A Forest School Project That Brings Learning to Life
At St Lawrence College — a leading independent school in Kent — pupils are encouraged to explore the world around them with curiosity, care, and confidence. This spring, Year 2 pupils had the unique opportunity to welcome three rescued hedgehogs into their newly created woodland habitat, as part of Hedgehog Awareness Week (4–10 May 2025).
Far more than just an adorable moment, the experience embodied our commitment to whole-child development, where academic curiosity, character education and environmental awareness grow hand in hand.
Hands-On Wildlife Education at Our Junior School
The Forest School area, nestled within our 45-acre campus in Ramsgate, has always been a hub for outdoor learning. From the start, our team envisioned a quiet corner where wildlife could thrive — and this spring, that vision came to life.
Working with Dotty’s Little Hog Hospital, a local hedgehog rescue organisation, pupils created a dedicated sanctuary featuring wooden houses, safe access points known as ‘hedgehog highways’, and even an insect hotel affectionately named Bugingham Palace.
Special thanks go to Captain Larkins — father to Harry (Year 2) and William (Year 5) — who helped prepare the site, and to our Year 6 Forest School Ambassadors, who built the shelters and supported their younger peers during the release.
Our Eco-Friendly School Campus: A Living, Learning Environment
This hedgehog project is just one example of how our eco-conscious approach to education is embedded across the school. Our grounds team, led by Alan, work tirelessly throughout the year to maintain a campus that welcomes not only pupils and staff, but also bees, butterflies, birds and small mammals.
Wild margins are left to flourish, pollinator-friendly plants are carefully chosen, and hedgerows are preserved — ensuring that every part of our site contributes to both beauty and biodiversity.
As a school that balances tradition with forward-thinking values, we believe our pupils benefit from sharing space with the natural world. It teaches them patience, awareness, and a respect for life that goes far beyond the classroom.
Ramsgate: A Coastal Setting Rich in Wildlife and Learning
Our location in Ramsgate, on the Kent coast, provides a remarkable backdrop for an education rooted in exploration and global citizenship. Just minutes from the sea and surrounded by nature reserves, Ramsgate is part of the Isle of Thanet — a region known for its diverse habitats, migratory bird routes and chalk grasslands.
For overseas families seeking a UK boarding school with outdoor learning and a nurturing, international environment, St Lawrence College offers a truly distinctive setting. Children here don’t just read about ecosystems — they walk through them, listen to them, and learn to care for them.
A Whole-Child Approach: Character, Curiosity and Care
As the hedgehogs were gently released, pupils observed quietly — full of questions, ideas and wonder. These moments spark learning that lasts. Whether it’s the start of a lifelong interest in biology or simply a deeper sense of responsibility, they help shape thoughtful, well-rounded individuals.
At St Lawrence College, we see the Forest School not as a separate programme, but as part of our integrated approach to education — where every pupil is encouraged to thrive academically, grow in character, and understand their place in a wider world.
Explore St Lawrence College: Where Learning Meets Life
If you’re looking for a school where your child will be inspired by nature, nurtured through meaningful experiences, and prepared for life in a global world — we warmly invite you to discover St Lawrence College.
- Learn more about our Junior School and Forest School programme
- Book a private tour with our Admissions Team
- Located in Ramsgate, Kent – 75 minutes from London, moments from the sea
