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Visit a wood with your school

Take your class on a real adventure and explore a fascinating woodland habitat.

A woodland visit is an exciting adventure for all ages.

Credit: Ben Lee / WTML

Visit at different times of year to see how the wood changes through the seasons.

Credit: Michael Heffernan / WTML

Challenge your pupils to identify the trees and plants they see.

Credit: Michael Heffernan / WTML

Which creepy crawlies will you find on a minibeast hunt?

Credit: Michael Heffernan / WTML

Den building is a great team-building activity for the whole class.

Credit: Jill Jennings / WTML

Marvel at mighty trees. Discover tiny woodland creatures. Let your imagination run wild.

Visiting a wood is a great opportunity to take learning outdoors where youngsters can immerse themselves in nature’s sights, sounds and smells. You can visit any wooded area, big or small, and you choose what to do while you’re there.

Your woodland visit can link to many areas of the curriculum. Help pupils learn about wildlife and habitats with a hands-on investigation. Use the experience to inspire a piece of creative writing or art. You can even bring numeracy to life by measuring, weighing or sorting natural objects. The possibilities are endless.

By visiting a wood you can earn two points on the Green Tree Schools Award.

I love to put my wellies on and get my hands dirty!

Samir, aged 8

Fun woodland activities

Our Tree Tools for Schools website has a wealth of resources to ensure your pupils enjoy their woodland adventure. Discover tree ID sheets, nature crafts and much more.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Identify trees, plants and creepy crawlies.
  • Make natural art – create a leaf collage, a twig tower, or a mud pie!
  • Explore using your senses – what can your pupils see, hear, feel and smell?
  • Go on a scavenger hunt – use it to encourage team working and communication skills.
  • Have a healthy class picnic.
  • Take a camera to record your day – make a photo story back in the classroom.
Get two points on the Green Tree Schools Award

To claim your points, tell us how your school has explored a wood and the date of your visit. You can share pupils' comments, drawings and photos too.

Email learning@woodlandtrust.org.uk with the subject line 'Our woodland visit'.

We’ll add two points to your account after we receive your evidence (usually within two weeks).

How we use your photos

We like to use images and quotes from schools to inspire other teachers and pupils about outdoor learning. They could appear on our award materials, website, press releases and social media.

If you'd prefer us not to use your photos and comments in this way, please make this clear when you send them to us. If you're happy for us to use them, please make sure you have permission from parents and photographers before you submit them.

You can find out more about we use and look after your personal information in our privacy policy.

More ideas for schools