SENsory Forest Workshops in Bristol
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Bristol
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Oct – July 2025
In partnership with the Bristol Autism Project (BAP) and Into the Wild, SDS funded a series of four SENsory Forest School workshops designed specifically for children with autism and other special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The sessions provided a welcoming, inclusive environment where children and their families could connect through sensory-rich, nature-based activities tailored to their needs.
The Challenge
Post-pandemic funding cuts and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have made it increasingly difficult for families with high-needs children to access inclusive, affordable activities. These families often face social isolation, limited respite opportunities, and a lack of understanding in mainstream activity settings.
Our Approach
We funded and helped facilitate four themed sessions, offering activities that encouraged creativity, sensory engagement, and skill development, including:
- Making clay models of mythical creatures
- Outdoor wild baking
- T-shirt printing
- Japanese leaf and flower pressing
- Carving pumpkins
- Fire-lighting with Swedish fire steels and toasting marshmallows
- Making woodwork candleholders
Led by an experienced forest school leader, the sessions were structured to allow children to explore freely, build confidence, and develop skills, while giving parents a chance to connect and share experiences.
“Seeing my son interacting, relaxing and having no tics… This session was perfect in meeting his needs.”
The Impact
- 20 children engaged, with their families also benefitting from the sessions.
- 96% of parents reported a positive impact on their child’s wellbeing.
- 65% said their child’s social skills had improved.
- 61% reported improved motor skills, and 48% noted enhanced problem-solving abilities.
- Supported Bristol City Council’s objective to work with health and education partners to deliver its SEND inclusion strategy.
Why It Matters
These workshops created more than just learning opportunities — they built a sense of community and belonging for families who often feel excluded from mainstream activities.As the workshop leader, Syreeta, fed back: “For those families, it can be so hard to access activities in a space of understanding and inclusion.
We saw kids growing in confidence and being able to relax. The parents with more than one child were able to utilise myself and the BAP staff to be able have a little 1:1 time with their child. Having a high need child can be incredibly socially isolating because, over time, you stop getting invites to birthdays and other social gatherings.
And we saw parents exchanging numbers and making plans to meet up outside the session.”
