The University Forest School Space in England: taking seminars outdoors for early years undergraduates

Outdoor natural spaces are seen as not only physical locations but also shaped by human interactions, cultural practices, and political processes. University seminars were conducted in the on-campus Forest School. Focusing specifically on the development of early years educators in England, the exploration of outdoor natural spaces reveals a multifaceted dimension that extends beyond mere physicality. A convenience group of 25 participants comprising early years undergraduates were selected for a focus group that took place around a campfire after a series of seminar discussions. Thematic analysis of the data revealed the themes of collaboration, creativity, and cultural boundaries. Drawing upon Lefebvre and Massey, this research highlights the potential for new educational spaces beyond the traditional indoor classroom and the benefits of incorporating nature into early years learning environments.