In Forest schools children behave more harmoniously, they have lower levels of stress hormones. Other research projects show, that pupils from forest schools face less sun-exposure, have better motoric function, show better self-confidence and self-esteem and a better general well-being. The “classical” school performances seem to better in forests schools too, so research indicated improved writing and maths skills, better cognitive and linguistic skills, more motivation and concentration (O’Brien and Murray, 2007), better reading; and better attendance (O’Brien and Murray, 2007; Van den Bosch, 2017).

Forest Kindergarten

Several studies showed that children educated in Forest Kindergartens are well prepared for school (Gärtner 2011, Häffner, 2002). Free, unstructured, and natural playing in the forest is of high importance because it is a continuous process of learning. Children can develop their own creative games according to their needs. This contact to nature helps to improve creativity, which is proved by studies. Kiener (2003) and Lettieri (2004) outlined, that children of Forest Kindergartens seem to act more creatively compared to indoor educational institutions. General diversity of the environment and seasonal changes of the forests and the use of forest elements continuously stimulate creativity (Fjørtoft and Sageie, 2000; Fjørtoft, 2004). Faber Taylor et al. (1998) reported an intensification of the bonding between children and adults in green spaces that can stimulate education and evoke a sense of safety among children.

Significant improvements in creativity, fantasy and gross motor abilities for children that were spending all week in Forest Kindergartens were found, but less for those who were just one day per week in the forests (Kiener, 2003; Kiener and Stucki 2001; Grahn et al., 1997; Fjørtoft and Sageie, 2000; Fjørtoft 2004). Additionally, the relationship to nature is improved and self-confidence, as well as independence, is found to be enhanced (Griffiths et al., 2010; Kiener and Stucki, 2003; Gebauer et al., 2005). The immune system is strengthened by the contact with mud, soil, water and exposure to all weather conditions (Grahn et al., 1997; Kiener and Stucki, 2003). This prevents classic and chronic diseases, and allergies (Kruse, 2013). Social skills were improved (Kiener and Stucki, 2003). Häfner (2002) identified deficits in fine motor skills, meanwhile children educated in „Waldkindergarden“ achieved higher competences as well in developing fantasy and creativity as in in social behavior, cooperating within teaching or motivation to interact, than pupils from regular kindergardens. Other studies, as Kiener (2003) could not find significant differences between intervention and control groups. More scientific proofs for the health benefits of the Waldkindergarten is summarized on the homepage of the German association of Forest kindergardens. The fact that nearly all children that attend Forest Kindergartens do this on the explicit desire of their parents and the higher education of the pedagogues, compared to public nurseries, might distort findings of the previously mentioned studies.

Forest Schools

Research results show, that confidence, social and communicative skills, motivation and concentration, understanding of and connectedness to nature as well as physical skills improved, when pupils were educated at forest schools. Individual learning processes are enhanced, and the regularity of the woodland visits strengthens familiarity and conscientiousness (O’Brien and Murray, 2005; 2006; 2007; Massey, 2002 Roe & Aspinall, 2011; Lovell & Roe, 2009). Gained abilities can be transferred to the classroom and children especially learned to handle risks (Massey, 2002). The British program goes ahead with the “Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto” published by the UK Government in 2006 (Department For Education And Skills; 2006). Maynard (2002) additionally highlighted the outstanding possibilities for environmental education.

Forest Pedagogics (FP)/Forest related Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

In general, the concept aims to build the base for a lifelong relationship between humans and forests by accompanying visitors of all ages, mainly children, to woodlands (Bancalari et al., 2015). Forest pedagogy concept has spread since the 1980s, but even far earlier it had happened in an unorganized way on a small scale. Today Forest pedagogues of course are contribute offering the forest as a source of human health too!