Where The Forest Becomes The Classroom

One of the highlights of our Kindergarten program is the opportunity to visit Hollybank Forest Reserve. Hollybank is a truly magical place, offering children time and space to explore, wonder, take risks and connect deeply with the natural world. As we wander through the plantation of European tree species and then further into the more native forest areas, the children are encouraged to use their senses to notice the differences around them; the colours, smells, sounds, textures, light, temperature and feel of each part of the forest. 

This experience connects beautifully with our Sharing the Planet unit of inquiry and our central idea, Nature Inspires Wonder. It supports our lines of inquiry as children consider the ways we experience and explore nature, how nature makes us think, feel and wonder, and how wonder can lead us to care for nature. 

Nature play provides rich opportunities for children to learn in ways that are active, meaningful and deeply memorable. At Hollybank, children balance on rocks and logs, climb, scramble, slow down, look closely, listen carefully and make decisions about what feels safe for their own bodies. These moments of risky play help build confidence, coordination, resilience and problem-solving skills. They also support children to assess risk, trust themselves, and experience the joy of moving freely in a natural environment.

Importantly, time at Hollybank also helps us connect with Country. As children walk gently through the forest, observe living things and consider how we care for natural places, they begin to understand that nature is not just something to visit, but something we belong to and have responsibility for. The forest invites curiosity at every turn. Children search for different types of fungi, notice patterns in bark and leaves, look for signs of animals that may call the forest home, and ask questions about what they see. These discoveries support scientific thinking, language development and a sense of awe.

As author and child-nature advocate Richard Louv writes, “Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our children’s health.” Our time at Hollybank reminds us that nature play supports the whole child; their physical confidence, emotional wellbeing, curiosity, creativity and sense of connection. It gives our Kindergarten children a place to wonder, explore, care and grow. 

Mrs Georgia Greig, Kindergarten Teacher