Always on
This project successfully funded on 27th April 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Kilsture Forest School Fundraiser
Newton Stewart, United Kingdom
Aim
Forest School for six Primary schools on the Machars: CLOSE TO NATURE ✅ OUTDOOR LEARNING ✅ CHILDREN'S WELL-BEING ✅ FUN ✅ NEW SKILLS✅
🌲 Support Outdoor Learning in the beautiful Kilsture Forest.
Forest School leader Ranger Toni - helps a young woodlander to use new tools
Keep learning wild!
🌿 Kilsture Forest Community Group (KFCG) raising funds to secure the future of the Forest School Programme at Kilsture Forest — a joyful, hands-on outdoor learning experience that helps children connect with nature and nurtures future custodians of the environment.
🌿 After a very successful trial run, six local primary schools across the Machars have signed up to continue Forest School for the next three years WITHIN THE SCHOOL DAY! Teachers, parents and children have all seen first-hand how time in the forest builds confidence, resilience, well-being, curiosity and knowledge.
🌿 We are totally committed to delivering this! It's our dream for every child to have the opportunity to explore, play and learn in Kilsture during their primary years. Scroll down, find out more about Forest School and join us in our efforts to cover the costs of the programme for the next three years and make this dream a reality.
An enthusiastic bug-hunter
🌿 Inclusive, accessible and child-centred
Taking place during the school day means that every child can access Forest School. Sessions are led by a highly qualified Forest School practitioner and supported by school staff. In spite of living in rural communities, for many children, this is their first real opportunity to explore a wild space freely and safely.
Children learning how to light a fire responsibly, using flint and steel
🌿 What makes Forest School special?
Children spend regular, structured sessions outdoors exploring woodland habitats, climbing trees, discovering wildlife, creating natural crafts, learning to light fires responsibly and learning through play. Learning outdoors enhances classroom learning — and vice versa, nurturing confidence, teamwork and well-being.
A story telling session in the forest
🌿 Growing impact
Schools report increased confidence, calmer behaviour, stronger social skills and deeper engagement — particularly for some children who benefit most from learning outdoors. Parents recognise the positive benefits on wellbeing of fresh air, reduced screen time and sheer enjoyment. Most importantly, children tell us it makes them feel happy, calm and free.
Children checking footage from the wildlife camera they had installed - they captured images of a badger, a hare and a wood-mouse.
🌿 Looking ahead
With your support, we’ll expand the programme over the next three years, introduce the Scottish Junior Forester Award, host family forest days, and offer taster sessions to younger pupils — helping children develop a lasting sense of care for the natural world.
Each session begins and ends with time together in a group.
💚 What head teachers have said about Forest School
“This is an invaluable experience to get children involved with the outdoors and how to care for the environment.”
Mrs Steele, Head Teacher - Whithorn and Garlieston
“It provides a very real experience of outdoor learning , which meets a
lot of children's needs outside of the classroom.”
Mrs McDevitt
Port William and Kirkinner
💚 What parents have said about Forest School
“This was a great experience to learn new skills and facts aboutnature which my daughter has thoroughly enjoyed, finding each session exciting and informative.”
"A chance to learn outwith the classroom. Fresh air and no screen!"
"Outdoor learning suits our son’s interests and gives the kids something different and exciting to look forward to regularly in their schedule and encourages time and confidence in nature:
💚 What children liked about Forest School
We are delighted to announce that Kilgallioch Community Benefit Fund has awarded us a grant of £65,950 which covers 73% of the costs over three years but it is contingent on us raising 27% of match funding.
Your donation is super important as the main fund will only be released once we have raised the balance of costs.
Thank you for helping us keep learning wild. 🌲
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made