Nurturing Growth: How Woodland Areas, Forestry, and Green Spaces Empower Students at Contact Success 

At Contact Success, we believe every child has the potential to thrive, and nature plays a key role in unlocking that potential. Based at Poltimore House, our daily routines incorporate woodland areas, forest schools, and green spaces—forming a core part of our educational framework. From morning woodland walks to outdoor physical education, we leverage the benefits of the natural environment to support our students’ development. This blog post explores how these spaces contribute to student well-being, are supported by research, and are tied to our six-week thematic programme. 

The Power of Nature: Backed by Research 

1. Mental Health & Well-being:   

Exposure to green spaces has been strongly associated with reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Systematic reviews underline how nature lowers cortisol levels and enhances emotional regulation, particularly in adolescents and adults. Regular access to nature can alleviate psychological distress and improve overall mental well-being, making it a valuable tool for students facing mental health challenges (Zhang et al., 2020; Douglas, Lennon, and Scott, 2017). 

2. Cognitive Benefits:   

Time in nature improves cognitive functioning, particularly in terms of concentration, attention, and creativity. Systematic reviews demonstrate that green environments have a marked impact on attention spans, especially among children, enhancing learning and focus, which is crucial for students' academic success (Zhang et al., 2020; Mould Assessment Recommendations, 2023). 

3. Physical Health:   

Engaging in outdoor activities within green spaces significantly boosts physical health, including cardiovascular fitness and energy levels. Regular exposure to nature promotes physical well-being and helps develop motor skills, making outdoor physical education an effective approach for fostering fitness in students (Mould Assessment Recommendations, 2023). 

4. Social Skills & Team Building:   

Nature fosters social interactions and collaborative skills. Research highlights the role of green spaces in building social bonds, trust, empathy, and teamwork, which are essential for students' personal and educational development. Outdoor group activities encourage these skills through structured and unstructured interactions in natural settings (Mould Assessment Recommendations, 2023). 

Nature and Our Six-Week Thematic Programme 

Our educational programmes are structured around six key weekly themes, all of which are enhanced by nature-based activities: 

- Week 1: Communication: The natural setting encourages open dialogue, helping students express themselves and listen to others in a low-pressure environment. 

- Week 2: Confidence Building: Students build self-esteem by overcoming challenges in the outdoors, and developing a sense of accomplishment. 

- Week 3: Team Building: Collaborative activities in forest school foster teamwork and social skills. 

- Week 4: Self-Reflection: Nature offers space for students to reflect on personal growth, encouraging self-awareness. 

- Week 5: Mindfulness: Woodland walks and mindful nature activities help students connect with their surroundings, promoting emotional regulation. 

- Week 6: Reflection: Students review their learning journey and the personal growth they’ve achieved, preparing them for future challenges. 

Forest School and Orpheus, Our Therapy Dog 

Our forest school is designed to promote hands-on learning, encouraging independence, problem-solving, and creativity. For students who struggle in conventional classrooms, the outdoor environment offers an alternative route to learning that builds resilience, motivation, and behavioural improvement. 

Adding a special touch to this is Orpheus, our therapy dog. His calming presence during woodland walks enhances the therapeutic benefits of nature, helping students feel secure and happy, which research has shown can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. 

Building a Future Through Nature 

At Contact Success, the use of woodland areas, forestry, and green spaces isn’t just about education—it’s about personal transformation. By integrating these natural environments into our daily routines and six-week programme, we empower students to overcome barriers, build confidence, and develop essential life skills. These green spaces act as sanctuaries for growth, ensuring that every young person can succeed—one step, one walk, and one reflection at a time. 

References:  

  • Zhang, Y., Mavoa, S., Zhao, J., Raphael, D. and Smith, M. (2020) 'The Association between Green Space and Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being: A Systematic Review', *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health*, 17(18), p. 6640. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17186640. 

  • Douglas, O., Lennon, M. and Scott, M. (2017) 'Green Space Benefits for Health and Well-being: A Life-Course Approach for Urban Planning', *PLOS ONE*. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203000. 

  • Gascon, M., Triguero-Mas, M., Martínez, D., Dadvand, P., Forns, J., Plasència, A. and Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. (2015) 'Mental Health Benefits of Long-Term Exposure to Residential Green and Blue Spaces: A Systematic Review', *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health*, 12(4), pp. 4354-4379. doi: 10.3390/ijerph120404354. 

  • Mould Assessment Recommendations (2023) 'Social Skills & Green Spaces: The Role of Natural Settings in Promoting Social Interaction and Team Building'. Available at: www.researchgate.net.