Welcome to Wild Dawn
Rooted in nature, growing through connection.
We’re a new, independent Forest School based in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, offering sessions for ages 5 to 11.
Born from a passion for holistic, child-centred learning, Wild Dawn is a response to the growing need for wellbeing-focused, alternative education spaces in our community. We’re here for families seeking creativity, wellbeing and nature reconnection.
We aim to grow a supportive, inclusive community which nurtures both children and parents or carers. We believe in the transformative power of screen- free time in the woods, where children can learn, play and grow at their own pace, without fear of judgement or expectation.
What is forest School?
Forest School is a child-led, play-based approach to learning that takes place in a natural environment, all year round. Unlike a structured classroom setting, Forest School is led by learners and guided by qualified practitioners, who observe and respond to individual needs.
We encourage children to be independent and follow their own interests, take appropriate risks, and build resilience. This helps them to better navigate the natural twists and turns of life. Time spent in nature has also been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and support emotional regulation—boosting overall psychological well-being.
The freedom to explore and make choices in a natural setting also supports brain development, particularly in areas like attention, memory, and executive functioning. As environmental psychologist Dr. Ming Kuo explains, “Exposure to natural environments, such as those found in Forest School settings, can enhance attention span, improve problem-solving abilities, and boost academic performance.”
We follow the six principles set out by the Forest School Association; Long term, Nature, Community, Risk, Holistic Learning & Leadership.
Through these principles, Forest School supports not just academic development, but the growth of the whole child - the body & the mind.
Key Benefits of Forest School
Encourages nature preservation & children develop a kinship with the natural world.
Feeling valued & part of a positive community.
Increases Dopamine production & boosts Serotonin levels. Decreases tension, confusion, anger & depression.
Increases self- esteem and confidence.
Strengthens the immune system.
Increases overall fitness levels, whilst developing motor skills, coordination, balance & stamina.
Feeling revitalised with Increased energy, becoming more receptive to learning.
Helps develop self-regulation and resilience to withstand life’s challenges.
Helps develop problem-solving skills, creativity, negotiation & fosters empathy.
Increased ability to read social cues, communicate, negotiate and find creative solutions.
Increases independence as children are given freedom & choices.
Our Vision
Our chief aim is to grow a supportive community, driven by the need for greater education and wellness support, across Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent. We’re passionate about providing opportunities for outdoor learning, following the Forest School pedagogy. We are wholly committed to helping children to thrive and improving their quality of life. Wild Dawn is an equitable and sustainable Forest School, with the future goal to support those most in need.
There are 3 key pillars which underpin our vision. These are:
A continuous dedication to enhancing the learning and development of all who access our service, including children, their parents or care givers, volunteers and staff. We will continually learn new approaches which strengthen our practice and ability to empower individuals.
As a society, we have become increasingly disconnected from nature, with each other and with ourselves. This is to our detriment and we must reconnect, in order to thrive. Wild Dawn aims to instil a kinship with all living things; human and the more than human.
We are deeply connected to the outdoors. We love what we do and we would like others to create positive memories at our sessions, which will last a lifetime.
What to Expect
We meet every Saturday at 13:00 at The Skirrid car park in Abergavenny, then walk to our beautifully tranquil space in Caer woodland. Our camp has everything we need to feel safe, held, and inspired, including:
A log circle surrounding a fire pit for gathering, relaxing and sharing.
Tarpaulins - providing shelter against rain and sun.
A portable loo and hand washing station.
A designated crafts area with a variety of artistic materials.
A designated tools area (supervised by qualified practitioners when tools are in use).
Free healthy snacks and warm drinks (topped up with water heated on fire by staff).
All staff are enhanced DBS checked and hold relevant qualifications/experience.
Planned activities related to bushcraft, creativity, storytelling, Earth Walks (+ more).
Observations made of each child by qualified Forest School Leaders (can be shared with parents/carers on request).
* Parents & carers *
We aim to start registration with the Care Inspectorate Wales over the coming months. Until registration is complete, you must remain on site for the duration of the session. We appreciate your patience while we work on this. However you can either connect with others around the fire, dive into our crafts and literature, or join in with the activities! This is also your time, to pause and reconnect, away from the noise & pace of everyday life.
