Welcome to Dare Valley Forest School, where we ignite a passion for nature and outdoor exploration. Our inclusive Forest School, located in Dare Valley Community Woodland, offers purposeful child-led learning experiences that nurture confident and happy children.
Our Sessions:
Ladybirds Nature Parent & Toddler Group
Ages 1-4 (siblings welcome)
Child-led activities can include:
Mud Kitchen, chicken hugs, mini beast hunts, marshmallow toasting, sand pit, water play, construction area, sensory play, nature painting, crafts, story time.
Home Education Group
Ages 5-16 (siblings welcome)
Learners can play, explore, learn new skills and make new friends as a family. Families can choose to work through various awards and certificates at their own pace which includes topics such as: Den building, fire, bushcraft tools, plant & animal identification skills, conservation projects & campfire cooking or just come along to have fun!
After School and Holiday Clubs
Ages 8-15 (drop off)
Child-led activities can include:
Free play, nature crafts, exploring, tool use, woodwork, tree climbing, safe fire lighting techniques, hot chocolates, marshmallow toasting, den building, nature ID skills and the opportunity to complete skills awards in the Bushcraft Club.
Our Location
Dare Valley Community Woodland, Aberdare, CF44 8DE
There is free parking in Dare Valley Country Park Visitor Centre, our woodland is a few minutes walk away, as shown in the video.
What to Expect
Please bring a reusable cup and help yourself to our wide range of tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
Outdoor clothing is essential, please do not wear anything that you aren't happy to get muddy!
We are a zero waste woodland, please take any rubbish that you bring with you back home. We only have a bin for compost.
What people say about us:
“We attend the tots “Ladybirds” group. Such a lovely location and wonderful, dedicated leaders. They were especially helpful with my 6 month old as I have 2 under 2. Really grateful to them. Knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do. Highly recommend! (And highly recommend wellies and puddle suits)
“I look forward to Mondays. I am not working, just so me and Ted can come along to Forest School. The ability to play outside, no matter the weather with other children, has given him so many opportunities to socialise and develop his imagination. It brings out the little explorer in him, and I couldn’t be happier with the sessions. Sapphire and Mac are awesome!”
“Amazing place to spend a few hours! I took my 4 year old here in the torrential rain 🙈 and we still had the best time. We loved the chickens roaming around whilst we played, we got to make a fire, enjoy marshmallows and hot chocolate and many more activities. They have lots of different sessions for all ages too, highly recommend! “
“My daughter has been attending the after school club for many weeks now and thinks its amazing. She also loved the day school and can’t wait for the summer holidays to go back.“
“Really is an amazing hidden diamond. My son loves going price is very good and staff are very friendly and fab with the children.”
“A wonderful introduction to forest schools for us. The setting has lots of things to do and try plus the staff led a few aspects e.g. toasting marshmallows, a story by the fire and nature art. Suggest taking spare clothes and waterproofs as mud is inevitable!“
“Absolutely love the forest school. Both my children adore it and its great to let the kids be kids whilst learning!”