At Botley School, we are lucky to have a variety of distinct outdoor learning environments. From the deep canopy of the Woodland to the open space of the Apple Grove, each area offers different opportunities for exploration, risk-taking, and discovery.
We use these spaces flexibly throughout the year, ensuring every child gets to experience the changing seasons across our site.
The Woodland Our primary Forest School site. This is our "wildest" space, offering a true woodland experience. It is the perfect setting for shelter building, fire lighting, and tool work. The dense canopy provides shelter and a sense of immersion in nature, allowing children to disconnect from the classroom and connect with the earth.
The Apple Grove A lighter, open setting. The Apple Grove offers a different atmosphere to the main woods. It is a brighter, orchard-style space ideal for nature crafts, storytelling, and group games. It provides a wonderful habitat for bugs and birds, making it a great spot for nature study.
The Quad Our specialised sensory haven. The Quad is a secure, accessible outdoor space primarily used for our Enhanced Pathway sessions. It is designed to be a calmer environment where children with communication and interaction needs can engage with nature at their own pace. It features sensory planting and dedicated zones for small-group activities.
The Fields Spaces to run and explore. Our wider grounds, including The Fields, provide expansive space for physical development, wide games, and observing the changing landscape of our school grounds.
By using different zones, we can tailor the environment to the activity and the needs of the group. A quiet storytelling session might be perfect in the Apple Grove, while a muddy den-building challenge belongs in the Woodland. This variety keeps Forest School fresh and exciting all year round.