Building Teen-Centred Communities

Why woodland management is great for

Organisation links
Location address: Essex Outdoors Danbury, Danbury
Chosen age group:

Ages: 18+ years

Available tickets:
Adult ticket Free
Next date: None - Register your interest
What we'll do
Building Teen-Centered Communities In a pedagogy frequently described as ‘child-led’, join Becky Wilkinson (Royal Forestry Society) and Sarah Lawfull (Where the Fruit Is / FSA) to discuss what Forest School looks like with teens. Come to reflect on barriers to participation, explore different ideas about what can work and benefit from the space held by two experienced practitioners and coaches, and consider how this frequently underserved group can be brought into the centre of our communities. We know of young people who are struggling in mainstream education, refusing to attend school, are thriving at Forest School, where they develop agency and build a sense of worth through learning practical, sustainable woodland management methods and how to take responsibility for improving biodiversity in their Forest School site. We will explore routes Forest School practitioners take to enhance teenagers' skills and how caring for woodland changes and improves outcomes for young people. By sharing a range of case studies, resources, and qualifications open to young people to augment their Forest School experience, we will offer ways of embedding Forest School in a young person's life, in school, in alternative and SEND provisions. Explicitly integrating Forest School learning into the classroom, for example, in Science, English, and IT, is a surefire way of gaining support from senior leaders. Forest School is highly motivating for teenagers struggling to access the mainstream curriculum and provides rich material to create evidence of their learning. How can you add value to the experience teenagers are having at Forest School and beyond? How will you help your young people see their time in the woods with you as preparation for a career or foundation for a life well lived?
send accessibility checklist
1:1 care
2:1 care
Qualified to administer medication
Epilepsy trained
Accessible toilet
Assist with personal care and toileting
Hoist and changing bench
Makaton and PECS trained
Sensory break area
Quiet spaces
Secure environment
Disability communication skills
More information available on request
Contact the Mentor to discuss your specific needs regarding this list item.
Please note:
It is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the the measures provided above. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed.
About your mentors
Where The Fruit Is
Education Consultant, Coach and Trainer
With a background in mainstream teaching, early years, SEND, and voluntary youth work, I was delighted to witness the impact of implementing the ethos and principles of Forest School in every area of my life. We initially set up Where The Fruit Is to raise awareness of Forest School's power to build communities with and improve outcomes for the many invisible young people struggling to access education, many of whom are neurodivergent. I now collaborate with NGOs and county councils to lead local and national nature-based education projects. As one of the co-founders of the Nature Premium campaign, I co-chair the steering group, advocating for all children to have funding for regular nature-based learning experiences from 3 to 18 years as part of their education. I am the current Chair of the Forest School Association, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a Henley Centre for Coaching member. I am passionate about helping people of all ages find their purpose and their joy and fulfil their potential through learning and playing in nature.
The Royal Forestry Society
Sharing from one generation to the next
Becky is Learning and Outreach Manager for the Royal Forestry Society, an educational charity committed to supporting foresters and arborists for over 140 years. We work with ages 4+, providing opportunities to learn in and learn about forests and creating pathways into forestry careers. A former secondary school senior leader, now trainer, sector advocate and coach, Becky is passionate about building inclusive spaces where all can find safe opportunities for growth and personal development.
Nic Harding
Project's Officer at FSA
As the Project Officer, I'm pleased to be organising the annual Forest School Association Conference. I am appearing as a Mentor on each workshop to give me oversight and allow me to help out on the day, I may not actually be on your workshop.
Learning aims
Aim 1
To understand the value of woodland management skills for teenagers struggling to access the mainstream curriculum.
Aim 3
To know routes to further learning in woodland management for young people.
Aim 5
To understand how caring for a Forest School site collaboratively helps teenagers build communities and know they belong as valued members of a group.
Aim 2
To know routes into Forestry and different woodland-based careers.
Aim 4
To know about qualifications and awards available to augment Forest School programmes, enabling young people to achieve and access further training/ employment.
Pricing information
Ticket nameAdult ticket
Price£0
LEARNER REFLECTIONS0 reflections
Where we'll be
Essex Outdoors Danbury, Well Lane , Danbury, Essex, CM3 4AB
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Equipment
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
Safeguarding Training
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit

Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy
Free bookings do not require refunds but as places are limited, please cancel if you cannot attend so that your place can be offered to someone else.

My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.

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