If you’ve heard of forest school, you may have heard the saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”. And, without the right kit, that can be true!
High-winds aside, forest school keeps going whatever the weather, from a swelteringly hot day, to one pouring with rain, to sleet and snow.
Early years children tend to have the most access to forest school, and they are the age-group who find it the hardest to articulate - or even know - whether they feel too hot or too cold. Often they can feel upset without realising that it’s because their hands are cold, or they’re too hot. So the most important thing when it comes to a forest school kit list is to make sure you have easy layers to put on or take off.
Forest School Kit List - Autumn
An autumn day could be warm, cold or something in the middle. Sometimes all in one day. So it pays to be prepared.
● An unlined waterproof rain set
● A long-sleeved t-shirt
● A fleece layer or jumper
● Waterproof shoes
● Spares socks, trousers, and jumper
Forest School Kit List - Winter
You need to be prepared for it to get really cold. At forest school, children are generally out all day, which feels different to being out for a few hours - something adults are used to. Children will need to arrive in their full kit, remembering that some layers can be removed or put back on during the day. But it’s hard to warm up outside when you’re cold, so send them to forest school in all their layers so they can start the day nice and warm.
● A waterproof rain set, something waterproof, lined and as heavy-duty as a ski-suit
● Base Layers - merino wool is the best winter base layer. This is an essential part of your kit in the winter, almost as important as outerwear!
● Hat, scarf and waterproof gloves
● Waterproof rain boots - or fleece lined boots are good
● Spare base layers, trousers, socks and an extra jumper
What to Avoid
● Jeans. When they get wet, they’re uncomfortable and they stay wet. They also get cold quickly.
● “Waterproof” layers that aren’t actually waterproof - some jackets are water-resistant and, on a rainy day, will soak through to the next layer and make your child cold and uncomfortable very quickly
● Trainers. Even in the summer, water-play and mud-kitchens feature very heavily in forest school sessions for all ages. Wet shoes are no fun, whatever the weather
● Synthetic base-layers. These aren’t as good at thermo-regulating as natural fabrics like Merino wool. Synthetic fibres don't allow the skin to breath properly and can keep sweat trapped against the skin.
Gathering the right clothing that performs effectively, can help make all the difference. Allowing you to be prepared whatever the weather.
Text By Sonali Hindmarch, Forest School Educator and Writer. Outdoor Imagery by Photographer Nina Davidson.