New forest school launches at Cofton Holidays

Mud, magic and marshmallows in Devon

Cofton Holidays, in Devon has opened The Cofton Forest School – a brand new outdoor experience where families can ditch their devices and reconnect with nature.

Nestled under the leafy canopy of Cofton’s private forest, Cofton’s Forest School is no ordinary classroom; it’s a two-hour hands-on exploration into the wild. Designed to foster environmental curiosity and real-life connection, the Forest School is rooted in national studies from Forest Research, which show that outdoor learning builds confidence, sharpens focus, and boosts wellbeing.

The sessions are led by a qualified forest school leader and shaped around fire lighting, marshmallow toasting, den building and woodland crafts, it’s the kind of muddy adventure kids dream about.

Chris Jeffery, Director at Cofton Holidays said: “Families come here to escape the noise of modern life – and The Forest School gives them a chance to be in the moment and enjoy family time – together.”

“It’s about reconnecting with nature, learning something new, and remembering how good it feels to play and explore in the woods.”

According to the government-backed Natural Connections project, 92% of pupils say they feel more engaged outdoors, 90% feel happier and healthier, and 85% show improved behaviour when lessons are held outside.

More than just fun and fresh air, the Forest School reflects Cofton’s commitment to sustainable living. With a focus on planet-positive fun, it champions leave-no-trace ethics and uses natural, recycled, and found materials that the forest offers up freely or might otherwise go to waste.

Making use of feathers, pine cones, storm-felled branches, and even old ropes from the park’s maintenance team, repurposed into natural tools for play and creativity.

Whether it’s lighting a fairy fire for the first time, sawing wood to craft tree cookies, making wands, building dens, or sipping hot chocolate by the firepit, the forest school invites guests to see nature not as a backdrop, but as the main event.

What to Expect:
● Gather around the fire circle for stories and safety
● Learn to light your own fairy fire
● Explore the woods with shelter building and natural crafts
● Wind down with toasted treats and warm drinks around the campfire

Perfect for little explorers aged 3+, grown-ups are encouraged to join in too – no survival skills needed, just a sense of adventure. Sessions run twice weekly during school holidays, every Monday and Friday.

Cofton’s Forest School joins a long list of Cofton’s green initiatives, including renewable heating that supplies lodges, pools and toilet blocks with clean energy, rewilding and wildflower meadows that enhance local biodiversity, solar panels powering shower blocks and outdoor lighting, and the recent addition of a beehive to support pollinators. It’s all part of Cofton’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism – preserving Devon’s natural beauty for future generations.

These initiatives have helped Cofton rack up an impressive list of environmental accolades, including an unbroken 27-year streak of Gold David Bellamy Conservation Awards, a Visit England Gold Award, Silver for Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism at the Visit Devon Award, being named a Sustainability Pioneer by the Food Drink Devon Awards, and most recently, the Sustainability Award at the Federation of Small Businesses Awards.

Sessions are £12.95 per child (adults free), and spaces are limited. Book early, wear your wellies, and prepare for an unforgettable encounter with the great outdoors.