Forest School is an inspirational process, that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. (FSA 2013)
Take a deep breath. Experience nature.
Welcome to Barefoot and Wild!
We provide Forest School and Nature Connection sessions in the awe-inspiring woodlands and natural places of County Wicklow. Take your shoes off, feel the mud between your toes, breathe...
Benefits of Nature Play
Forest School takes a child-centred approach to learning. Sessions are carefully planned to give maximum opportunities for movement and discovery through play and hands-on activities.
The benefits of Forest School and Nature Connection are many and varied. It has become evident in recent years that children are spending less and less time outdoors and moving around. This is having an effect on their physical and mental well-being, and will have a detrimental effect on the environment as they grow up, since to care about the environment, people must first get to know it, and to feel part of it.
Spending time close to nature has been proven to lower stress levels, leading to better ability to focus, higher self-esteem, more confidence, better teamwork and problem-solving skills. The structure of Forest School and Nature Connection sessions encourage holistic growth for every learner, building resilience and social skills.
Risky play is
something that has declined in recent years along with longer hours spent inside.
It is very important for children to engage in risky activities, so that they
develop their internal risk assessment and problem solving skills, which they
will need as they grow up. At Forest School the leaders provide a 'safe' level
of risky play, encouraging children to push the edges of their comfort zone,
gaining confidence and the ability to judge risk for themselves.
About Barefoot and Wild
Barefoot and Wild is run by Amber Godwin, a qualified Forest School leader with a passion for being outdoors and for working with children. Amber was running Arts and Crafts classes for many years before she discovered Forest School, and she now combines the two passions by including lots of crafting using natural materials in her outdoor sessions.
Amber is also a Scout leader, so has lots of practical experience with shelter building and tool use.
She completed her Level 3 (UK) Forest School training in 2018, and holds a REC 2 outdoor first aid certificate. Barefoot and Wild is fully insured and Garda Vetted, as are all Forest School leaders Barefoot and Wild collaborates with.
