We're looking for Forest School Assistants & volunteers! Get in touch: wilddawnforestschool@gmail.com

We're looking for Forest School Assistants & volunteers! Get in touch: wilddawnforestschool@gmail.com

Welcome to Wild Dawn

Rooted in nature, growing through connection.

We’re a Community Interest Company, offering nature connection for children and adults Monmouthshire & surrounding areas. Sessions are lead by Hattie, a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader with 7 years of experience in working with children in play, education & support settings.

Born from a passion for holistic, child-centred learning, Wild Dawn’s a response to the growing need for wellbeing- focused, screen- free alternative play spaces and human connection.

We aim to grow a supportive, inclusive community and believe in the transformative power of spending quality time in nature, where children can learn, play and grow at their own pace, without fear of judgement or expectation.

Our Vision

We aim to grow a resilient & supportive community, driven by the need for greater learning & wellness support across Monmouthshire and surrounding areas. We’re passionate about providing opportunities for outdoor learning, following the Forest School pedagogy. We’re wholly committed to helping children thrive and improving their quality of life. Wild Dawn offers equitable and sustainable Nature Connection, with the future goal to support those most in need.

There are 3 key pillars which underpin our vision. These are:

  1. Continuous dedication to enhancing the learning and development of all people accessing our service, including children (& their parents/care-givers), adults, staff & volunteers. We’re committed to always learning & being open to new approaches, which strengthens our practice and ability to empower individuals.

  2. As a society, we have become increasingly disconnected from the outdoors, with eachother and within our own bodies. We believe that this is detrimental to living a happy, fulfilling life and advocate for connection.

  3. We have a deep connection to the outdoors & are very passionate about what we do. We’d like to offer opportunities to form positive memories which last a lifetime. 

Forest School Sessions

Birthday Parties

Nature Connection

Dinner & Painting Over Fire

Home - Ed/Flexi Learning

Forest School Sessions Birthday Parties Nature Connection Dinner & Painting Over Fire Home - Ed/Flexi Learning

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 been proven 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 adhere to the 6 key principles set out by the Forest School Association: Nature, Community, Risk, Holistic Learning, Leadership & Long term.

Through these principles, Forest School supports not just academic development, but the growth of the whole child - the body & the mind.

To learn more about Forest School, click here.

There are so many benefits of Nature Connection. Here’s some of them:

  • Children develop a strong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.

  • Enhances mood & increases positive feelings.  

  • Our attention is grabbed by sensory stimuli found in a woodland environment, intriguing our curiosity.

  • Increases Dopamine & boosts Serotonin levels.

  • Decreases tension, confusion, anger & depression.

  • Increases self- esteem and confidence.

  • Encourages calmness & improves patience.

  • Improves sleep patterns.

  • Children feel part of a positive community.  

  • Strengthens the immune system.

  • Increases overall fitness levels, whilst developing motor skills, coordination, balance & stamina. 

  • Feelings of revitalisation 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.

Testimonials

  • Parent

    “The boys and I have been to a number of forest schools and this is definitely the best one we ever been too. In such an incredible location with great views and historic woodland. Hattie captures the children’s imagination especially on the magical woodland walks with fairy doors and enchanted elephant tree! Thank you L, F and T x”

  • Parent

    “We had a magical time at the under 5s session. My son loved it and has repeatedly asked to go back to “Mountain School” since we left. It was a well planned mix of free time and activities, very beautiful and engaging materials for little hands and Hattie and helper were patient, inspiring and informative for the children.”

  • Parent

    “From the moment we arrived Hattie's energy and enthusiasm was infectious, my nearly 4yo was completely engrossed in adventuring, exploring, asking questions and getting his hands dirty. Everything about the session was super entertaining- such a variety of activities and plenty of free play too. As a parent I also felt relaxed and re-energized after spending a few quality hours in such beautiful surroundings and getting involved in some of the fun. Incredible value for money and a wonderful activity for kids to learn and grow. We'll definitely be back!”

  • Forest Educator

    “The way Hattie communicates with children is so inspiring. She tries to let them talk and think. With the beautiful environment in the forest, not only children but adults feel so free and rejuvenated.”

  • Parent

    “Lovely first session… I was unsure about a session that I stayed with N but we lay in a hammock forest bathing and it was bliss! Would never otherwise carve time for this; thank you Hattie x”

  • Parent

    “I attended with my son, an experienced forest school regular. I found the time there absorbing and really enjoyable. The atmosphere was very friendly, relaxed, but respectful of the surrounding. The activities were equally chilled and I found myself happily absorbed in them. Overall a thoroughly well spent few hours.”

  • Parent

    “My son and I really enjoyed our first Forest School Fridays session and would love to come again. Although it had a structure, it was flexible and didn't pressure the children to take part in a set way. In other groups we've tried, sessions are often very structured, with children expected to sit and follow along, something D doesn't enjoy. He needs time to adapt, and by the time he's ready, those sessions are usually ending. This was completely different, he was free to explore at his own pace, and he especially loved the mud kitchen, where I could see him collaborate with other children. Hattie was warm and caring with the children, and even though D is often shy at first, he seemed very comfortable with her right away.”

  • Parent

    “We enjoyed a lovely adventure at Wild Dawn Forest School! The session was engaging with really imaginative activities and lots of opportunities for the children to learn and develop skills.”

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