Introduction to Forest School

Connecting People with Nature

Mentored by

Charlotte Atkinson

Connecting People with Nature

Organisation links
Location address: Wilby, IP21 5LT
Chosen age group:

For ages: 18+ years

Available tickets:
Standard ticket £60
Next date: Wednesday 25th Sep,
A summary
Would you like to find out more about what Forest School is all about? Perhaps you are someone who will be assisting or volunteering at Forest School. Maybe someone in your setting is considering introducing Forest School and you'd like to find out what is involved. Or perhaps you are considering taking that bold step and embarking upon a journey to become a Forest School Leader. Whichever it is, this one-day introductory course could be just what you need! This (non-accredited) practical training day is designed to provide the Forest School curious and members of staff or volunteers who support (or will be supporting) Forest School sessions with: * An introduction to the Forest School ethos and principles; * An opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the woodland environment and of its use as a learning resource; * Some basic practical skills such as knots, shelter building, tool use and safe fire lighting.
About your mentor
Charlotte Atkinson
Connecting People with Nature
Charlotte has over 20 years’ experience of working with children, schools and families as a primary school teacher, headteacher, educational consultant, Forest School leader and trainer. She is a qualified Level 3 Forest School practitioner with over 10 years' experience of leading Forest School sessions with children aged 2-11 years. Charlotte is a Forest School Association (FSA) endorsed trainer and trainer assessor. She provides guidance with setting up and running Forest School as well as practical delivery of sessions and support with bid-writing and site design. Charlotte is a British Nordic Walking instructor and runs regular ‘Learn to Nordic Walk’ programmes at Charlotte’s Wood. She has a diploma in 'Shinrin Yoku' and provides guided Forest Bathing sessions at the woodland.
You need to know...
* 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. * 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!
Learning aims
Aim 1
To develop knowledge and understanding of the Forest School ethos and principles.
Aim 3
To experience what it's like to be at Forest School.
Aim 5
To learn some new practical skills that are useful for adults at Forest School to have.
Aim 2
To develop understanding of and connection to the woodland environment.
Aim 4
To develop understanding of the role of the leader and supporting adults at Forest School.
Charlotte's Wood
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/
Pricing information
Ticket nameStandard ticket
Price£60
InformationPlease send a message if you would prefer to be invoiced and pay by BACs.
PHOTO GALLERY
Where we'll be
Sundial Cottage, London City Road, Wilby, Suffolk, IP21 5LT
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Drinks
Snacks
Equipment
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Basic 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
No refunds are given except in the case of a cancellation by the Mentor.

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.