Greencore Forest School opens at Dorset Wellbeing
Children and young people now have access to a dedicated woodland area for hands-on learning, play and time outdoors at Dorset Wellbeing.
Dorset Wellbeing has expanded its alternative provision offer with the opening of a new forest school site at Greencore, set within the rural landscape of Piddlehinton. The space provides children and young people (CYPs) with a dedicated outdoor environment where informal learning and exploration are grounded in nature and hands-on activity.
The forest school includes a small managed woodland with a makers’ den, where CYPs can practise traditional woodcraft in a safe and supported setting. A woodland walk encourages curiosity about the natural world, offering opportunities to identify local tree species and observe seasonal changes. Elsewhere, tyre swings and natural play structures give space to unwind, reflect and spend time outdoors in a way that supports both wellbeing and informal learning.
Props for traditional green woodworking crafts made by our young people
The benefits of being, playing and learning outdoors
Many of us recognise the lift that comes from being outdoors – whether it’s the sense of perspective a wide view can bring, the renewed energy after a walk in the woods, or the calm that comes from listening to birdsong or the sound of the sea. These aren’t just personal impressions. A growing body of research highlights the positive impact that time outdoors has on both mental and physical wellbeing.
At Dorset Wellbeing, we aim to make time outdoors a regular and meaningful part of the day for children and young people – whether through growing vegetables, caring for animals on our farm sites, or taking part in forest school sessions such as fire-building, shelter-making and sensory walks.
Research has shown that outdoor activity can help:
Build confidence and self-esteem
Reduce stress and anger
Improve physical health
Promote creativity and imagination
Encourage responsibility and autonomy
Support cooperation and social development
These are just some of the reasons why the new Greencore forest school has become an important part of what we’re able to offer. It gives children and young people regular access to an outdoor space that’s practical, hands-on and grounded in the rhythms of the natural world – and one that we hope will grow with them over time.
If you’re interested in discovering more about outdoor learning, explore the research undertaken by Forest Research.
Climbing frames and tyre swings create a natural breakout space