It’s Forest Day on March 21. To mark the occasion, why not practice a little mindfulness with these free online forest coloring resources – perfect for kids or just for filling a quiet moment.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012.
About Forest Day
The UN uses international days to highlight issues of concern, to mobilise political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.
International Day of Forests is intended to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.
The UN points out that forests are home to about 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. It says, “Forests, their sustainable management and use of resources, including in fragile ecosystems, are key to combating climate change, and to contributing to the prosperity and well-being of current and future generations. Forests also play a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Coloring sheets for Forest Day
Forests are calming places. If you can’t make it to a forest this year – for forest bathing, or for relaxing in the myriad of ways that forest can help you unwind – the coloring sheets listed below could be the next best way to relax and celebrate International Day of Forests.
What’s more, since the managed forests established for paper production are an important reason that forest coverage is growing in Europe, it seems fitting to celebrate Forest Day with a paper product, such as these beautiful coloring sheets.
Our pick of the best free online forest coloring resources
#1. The animals of the African rainforest
Color the African rainforest with this sheet from Coloring Home. It features animals including a leopard and a gorilla as well as forest greenery. Download for free here.
#2. Countries of the forest: Britain
At first glance, this looks the legendary woodland dweller Robin Hood, but look again and perhaps it could be a woodland elf? Whatever the truth, this printable captures the magic of British woodland folklore. Download for free here.
#3. The animals of the North American Forest
Another coloring sheet featuring forest animals from Coloring Home. The animals of the North American forest include white-tailed deer, cayote and a racoon. Download for free here.
#4. Rainforests of the World map
Twinkl is a wonderful resource for teachers, home educators and parents. Some content is provided for free, including this downloadable map of the world’s rainforests. A great way for kids to learn about the locations and scarcity of these precious forest resources. Download for free here.
#5. Woodland animal coloring book
Accessing premium content on Twinkl requires a subscription, but if you do have children it is a worthwhile investment to access their learning resources. These coloring sheets featuring woodland animals are premium content, so you’ll need to sign up to download.
#6. Woodland flowers from Arlington Hall
The National Trust is a British charity that works to protect heritage buildings and parkland. It has some wonderful free learning resources on its website, including these coloring sheets inspired by the gardens at its historic property of Arlington Hall. Bluebells, primroses and snakes head fritillaries give these coloring sheets a distinctly springtime theme. Download for free here.
#7. Woodland animals from Arlington Hall
Another collection from the National Trust features woodland animals rather than flowers. These ten sheets include deer, fox and barn owl. Download for free here.
#8. Hedgehog from Millie Marotta
Millie Marotta is the queen of mindfulness coloring books for adults. To promote her Woodland Wild book, publisher Pavilion offered a free hedgehog from the collection to download and color. Download for free here.
#9. Toucan from Millie Marotta
Additional coloring sheets from Millie Marotta’s wonderful books can be downloaded from Pavilion’s website, including a fabulous Toucan from Tropical Wonderland. Download for free here.
#10. Johanna Basford
Johanna Basford rivals Millie Marotta in the creation of beautiful adult mindfulness coloring books. She has kindly published a whole selection of free coloring sheets on her website, including highlights from Secret Garden and Magical Jungle. Download for free here.
Navigator Kids Club Bonus
Navigator Paper launched a special 31 Day Outside The Box Challenge for those who share their home office with their kids to make it more fun than expected. Download our “Paint your tree” and “Color your forest” printables perfect to celebrate Forest Day, or feel free to explore all the daily challenges prepared for you and your family.