In a secluded corner of Mallorca, surrounded by the whispering leaves of almond and carob trees, a unique school is flourishing. Here, children learn not through rote memorisation nor from rows of desks, but in the heart of nature. This is the philosophy behind Mussols del Bosc (Forest Owls) Forest School, a cooperative initiative cofounded by Patricia Torena and her husband, Gabriel Vairoletti. The approach is refreshingly simple: nature itself is the curriculum. Lessons unfold without worksheets or bell rings, shaped instead by the interests of each child. Math might mean counting pinecones; writing could involve tracing letters in the soil. The forest provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, and the Mussols del Bosc team are dedicated to nurturing each child’s unique journey.
Learning Life Skills Among the Pines
The school operates as a cooperative, committed to the values of mutual support and sustainability. Patricia and Gabriel secured the use of their vast natural landscape through a unique land custody agreement with local landowners. Days unfold amidst prairies of almond and carob trees, a 15,000-square-metre oak forest, and a pine woodland. Here, young learners harvest fresh produce directly from the vegetable garden while also caring for chickens and ducks. Each day brings hands-on activities geared towards independence – cooking over campfires, hiking, building shelters, and even using tools safely under careful supervision. Spotting an unidentified bird may prompt a trip to the forest library to seek its name. These aren’t just novel experiences – they build resilience and confidence through trial and mastery. “We have a saying here,” Gabriel tells us. “Fall down seven times and get up eight,” he laughs.
The Magic of Unstructured Play
Each morning at forest school is anchored by a simple routine: a greeting song, a shared snack, and then a gradual transition into free play. The children might immerse themselves in storytelling under a tree, construct imaginary worlds in the mud, or simply observe a line of ants marching by. Gabriel reflects on these spontaneous moments, especially after yesterday’s rainstorm. “Today was crazy – the kids all leapt into the mud puddles, laughing and splashing. Soon, they were covered head to toe in mud,” he smiles. “Their parents know the more dirt, the more joy!”
As modern life accelerates, Patricia and Gabriel believe that their kind of slow, nature-immersed education is essential. “Nature is constantly changing, and children learn to adapt to weather shifts, terrains, and challenges. This builds resilience as they learn to face difficulties, make mistakes, and keep going.”
In a world often dominated by speed and structure, forest school offers something rare: the chance for children to experience childhood at a slower pace, to wander and wonder. In Mallorca’s forest, nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a teacher, a friend, and a source of inspiration. The duo concludes, “One of the great parenting mistakes is thinking we can buy a magical childhood, when it’s really about giving children the time and space to simply BE a child.”
Address details
