A show dedicated to celebrating and promoting quality Forest School. A year of Forest School possibilities in a day. With elements of festival, conference and celebration, the largest Forest School in the world for a day.
What will you see at The Forest School Show?
Specialist quality traders of Forest School equipment, tools, clothing, materials etc.
Workshops dedicated to specific skills and knowledge sharing
Opportunities to drop in and have a go
Entertainment with skilled artists and performers who champion outdoor learning
Talks, demonstrations, presentations and discussions with Forest School experts
Play! Lots of opportunities to play
Quality and good value food and drink vendors
Why is The Forest School Show a day when the guiding principles highlight a long term process?
If we could deliver a year-long Forest School Show we would. Very simply it comes down to practicalities and community. Those Forest School Practitioners attending and offering opportunities operate year-round, and we are very honoured to have them join us for a day to share their knowledge, skills and elements of their practice.
Where is The Forest School Show?
In order to make The Forest School Show accessible to all in the community, we plan to move from year to year to different regions of the UK. The 2026 event is being held in the East Midlands, Walesby Forest, near Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire, with road access from the M1 and A1, rail links on the East Coast Mainline to Retford and a short transfer to the venue. We encourage the use of green transport, car share and public transport where possible.
When is The Forest School Show?
We know that whatever date we choose for the show will not be suited to all who might like to attend. So as with the venue, the date will move year on year. The first show will take place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September 2026.
Can I camp at The Forest School Show?
No. Our contract with the venue and our insurance do not allow day visitors to camp at the show. There are camping options and other forms of accommodation available locally. This may be possible at a future show.
Can I bring my dog?
Although we love dogs and other pets, for this event we ask you not to bring any animals to the venue. We will have animals for you to see and possibly handle. Animals are a big part of our natural environment, and it is useful, valuable, interesting to know about them. Look out for Insects, arachnids, reptiles, small mammals, birds and fish.
Registered assistance dogs will always be welcome.
Who is The Forest School Show for?
TFFS is for families and people of all ages - there is something for everyone.
If you have an interest in outdoor learning then this is the perfect event for you.
As a Forest School practitioner, this show would be an ideal opportunity to build and develop your skillset and offerings to clients.
Who are the organisers of The Forest School Show?
The show is organised, planned and arranged by a small team, supported by a steering group of industry-leading experts. A small production company delivers the show in collaboration with an amazing team of volunteers.
What time is The Forest School Show?
The car park opens at 8am for parking only. The gates to the show open for premium ticket holders at 9am. Food vendors will be open at this time and traders will be opening up their stalls but not everything is open fully until 10am. General ticket holders are admitted from 10am. Taster tickets are admitted from 2pm and the last entry to the show will be at 4pm. The event closes at 5pm and all visitors must have exited the venue by 6pm.
Is there anything else other than Forest School at the show?
Yes! Forest School draws on so many varied elements, it is genuinely inter disciplinary. Too many to mention them all, but to give an idea, here is a selection of complementary specialist areas that help support and enhance Forest School: Beach School, Bushcraft and Survival Skills, Outdoor Learning, Storytelling, Foraging, Cooking, Gardening, Nature, Flora and Fauna, Making with Green and Heritage Crafts, Natural Art and Sculpture, Music, Dance, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Health, Wellness, Wellbeing, Meditation, Celebration, Mindfulness, Wellbeing, Yoga, and Meditation.
What do I need to bring to the show?
Appropriate clothing and footwear for the time of year, weather, venue and for this type of event. Cash and Card payments are welcome by traders.
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes of course, please do. Bring or buy food and drinks. No cooking or fires are allowed at the venue other than those officially organised and staffed. We have carefully selected our vendors to offer you the very best in healthy, wholesome and good value food and drink.
Can I have my own fire?
No. Please do not attend the Forest School Show intending to make your own fire for cooking or any other purpose. There are a number of officially organised fires for keeping warm, cooking, crafts etc.
Can I bring my own tools?
Please do not bring tools to the show. All tools, equipment and materials are supplied for workshops requiring their use.
If I have an accident or feel unwell, what should I do?
We have First Aid and Mental First Aid provision at the venue, and all Forest School practitioners are First Aid trained, so we have you covered. Please attempt to contact an official steward or member of staff if you need help.
Refunds
I have bought tickets and now I am unable to attend the show, what should I do?
All tickets at the time of booking are presented as non-refundable. Optional payment protection insurance is available if selected. As you will appreciate it takes a great deal to deliver a show of this size and quality. Although we are not able to offer a refund, we can, at your request, issue free tickets for the next show.
Tickets
Please either print or download your tickets to your mobile device before the event. A ticket is required for each person attending the show. This will allow us to scan your tickets quickly and efficiently, admitting you to the show without delay. If you have forgotten or are unable to locate your tickets please report to the ticket office on arrival with valid ID.
