What is The Willow Tree Forest School all about?

Nature's Playground: Are you looking for a place where you can trade screens for leaves, and gadgets for the song of the birds? At  The Willow Tree Forest School, we believe in the enchanting power of the outdoors. Our philosophy places nature at the heart of everything we do, helping our participants to develop a deep appreciation for the world around them while embracing the joys of imaginative play amidst the trees. 

Empowering Independence:  Our forest school philosophy empowers girls and women to make choices, take the lead, and solve problems in the natural world. By engaging in activities like building shelters, identifying plants, and collaborating with peers,  you and your child will flourish in an environment that nurtures self-reliance and a sense of accomplishment.

 Mindful Growth: Our sessions integrate mindful practices like yoga and meditation, providing you with tools to navigate life's challenges with grace and self-awareness. We believe in nurturing the whole person – their physical, emotional, and cognitive dimensions – through creative activities that foster a sense of balance and well-being.

Connected Sisterhood: The Willow Tree Forest School is more than just a place – it's a sisterhood of young and young at heart explorers. Through shared experiences, collaborative projects, and uplifting interactions, participants will forge connections that transcend the forest. We celebrate individuality while fostering a sense of unity, creating a space where every voice is valued.

Curiosity and Lifelong Learning: Our philosophy encourages a lifelong journey of discovery. By igniting a sense of wonder and fostering a love for learning in the heart of the forest, we cultivate an intrinsic motivation that will accompany your child on their journey through life as well as help spark your imagination and passion for self discovery.

Heart-Centred Leadership:  At The Willow Tree Forest School, our founder and Level 3 Forest School practitioner Laura is deeply committed to leading by example. With a focus on compassion, safety, and encouraging self-expression, participants will be guided by a nurturing mentor who believes in their potential to become a compassionate and confident leader themselves.

If these values align with your aspirations for your child's growth or your own, then The Willow Tree Forest School is the perfect match for you. 

Everyone is amazing, 

When boys and girls are together there is a noticeable change in the dynamic of the group. There is not as much free speech, there is a reduction of expression and often both sexes will shy away from opening up.

 You will know from spending time with girlfriends/sisters/mums/friends that we open up a lot more and share without fear when its just women. When females are together something magical happens: As women we rally, support, console and find solutions and put the world to rights. We have all the tools we need inside us, sometimes it just takes hearing it from another like minded female for us to realise it. 

At The Willow Tree we create a safe & nurturing space for females to connect and shine.

Guys, we love you too and that's why we are opening The Oak Tree Forest School for Boys in 2025 

So watch this space!

We run a nurturing female only forest school. We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to wellbeing for our participants. Simply put, we look after the person as a whole. 

 We use nature to create an environment that is both stimulating and relaxing. By doing this, we help women and girls to develop a deeper connection with nature and to appreciate the benefits that it can bring to their lives. 

Our sessions are designed to help nurture participants’ confidence, encourage resilience & improve communication skills.  

All classes are made up of bite-sized activities, including yoga, meditation, craft, community projects, problem-solving, talking therapy, and breath work.

We want to empower females to see their potential and give them the tools they need to succeed. 

Our sessions are designed to support females emotionally, physically and contribute towards improving their overall well-being.

Our classes are run by professional, experienced women who have backgrounds in education, childcare, and/or are experienced and qualified Forest School Leaders. We all have clear enhanced DBS checks and hold blended paediatric and adult first aid qualifications. 

There is a railway line running directly behind the north border- trains regularly go past. Whilst there is a fence of sorts, it is not fully secure and has gaps, so PLEASE be extra mindful. All children at Green Door as part of The Willow Tree's sessions will be supervised and kept away from the north border. We ask that you remind your children to listen and respect the practitioners rules at all times. This is so we can ensure the upmost safety for all. 

Just bring a water bottle, yoga mat (that you don't mind using outside) and wear comfortable clothes - we suggest leggings or joggers.

If its sunny, we do ask for all participants to bring a hat and have sun cream applied before they commence a session. 

If your child has a comforter or a special teddy that makes them feel calm and safe, they are welcome to bring it, as long as they take responsibility for it through the session, we don't want any teddies going for a wander!

We run rain or shine! 

Unlike most other forest schools, we have access to inside space, so no matter what the weather is doing, we will be here! After all, no one wants to be stood outside in the pouring rain!

Our sessions run during the West Sussex school term time, with our half term sessions on selected dates.

Please check our online booking calendar for available dates.