Volunteering with Stomping Grounds is the highlight of my week! Forest School is everything I hoped it would be – a space for children to be themselves, be wild, have some freedom and autonomy and to learn and play outside of the classroom. It’s such an important opportunity for the children and it really does feel like a privilege to be part of it and to spend my Friday mornings with this bunch of vibrant, inquisitive little explorers.

My girl started at the under 5 group after she just turned two and has been going for the last 18 months. It has been a huge part in developing her deep connection with nature and her confidence in the outdoors. Our son has been going since he was born, and has now got his forest legs. It’s a great programme, that I also loved as an adult. We would still be there if we weren’t moving away. Really miss it.

I’ve spoken to Sophie who shared her aspirations for these woods and it will be fantastic for children to learn about our countryside and its diversity as well as its maintenance. I am really excited about these woods and that they have been saved for future generations.??

I have just completed my first term of Forest School with my almost 4 year old and 1.5 year old. It’s been a wonderful experience, the kids have flourished in the environment and they have had the freedom and responsibility to try activities that they would never have been able to try in a different setting. Sophie is a great facilitator, nothing is too much trouble and overall the atmosphere amongst the group has been really welcoming and friendly. Will be back again soon!

Myself and my little boy Oliver (13 months) have been going to the under 5’s session every Monday and we both love it! So nice to see kids getting involved in outdoor activities and being exposed to risk taking, decision making, nature and crafts in a family friendly way! Brought my 5 year old niece to the launch day and she has absolutely loved it and is really looking forward to coming for a few summer school sessions!

My toddler has been going to the under 5s sessions in Brockwell Woods for over a year now and we both love it. Sophie is wonderful and very good at getting small children engaged! MJ enjoys using tools and having the space to get clarty. She still has a small car which she made in forest school and carries everywhere proudly telling people that she made it. Its a lovely group for adults too – everyone is friendly and lends a hand. Would highly recommend

Back to nature. Joseph really enjoyed his time with the Forest School,
just what every kid needs! Would recommend

My two boys had the best two days with Stomping Ground Forest School during the Christmas holidays. They absolutely loved it. I dropped them off both days feeling great trepidation, especially on the first day when it rained literally all day, and both days they came home so full of everything they’d done and all the fun they’d had: crafts, making dens, campfires, roasting marshmallows, splashing in mud (or the ‘mud on your face game’ as my oldest called it)… My washing machine may never recover but am delighted they had such fun! Would recommend to anyone.

Fantastic bumps & babies session this afternoon. A very welcoming group to meet other parents and share a love of all things outdoors.

A huge thank you to the forest school leaders for trialing these new sessions! I can’t wait to bring my little one along to join in once he arrives ♥️

Stomping Grounds have been providing regular forest school sessions at our school for the last 4 years. Every class who work with them love the lessons and the opportunity to get up close to nature.
The forest school teachers are always highly professional and have excellent regard for the needs of individual children, as well as for the safety of the group.  They form great relationships with the pupils and never fail to create interesting and inspiring learning that ensures our pupils always want to come back for more!

Tim Godfrey, Mountfield Primary School

My 6 year old attended the Chopwell Forest School for the first time and he absolutely loved it! He’s not stopped talking about how much fun it was! Thank you!

My son really loves his Saturday forest school adventures! He has grown in physical confidence and is much more daring in what he will do and attempt. He’s also much more comfortable with things like insects, muck and the stuff of nature! It’s a great way for children to explore the natural world, make new, non-school friendships and learn to cooperate, enjoy the outdoors and push their own boundaries. Out of school activities can be tricky if your child isn’t ‘sporty’ or doesn’t want to do drama, dance etc. Forest School is the perfect solution! I like how it has a good balance between structured and unstructured play too. Would recommend to all.