Forest School

using loppers at Forest School

The Forest School experience:

Forest School is a pedagogical approach which uses hands-on learner-led activities in a woodland or other natural setting, to develop confidence and self esteem and build learning power and emotional intelligence.

I am a qualified Level 3 Forest School programme Leader, and a member of the Forest School Association (FSA). My career in environmental education spans over twenty-five years with experience of working in a wide range of settings and with groups of all ages and abilities ranging from pre-schools, primary and secondary classes, SEN pupils, youth groups and adults.

I hold a current DBS (CRB) disclosure and an up-to-date Outdoor First Aid certificate; I have also been fully trained in Child Safeguarding and Health and Safety. My other qualifications include CEVAS (Countryside Education Visits Accreditation Scheme).

Forest School sessions for groups:
I can offer half or full-day Forest School sessions, based either at your school site or other local venue. Sessions are very much learner-led, but activities which may be included in Forest School include:

  • Den building (with natural materials, and/or tarps and rope)
  • Tool use (e.g. loppers, bow saw, fixed blade knife)
  • Fun with knots, string and ropes
  • Fire making and campfire cooking
  • Eco art (e.g. dreamcatchers, mud sculptures, leaf art
    – also see my Eco Art web page
  • Mud kitchen
  • Bug hunting and wildlife exploration
  • Plant lore and general bushcraft

Suggested group sizes: To ensure a safe and high quality Forest School experience I usually work with groups of up to 15 children or young people at a time. If your group is larger than this, please contact me to discuss ways to work around this!

I am experienced in planning and leading Forest School sessions for different age groups and abilities: activities can also be tailored to suit school topics, or for home-educated children or after-school clubs. I am always happy to respond to a group’s particular needs: contact me using the email form on my Contact page to discuss how I can meet your requirements, and to enquire about session costs. Or if you prefer, contact me via my Rowanleaf Facebook page, message me on LinkedIn, or telephone 01392 437792.

Organisations worked for:
Wildwood Escot, The National Trust, RSPB, The John Simonds Trust/Rushall Farm, Five A Day Market Garden, BBOWT (the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust), West Berkshire Council, Druridge Bay Country Park, The Institute for Earth Education (UK), Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, The Living Rainforest, The Nature Discovery Centre (Thatcham), The Willows & Hampstead Norreys Primary Schools, Cornerstone Arts Centre.