About NoLF

Our Story

The Nature of Learning Foundation was formed in January 2023 and registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (charity number 1201558).

We were established with a clear purpose: to make Forest School education accessible to children, young people and adults who might otherwise be excluded by socio-economic factors or disability.

In our first year we focused on building our governance, developing a robust grant-making framework, and securing our first funding. By late 2023 we had received our first grants from Outdoors for All and Tesco Community Grants, and began funding Forest School places for children in need.

In April 2025 we were awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, which has enabled us to significantly expand our work -- funding 1:1 support workers and subsidised session fees for children with SEND across three weekly Forest School groups. We now support around 14 children per term.

We have also received support from the Co-op Customer Fund, the Round Table, and individual donations. Our constitution was amended in 2024 to allow both grant-making and project delivery, opening up wider funding opportunities for the future.

What We Fund

• Forest School session fees for families who cannot afford them
• 1:1 support workers for children with additional needs (autism, ADHD, PDA, anxiety)
• Transport costs where travel is a barrier to attendance
• Equipment and resources to support inclusive Forest School sessions

Where We Operate

We operate across the East of England, covering Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. All grants are made to FSA (Forest School Association) registered providers.

We are governed by our constitution and operate with a clear committee structure:

• Grant Awarding Committee -- An independent panel of trustees who assess and award funding applications, with conflict-of-interest safeguards in place.
• Grant Writing Committee -- Responsible for applying to external funders to secure income for the foundation.

We hold quarterly trustee meetings and an Annual General Meeting. Our Charity Commission reporting is up to date and submitted on time.

View our policies for more information on our safeguarding, health and safety, and grant-making procedures.