Forest Fridays at Knockiehill Woodland Centre offers children immersive outdoor lessons every Friday, blending skill-building and adventure in Scotland’s scenic woodlands. Watch young learners grow confident, curious, and connected to nature.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children with general physical fitness; activities are designed for young learners with varied mobility.
Wildlife
History
The Tarland area bears traces of Pictish era occupation, with nearby ancient stone carvings that reveal a long-standing human connection to the landscape.
Conservation
Knockiehill Woodland Centre integrates principles of sustainability and minimal-impact practices, nurturing respect for the forest ecosystem among participants.
Knockiehill Woodland Centre
Forest Fridays at Knockiehill Woodland Centre offers children immersive outdoor lessons every Friday, blending skill-building and adventure in Scotland’s scenic woodlands. Watch young learners grow confident, curious, and connected to nature.
Knockiehill Woodland Centre in Tarland, Scotland, operates as an outdoor education and activity provider focused on children's woodland experiences. The centre offers regular sessions and seasonal programmes that introduce children to nature through guided play, practical skills, and supervised exploration.
Key offerings include Forest Fridays, inservice and bank holiday day sessions, and October holiday programmes. Sessions typically run during school terms and holidays, with clear start and finish times communicated at booking. The team delivers hands-on learning that emphasises safety, positive risk-taking, and respect for the woodland environment.
Activities make use of the local woodland setting around Tarland and follow simple outdoor learning principles: shelter building, nature awareness, team tasks, and imaginative play. Parents are asked to provide packed lunches and appropriate outdoor clothing to suit the Scottish weather. The centre maintains child-safe practices, with staff trained for outdoor supervision and first aid where required, and implements adult-to-child ratios that match session type.
Booking information, dates, and session times are published for each offering so families can plan attendance. Knockiehill Woodland Centre works with local families and schools to complement formal education with outdoor learning. The centre communicates practical details clearly at registration, including meeting points, drop-off and pick-up times, and what children should bring. This straightforward, place-based approach helps children build confidence, social skills, and a lasting connection to nature.
Families can check available dates and specific session descriptions for Forest Fridays, inservice days and October holiday programmes before booking to confirm suitability for each child and any needs.
Location
Tarland, Scotland
Based in Tarland, Scotland.
Seasonal Sessions
Term-time & Holidays
Includes Forest Fridays and holiday days.
Inservice Hours
9 am – 3 pm
Full-day inservice sessions.
Focus
Outdoor learning
Woodland play and practical skills.
Reserve Forest Fridays, inservice day sessions or October holiday places at Knockiehill Woodland Centre — check dates and session details before booking.
Dress for the unpredictable
Layered, waterproof clothing is essential to keep kids comfortable through Scotland’s variable weather.
Arrive prepared for hands-on activities
Closed-toe shoes and durable clothing help children navigate woodland terrain and participate fully.
Pack a refillable water bottle
Hydration keeps energy levels up during the active afternoon sessions in the forest.
Communicate dietary needs in advance
Notify staff about allergies or special dietary requirements prior to the session for smooth accommodation.
Waterproof jacket
Protects children from rain and wind, crucial in Scotland’s forest environment.
all
Sturdy waterproof boots
Supportive footwear keeps feet dry and steady on muddy or uneven ground.
all
Layered clothing
Allows children to adapt to temperature changes through the day.
all
Insect repellent
Helps reduce discomfort from midges and other woodland insects during warmer seasons.
summer