experience coming out their ears, so they're ready for anything, and our staff and volunteers have a working knowledge of how children's brains are wired so they can be positive whatever the situation.
our experience
We have run many of these sessions, and know your children will have a great day out, where they have fun, enjoy the outdoors, and get to learn new skills and try new things.
Testimonials
from Children
"This was the most fun holiday club I have EVER been to, and Adam is the funnest adult I know!"
"My favourite bit was, , , , EVERYTHING!"
"Can we come again?"
"I was 4 out of 10 confident lighting fires. Now I am 11 out of 10 confident"
"This is the most fun I’ve ever had!"
"My favourite bit was, , , , EVERYTHING!"
"Can we come again?"
"I was 4 out of 10 confident lighting fires. Now I am 11 out of 10 confident"
"This is the most fun I’ve ever had!"
From Parents
"We know and trust Adam to deliver fun (yet safe!), child-centred, outdoor activities"
"My son has loved it"
"it’s fun, educational and outdoors and allows my child to enjoy nature and use his imagination."
"All reports were highly positive."
"My son has loved it"
"it’s fun, educational and outdoors and allows my child to enjoy nature and use his imagination."
"All reports were highly positive."
from teachers
"[the head is] very keen to evaluate the impact so I’ll be looking into this to highlight how good it has been for the students"
"They have got a huge amount from it and I wish we could carry on. I shall recommend it to other schools"
"They have got a huge amount from it and I wish we could carry on. I shall recommend it to other schools"
from assistants
"It’s been such a pleasure to work alongside someone so passionate about making these kids feel accepted, believed in and valued"
FAQ's
what is forest school?
BroadTree run Forest School sessions- Forest School is an ethos that combines physical adventure, free social play, positive role models, choice and time with nature. Attendees having a positive experience and enjoying the activities is more important than achieving a specific outcome.
where do sessions happen?
Our site is just outside Bath, by Lansdown Racecourse. If you're using Google maps, type in BroadTree Forest School and you'll arrive exactly in our car park. If you're using a satnav, type in "BA19BZ" and park up on the left before the woods, very shortly after turning off the main road.
what about risk?
Scientific research shows exposure to appropriate risk best prepares children for adult life, and is developmentally healthy. We enable children to explore appropriate levels of risk on their own terms, so expect your children to come back with bumps, grazes and the occassional cut or sprain- and a story of how they got it that shows they learnt something. If you want a sanitised, zero risk experience, we're not the right place for you.
what does an average day look like?
Our sessions always vary as we cater to the needs and desires of each group, but we start with an introduction, a quick chat about what the rules should be so everyone has a good session, and then the rest of the day is spent having fun! Our most popular activities are running games, exploring the forest, climbing trees, creative activities using natural materials, and the classic camp fire & marshmallows!
Coming Prepared
registering your child
We require a registration form for every child attending our sessions. Please fill one out and email us a copy in advance. If this isn't possible, we have copies available to fill out before the start of the session.
food & drink
Please send your child with a full water bottle and a large packed lunch that will sustain them for a day of running around the forest. We supply drinking water and some snacks at sessions, but if your child has a specific favourite please send it along with them.
clothing
Please ensure your child is appropriately dressed for the forecasted weather. Bear in mind it's frequently colder than expected at the top of the hill in the shade of the trees than it is at home. In winter, remember to pack lots of layers and a good waterproof. In summer, please avoid sandals/ flip flops, and pack a light coat for showers. For more info on what to wear please check out our clothing page.
phone & devices
Please leave screens and devices at home. Device usage has been shown to reduce the benefits of being in green spaces (Jiang & Sullivan, 2018) and the risk of breakage or loss is very high and we will not accept responsibility for loss or damage to any device bought to our sessions.
The fine print
BroadTree are insured, and there’s a qualified first aider at every session. Adam (our session leader) is a level 3 qualified forest school leader, and has a Certificate of Therapeutic mentoring from the Trauma Recovery Centre, Bath. All our staff and volunteers are DBS checked, and all activities are risk assessed.
Sessions are cancelled, postponed or moved in the case of extreme weather- high wind, settling snow and thunderstorms. We will endeavour to give at least 24 hours notice, but British weather means this may not always be possible!
If a planned session does not go ahead for any reason, you will be offered an alternative session or a full refund. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
If you’ve booked onto a session but something comes up and you can no longer make it, please let us know so we can see if we can swap you to a session date that works.
Thanks for reading and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Sessions are cancelled, postponed or moved in the case of extreme weather- high wind, settling snow and thunderstorms. We will endeavour to give at least 24 hours notice, but British weather means this may not always be possible!
If a planned session does not go ahead for any reason, you will be offered an alternative session or a full refund. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
If you’ve booked onto a session but something comes up and you can no longer make it, please let us know so we can see if we can swap you to a session date that works.
Thanks for reading and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Got questions, want to talk Forest School? We'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch!
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