CHILDREN will take their learning outside of the classroom after a new SCandanavian-inspired forest school was set up in Teesdale.

Bright Woods Forest School, based in Deepdale Wood, on the outskirts of Barnard Castle, has been set up by Honia Devlin.

The mum-of-one officially launched the business earlier this month and intends to follow the Scandinavian ethos of letting children drive their own learning and development in an “inspirational environment”.

The 42-year-old, who moved to Teesdale from Poland 15 years ago, said the acre of land had the perfect mix of environments for children to build confidence and self esteem, learn new life skills and promote independence through hands on experiences.

Activities include shelter-building, fire lighting, foraging, campfire cooking, woodland crafts and games.

“We believe that children who are given the freedom to play in the outdoors, get dirty and wet are simply happy children,” she said.

“Such children are more fulfilled, less prone to depression and more connected to the world around them.

“Bright Woods Forest School believes in children's rights to play, to access the natural world, to experience appropriate risk and a healthy range of emotions.”

Mrs Devlin plans to run regular sessions from September and is able to work with everyone from nurseries to youth groups both at the wood and their own premises.

She is also planning three one-hour taster sessions for toddlers and pre-schoolers on May 20, 27 and June 1, from 1.30pm.

Each session will cost £4 per child.

For more information or to book contact Mrs Devlin by emailing brightwoods@outlook.com or calling 07399575253.

You can also visit brightwoodsforestschool.co.uk of find the group on Facebook.