Forest Fest 2026 – save the date

Save the date for Forest Fest 2026

FORESTFEST 2026:  Our annual gathering of Forest School practitioners and other adults interested in the Forest School ethos.  Forest Fest is a chance everyone interested in forest schools, outdoor learning and play to get together, meet new people, learn some skills, share ideas and have a really good laugh, all in a beautiful and relaxing natural environment.  This year’s theme is Creativity, so expect some creative activities inspired by nature.

All are welcome, whether you’ve been practising for years, are undergoing your training or are wanting to see if forest school is for you.

Come for the day or come for the weekend

What to expect:

• A series of workshops led by forest school practitioners.  The programme is still being developed  but previous Forest Fest workshops have included a wide range of participatory activities such as natural dyes, found poetry, mindfulness, bushcraft and Chinese cooking
• Impromptu discussions and networking throughout the event
• BFSN’s AGM; a short meeting to report on the past year and elect the committee  
• Evening camp fire with delicious local takeaway curry
• Evening fun and games 
• Sunday morning skill share session

Here’s what people said about Forest Fest 2024:

“I feel very happy, surrounded by beautiful nature, with lovely people and inspirational activities.  Thank you – a great team effort”

“I really enjoyed the games – they were a fun icebreaker.  I enjoyed all the workshops.  I would like to try my hand next year”

“I feel relaxed spending he day with lovely like-minded people, lots of great workshops and activities”

Tickets will be on sale soon

 Book early for Early Bird discounts – £10 off the ticket price if you book before 31 March 2026

Forest Fest 2026 will be largely funded through ticket sales. To keep fees to a minimum it is a ‘collectively run event’, with everyone (i.e. all attendees) contributing to the delivery of it e.g. through setting up, making teas and coffees, sorting the campfire, collecting the takeaways, cooking breakfast, sweeping up etc. No specific skills are necessary and you won’t be asked to do anything outside your comfort zone, but hopefully you can share, learn and have a laugh as you go… 

For Saturday’s night’s dinner we’re offering you a special taste of Bradford with a curry from a local curry house – all included in the price. We hope you will stay and join us, even if you don’t want to camp.

Full details of workshops, directions and a kit list will be sent to everyone who has booked nearer the time.