We run full-day forest school sessions during the school holidays for children aged 5 and up.

Each day begins with a warm welcome, name games, and a short, playful walk to the woodland site. Children often help with the kit and get to know each other through games along the way.

At the site, we set up base camp, go over safety routines, and introduce key areas like the fire circle and toilet tent.

The day includes a mix of child-led play, group games, tool use, den building, hammocks, and imaginative fun with natural materials. We often light a fire before lunch, eat together, and might cook a snack in the afternoon.

At the end of the day, we pack up together, reflect on our adventures, and walk back to meet parents.

We rephrase this question by asking "is my child ready for Forest School?"

Our guidance age range is 5–11, but it’s also worth thinking about whether Forest School is the right fit for your child.

Has your child attended an outdoor kindergarten?

If they’ve spent regular time outdoors in all weathers, that’s great preparation—but it’s not essential.

Do they enjoy walks and outdoor play?

This helps us understand how comfortable they might be outdoors for long stretches, especially in varied weather.

If the answer is “not much time outside,” that’s totally fine too. Many children adapt quickly once they’re here. With a good packed lunch and some shelter on wet days, our bodies usually settle into the rhythm of being outside.

Does your child know how to pee outside?

We require children are able to go for a wild pee themselves with no adult assistance and have a toilet system for wild pees, in a specific allocated area of the woods.

Our leaders can't assist every child in the toilet or teach them how to wild pee, so they need to be able to go themselves.

However, this is not a deal breaker, if your child is happy to use a pop-up tent to go to the toilet, whether that's number one or number two's, there is always a toilet tent with a camping toilet available on site.

We recommend high-energy food like whole grain sandwiches, pasta, cheese, dried fruit, nuts, and raw veggies—anything that keeps them fuelled for a full day of outdoor play (tattie scones anyone?).

Peanut butter and peanuts are allowed unless we’ve been notified of an allergy—please share any allergies in the medical form we send after booking.

Many children bring hot food in a thermal flask, even in summer. It’s a great way to keep energy levels up, especially for kids not used to being outside for long stretches.

We often cook a snack on the fire during the session, but this doesn’t replace lunch.

June - July - August

Long cotton trousers or leggings are best. Shorts are allowed, but they increase the risk of tick bites—there are ticks in Pollok Park, so please be aware more info about ticks here.

Footwear should be sturdy and waterproof—wellies or hiking boots are great year-round. Trainers are fine on dry days, but avoid anything that needs to stay clean!

Even in summer, we recommend at least two layers under a waterproof jacket (e.g. a long-sleeve cotton top and light jumper).

Waterproof jacket and trousers should be worn or packed every day - Scotland’s weather is changeable, and wind can make it feel much colder, even in summer.

From September until May

Think layers! Natural fibres like cotton and wool are ideal.

Legs: Two layers minimum—leggings or thermals under waterproof trousers help keep out the cold and wind.

Top: At least three layers under a waterproof jacket. For example: long sleeve tee, woolly jumper or fleece, plus a padded or waterproof coat. Second-hand ski jackets work well.

Hats: Essential. When it’s really cold (under 5°C), we sometimes double up.

Gloves: Useful, though we use our hands a lot—fingerless or tip-cut gloves work well for activities like woodcraft.

Socks: Two thinner pairs can often insulate better than one thick pair—as long as boots aren’t too tight to restrict circulation.

Keeping warm is all about layers, movement, and staying dry—our woodland adventures continue in all weathers.

Layers, layers, layers!!!

A vest under a few layers will keep your child warmer than a bulky coat that restricts movement. Cotton is good, but wool or merino vests are even better for heat retention.

Wool jumpers insulate better than polyester—but a poly micro fleece over a woolly jumper is a winning winter combo.

When it’s below 5°C, aim for five layers before the coat, plus double hats.

You can always take a layer off—but you can’t put one on if you didn’t bring it.

Hopefully we’ve covered all the important info but if there’s anything else you have questions about please do get in touch. You can email us at:
hello@glasgowforestschool.co.uk