A teacher has opened a forest school near Ammanford to help children explore nature and play outside more.

Maria D’Angelo introduced Friends of the Forest to the community on July 31.

Based near the Black Mountain fishing and camping grounds, the forest school provides kids with an enjoyable experience where they learn about wildlife, make fires, roast marshmallows and take part in team-building activities.

Maria believes children can learn valuable skills in nature.Maria believes children can learn valuable skills in nature. (Image: Maria D'Angelo)Children are taught craft skills at the school.Children are taught craft skills at the school. (Image: Maria D'Angelo) Kids at the forest school roasting their marshmallows.Kids at the forest school roasting their marshmallows. (Image: Maria D'Angelo) Maria said: “As much as I love mainstream schools, it doesn’t suit all children. I’m trying to bridge the gap between kids staying at home and spending time outside. Nowadays, in most families both parents are working which means children are often stuck inside.

“As much as it’s about having fun, the school is also educational. I go at the pace of the children. The minute we find something cool, all the children gravitate towards the area.

“One time we rescued a hedgehog. Following the children’s curiosity, we ended up building a house for the animal and feeding it.

“It’s experiences in nature like this which help children build a sense of responsibility.  We have lost touch with being outside as life is so busy now. It’s great for mental health and I love it when children turn up with their families.”

Friends of the Forest is an educational setting rather than a daycare.Friends of the Forest is an educational setting rather than a daycare. (Image: Maria D'Angelo) Learning about wildlife is a common theme in the setting.Learning about wildlife is a common theme in the setting. (Image: Maria D'Angelo) Children also learn how to cook.Children also learn how to cook. (Image: Maria D'Angelo) The school currently runs during the school holidays between 10am-11:30am and 12pm-3pm, with the odd weekend available during school term time.

For drop-off sessions, children must be aged between three and a half and twelve years old.

However, for family sessions, there is no specific age requirement and as a bilingual setting, both Welsh and English is spoken at the school.

Friends of the Forest hosts family sessions and birthday parties.Friends of the Forest hosts family sessions and birthday parties. (Image: Maria D'Angelo)The school is located near the Black Mountain fishing and camping grounds.The school is located near the Black Mountain fishing and camping grounds. (Image: Maria D'Angelo)Friends of the Forest has many positive reviews on Facebook.Friends of the Forest has many positive reviews on Facebook. (Image: Maria D'Angelo) The school is in the process of becoming CIW registered so it can be classed as an educational setting rather than a daycare.

Since opening the forest school, Maria has received glowing reviews on Facebook.

A review from Hannah Jones this month (November 2024) wrote:

“I cannot recommend Friends of the Forest enough. My seven-year-old daughter and five-year-old son attended Maria’s Forest School over the summer and had a fantastic time exploring the setting and thoroughly enjoyed getting back to nature.

“As a result, my son decided he would love a ‘Miss D’Angelo Forest School party’. Booking his party was so easy and Maria provided a lovely variety of craft activities for the children.”

Maria previously completed an early year’s degree with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and did her forest school leadership training with Cambium Sustainable - now she is studying for her full teaching degree.

For more information, visit the Friends of the Forest Facebook page.