A Touch of the Wild

A Touch of the Wild: forest school learning in Devon woodland

A Touch of the Wild is a forest school based in a private woodland at Grammarcombe Woods near Exeter, in Devon. Founded in 2005 by Hannah Standen, it describes itself as Exeter's longest-running forest school. Its stated aim is to inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence through forest school adventures and outdoor learning, and it runs programmes for toddlers, pre-schoolers, school-age children and adults.

Programmes for children and families

The forest school organises its activity around four main programmes, each aimed at a different age group or occasion.

• Wildlings Forest Kindergarten: a full-time forest school experience for children aged 2.5 to 5, presented as a nature-based early years curriculum focused on confidence, independence and holistic development.
• Wild Tots: weekly forest school sessions for toddlers accompanied by a grown-up, with nature play, campfire snacks, storytelling and creative exploration. A trial session can be booked.
• Woodland Adventure Club: bushcraft adventures for children aged 5 and over during school holidays, including den-building, campfire cooking and marshmallow toasting.
• Forest School Birthday Parties: parties in the private woodland playground and forest camp near Exeter, with campfire toasting, den-building, nature crafts and woodland games.

How sessions are run

The approach is child-led: sessions follow the child's interests and pace rather than a rigid timetable, and learning happens through play, storytelling, tool use and seasonal activities. Activities include den-building, bug-hunting, crafting with forest materials, climbing, balancing, using tools and lighting fires, which the school frames as supported risk-taking. Sessions take place outdoors in all weathers, and the woodland is treated as a changing classroom across the seasons.

Staff and safety

The team is made up of qualified Forest School leaders, early years specialists and experienced outdoor educators. According to the information provided, staff are DBS-checked and hold Forest School and Paediatric First Aid qualifications. Key policies and safeguarding documents are available in the school's Information Hub. The school states that it welcomes families of all backgrounds, beliefs and abilities.

Feedback from families

The site includes comments from parents about birthday parties and holiday sessions. One parent describes a party with sausages, marshmallows and hot chocolate served by the fire, and another highlights the campfire, the relaxed atmosphere and the safe, wooded setting. A further comment refers to a child attending a day at the Woodland Adventure Club over the summer and returning full of stories. Another visitor describes a morning reset session in the woods as an opportunity to recharge.

Events, newsletter and information

The school publishes a blog and an events section, and invites families to subscribe to a newsletter for seasonal events, forest crafts, holiday clubs and early years places. A separate Information Hub and an FAQ section gather practical information for parents.