Sunshine Forest School: Transforming local woodlands into living classrooms
Sunshine Forest School, Belper, transforms local woodlands into living classrooms every day, offering a range of activities—from guided forest walks and hands-on wildlife exploration to creative outdoor play and environmental stewardship projects. Each day is a new adventure, designed to inspire curiosity, build resilience and encourage a sustainable way of living.
“I began this journey 9 years ago, driven by a passion for connecting people, especially children, with the great outdoors. What started as a simple idea to boost learning through natural exploration has grown into a vibrant community hub. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with local families and educators, nurturing a shared love for nature, building the forest school to what it is today.” Layla Marshall, Owner and Founder of Sunshine Forest School.
The Sunshine Forest School HAF programme is designed to provide hands-on experiences that blend outdoor adventure with creative learning. Activities include guided forest explorations, nature-based art and craft sessions, team-building outdoor games and even cooking classes that incorporate seasonal, locally sourced produce. These activities help children develop important life skills such as resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
“Every activity is carried out in our natural woodland environment, allowing children to connect with nature in a way that classroom-based activities simply can’t replicate.” Layla Marshall
The HAF funding has made a significant difference to the organisation, enabling them to expand their team, hiring additional educators and support staff, which has been key in maintaining smaller group sizes, offering more personalised attention during sessions and broadening the range of activities on offer.
This boost in resources has not only enhanced the quality of the sessions but has also allowed the team to reach more children and families within their community, deepening their impact and strengthening their role as a community hub for environmental education and family bonding.
Families have also benefited immensely. The programme provides a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to bond with their children through shared experiences in the great outdoors. This has helped strengthen family ties and offered a much-needed respite from everyday stresses, while also fostering a supportive network among local families.
At the community level, the programme has played a key role in building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods. It brings together people from diverse backgrounds around a common goal of environmental stewardship and sustainable living. By encouraging community involvement and collaboration, this HAF holiday programme creates a ripple effect of positivity and collective wellbeing throughout the wider community.