About Us

Bush Knowing Forest School offers nature immersion and early learning experiences for young children.

Led by Joanne Sørensen, Bush Knowing was the first Forest School in North Brisbane. It began as a way to engage and immerse children and their families with the local natural environment.

Our Location

We meet here by the beautiful Kedron Brook at Everton Hills. We pay our respects to the true custodians of this land, the Turrbal and Jagera people. We recognise and honour Elders past, present and emerging.

We believe

  • being outside and engaging with nature has wide ranging benefits for children and adults of all ages
  • adventurous play builds strong  bodies, develops imagination, creativity, and problem solving skills. It also teaches children to assess risks and grow to understand the importance of the natural world.
Official Activity Provider

Our Sessions

Come and play with us in nature! Bush Knowing Forest School offers various nature immersion sessions to suit children from 12 months to 8 years.

Bush Kindy Holiday Sessions

Our school holiday bush kindy sessions are aimed at children from 12mths to 8 years of age.

Bush Kindy Term Booked

Our Thursday bush kindy group is a term booked weekly session for children 18 months to 6 years and their parents.

Bush Playgroup

Our Friday bush playgroup is a casual session for children 12 months to 6 years and their parents.

We educate

Joanne Sørensen is a Level 3 Forest School Leader and an Early Childhood Bachelor-trained Kindergarten Teacher who is currently the President of the Australian Forest School Association. Throughout her career, Jo has consulted for many services to enable them to take children outside to learn.

Parents Say

IMOGEN

Probably the main benefit of attending bush playgroup has been carving out time in our busy week to spend time in nature together. Something that’s so easy to do bu often forgotten.”

KRISTEN

“Our family has been inspired by your tools for learning. We’ve added several nature field guides and binoculars/magnifying glasses to our collection and they are all in frequent use.”

NICCI

“What I’ve valued most is the opportunity to be calmly and presently in nature with my kids.”

Information for parents

Each session is a mix of exploring the creek and local bush surrounds, complimented by focused sensory and early learning experiences with quality resources. We complete our time together by packing away before grouping for music or story time.


Where are the sessions?

Held at a secluded bush space between Leslie Patrick Park oval and the Kedron Brook, Everton Hills — right by the new all abilities playground. Free parking available.


What do we need to bring and wear?

It’s compulsory for parents and children to wear closed in toe shoes or gumboots. Please dress for the weather of the day. Please bring a hat, shirt with sleeves, sunscreen/insect repellent or wet weather gear. Please bring your own snacks, water and rug to enjoy the morning tea area.


Is there a toilet?

Yes. There is a toilet located by the all abilities playground.


Is it pram-friendly?

Yes. Baby wearing and prams are very welcome. Its an inclusive environment and all families and children are welcome.


What if it’s raining?

Playing in nature is an all-weather experience! Sessions will continue unless it is unsafe to do so — we will contact you and update our social media pages if cancellation is necessary.


Is food provided?

No. Please bring snacks, water and rug for your family for morning tea. Please be aware of possible allergies and only consume food and drinks in morning tea area.


Got a question?

If you have any further questions about our program, sessions or nature site, I welcome you to contact me via email, Facebook or Instagram. Alternatively, you can complete the form below.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Drop me a line
bushknowing@gmail.com

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