How I Became a Forest School Leader: Nurturing Nature During the Covid Pandemic

How I Became a Forest School Leader

Amidst the uncertainty and challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, I found a beacon of hope and opportunity in the great outdoors. As a teacher at my primary school, I witnessed first hand the profound impact that connecting with nature could have on children's well-being and learning. With children returning to school and a pressing need to get them outside more, I saw an opportunity to transform our approach to education through Forest School, so I decided to take on the Level 3 Forest School Leader course.

Forest School Level 3 Training

Embracing the shift to remote learning, I embarked on a journey to become a certified Forest School Leader. For your information, if you do decide to enrol in this course, it's important to consider the time required to complete a Level 3 Forest School Leader certification. Also, make sure it is approved by the Forest Development Authority (FDA). If you or your setting hope to become an FSA Recognised Forest School Provider in the future, it's crucial to select a trainer offering an FSA-recognised qualification.

So from the comfort of my own home, (thanks to Covid 19) I immersed myself in online courses, excited by every lesson and soaking up knowledge like a sponge. Armed with newfound expertise and a burning passion for outdoor education, I set out to create a Forest School program at school that would ignite children's curiosity and foster a deep connection with the natural world.

As I studied remotely, I didn't just stop at theory—I brought the forest to life through a series of home made videos. From cooking over an open fire to sawing wood and using tools, I shared my adventures with my tutors and my class, inspiring them to embark on their own outdoor explorations.

During lockdown, when we were tasked with educating children whose parents were essential workers, my Forest School activities thrived, particularly in the afternoons. It was during these sessions that I observed a remarkable transformation. As we ventured into the woodland, I watched as children's faces lit up with curiosity, enthusiasm, and more importantly, joy. Together, we immersed ourselves in the natural world, exploring plants, animals, and the changing rhythms of nature. We even managed to forget about lockdown for a few hours at least.

The pandemic ended but we were just beginning.

As the Covid pandemic subsided, we didn't just return to business as usual—we made our Forest School offering even stronger. Collaborating with landowners next to us, we gained access to expansive woodlands, creating ideal sites for our outdoor adventures. We developed a tailored curriculum for each age group, spanning Early Years to Key Stage 2, ensuring that every child could benefit from the transformative power of Forest School.

Our curriculum went beyond traditional subjects, encompassing essential life skills such as tool use, understanding nature, and woodland survival techniques. With each session, children gained confidence, resilience, and a profound appreciation for the natural world. I still treasure our whole school Forest School sessions. We are a small school thankfully and can still toast marshmallows and sing silly camp songs together.

I'd still identify my area for improvement as my outdoor cooking abilities. Venturing into outdoor food preparation has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but gradually, much like the children, I've built up confidence in my culinary skills. Now, I thoroughly enjoy using my cast iron pans for cooking outdoors.

Outdoor Learning Aspirations

But our journey doesn't end here. Inspired by our success, we're setting our sights on the next frontier: an outdoor classroom. With the support of our school community and local stakeholders, we're committed to creating a dedicated space where children can learn, explore, and thrive in harmony with nature. I am just at the beginning of this journey and I'm sure it will have many ups and downs, but I'm ready for the challenge.

As I reflect on my journey to becoming a Forest School Leader, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and the environment. Through the power of outdoor education, we're sowing the seeds for a brighter, more sustainable future—one forest adventure at a time.