Background:
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, special needs schools, 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 Level 3 Forest School Programme Leader, and CEVAS (Countryside Education Visits Accreditation Scheme).

Activities for Schools:
I can offer half or full-day sessions in the following topics, based either at your school site or at a local venue of your choice:

• Forest School sessions – see my Forest School web page
• Bushcraft and foraging
• Habitat studies / Habitat comparison (e.g. woodland, pond/river, meadow)
• Adaptation, life cycles, food chains
• Minibeast Safari / Pond dipping
• Plant growth / Seed dispersal
• Gardening (growing fruit and vegetables, wildlife gardening)
• Sensory / Experiential activities (e.g. ‘exploring nature’ walks)
• Seasonal sessions (e.g. seasonal adaptations, life cycles)
• Eco Art / Recycled crafts – see my Eco Art web page
• Creating & using school wildlife areas and features
• Singing For Schools – see my Singing webpage

My emphasis is on maximising participants’ direct contact with the natural world, using hands-on activities to develop understanding of environmental principles, ensuring that activities are sustainable and low-impact – and always making sure that everyone (including supporting adults) has an enjoyable time!

Suggested group sizes: To ensure a high quality environmental education experience I work with groups of up to 15 children at a time, or with classes of 30 of pupils if school staff support with activities. For younger children (6 years and under) and for ‘higher risk’ activities such as pond dipping a ratio of one adult to four children is recommended. For larger-sized year groups shorter sessions can be scheduled throughout a school day, ensuring that all children have an opportunity to participate.

INSET training for school staff: In addition to working with pupils, I also run INSET days and twilight sessions for teachers themed on outdoor learning and environmental education. My training sessions aim to give teaching staff the skills and activity ideas they need to deliver engaging hands-on outdoor learning activities which link to the curriculum. Visit my INSET training page for more details.

I am experienced in planning and leading sessions that provide clear learning outcomes linked to the curriculum: activities can also be tailored to suit schemes of work or study topics, or for home-educated children. 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.

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