Introduction to Forest School/ Skill Share Day

Would you like to find out more about what Forest School is all about?

This CPD day brings together newly qualified Forest School leaders with those curious about training or volunteering. You’ll have the chance to learn through practical, hands-on activities led by experienced leaders, who will share their knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for working in the woodland.

The day is ideal if you:

* Are considering becoming a Forest School Leader
* Support or volunteer in Forest School sessions
* Want to explore how Forest School could work in your setting

This (non-accredited) practical training day will give you:
* An introduction to the Forest School ethos and principles
* Experience of the woodland as a learning environment
* Hands-on skills such as knots, shelter building, safe tool use, and fire lighting
* Opportunities to learn from newly qualified leaders in a collaborative, experiential setting

By the end of the day you’ll leave inspired, confident and with ideas to bring Forest School to life in your own setting.

* The session will take place at Charlotte’s Wood in Wilby. The address is Sundial Cottage, London City Road, Wilby, IP21 5LT. There is limited parking at the venue so if possible, please park at Wilby Coronation Hall, on London City Road (IP21 5LE) and then walk 400m up London City Road (away from the village). We are on the left, just past ‘The Shingles’. There is a pair of mirrors opposite the entrance.

* The session will start at 9.30am and will finish at 4.30pm.

* The cost for the day is £60 per person. This can be paid directly on Eequ or I can send you an invoice. If you sign up for Level 3 Forest School Leader training with Charlotte's Forest School, the cost of this CPD day will be taken off the training costs. The CPD day is FREE for newly qualified leaders to attend as volunteers to support with facilitation of the session.

* Please ensure that you are appropriately clothed for the session which will take place entirely outdoors (regardless of the weather!) Please remember lots of warm layers even if it is a mild day. Recommended clothing is:
- Long sleeved clothing top and bottom (even if it's a sunny day to provide protection from scratches and stings);
- Lots of warm, thin layers;
- A waterproof outer layer, top and bottom – so waterproof coat (AND trousers if you have them);
- Waterproof shoes or boots.

* Please bring a packed lunch. I will provide refreshments for you. Please let me know if you have any dietary requirements. You may wish to bring water with you and your own mug, a camera and a notebook and pen.

* If you are unable to attend the session, please cancel using Eequ. Although I cannot provide a refund, I appreciate the notice so that I do not wait for you and hold up the session. Likewise, if you are going to be late, you can find my mobile number in the full details of your booking on your Eequ booking page. Please call me and let me know!

I will look forward to welcoming you to Charlotte's Wood for a day of fun and adventure!

Charlotte's Wood is a place where people can connect with nature. It is a tranquil, privately owned woodland in the heart of rural East Anglia - large enough to lose yourself in but not large enough to get lost in!

The woodland has a path running around the perimeter that makes it accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Next to Charlotte's Wood are two luxury holiday lodges and a cosy log cabin sits on the woodland edge.  The cabin is used as a venue for meetings and training and as a meeting point and shelter during woodland activities. It can also be hired as a place to stay. There is a toilet in the cabin at the entrance to the woodland and a compost loo in the woodland that is used during sessions.

At the woodland Charlotte facilitates various activities and events for adults and children throughout the year. The overarching aims of these are to provide meaningful nature connection experiences for all in order to promote physical and emotional wellbeing, to bring people together and promote social interactions and to generate a lifelong love of being outside in the natural world. These experiences include:

* Forest School Leader training, taster days and CPD sessions for Forest School Leaders and assistants.
* Wellbeing Days and PD Days for school staff and other organisations.
* Seasonal Forest Bathing sessions celebrating the Celtic Festivals of Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain.
* 'Learn to Nordic Walk' courses and regular Health and Fitness Walks.
* 'Wild Wood Holiday Club' for children aged 4-11 years.
* 'Little Woodies' - Weekly Parent and Toddler Forest School sessions.
* Seasonal Events for parents and toddlers such as the Halloween Spooktacular, Easter Eggstravaganza, Elf and Fairy Party, Teddy Bears' Picnic and Christmas Little Woodies.

For more information go to: https://www.charlotteswood.co.uk/