Forest School Practitioner Level 3

A trainee lighting a fire

Next course: September 16, 23, 30, October 14, 21, November 4, 5, 11 2026

Contact Becks on 07989501335 for more information or to book. 

 

This course explores the principles, theories and research underpinning forest school and equips you with the skills to plan and deliver forest school programmes at your own setting. 


Six full days of forest school training, outdoors in beautiful woodland, followed by two practical assessment days, all designed to build your confidence and ability to deliver engaging and inspirational Forest School programmes at your setting. You will also be offered an additional skills development day 6 months later. 

 

On the course you will learn how to support learning, play and development outdoors and gain the skills to plan & deliver Forest School sessions including how to teach outdoor skills such as tool use, fire lighting and shelter building. There is a strong focus on understanding the natural environments you plan to work in and how to use these sustainably and sensitively.

 

This course is designed for those who would like to set up and run a Forest School programme. 

There are five Units of Study at Level 3: 

  • Supporting Learning, Play and Development in the Natural Environment
  • Deliver Forest School
  • Observation and Evaluation of Forest School 
  • Sustainable Use and Management of Natural Resources 
  • Teach Outdoor Practical Skills 

On this course you will: 

  • Attend training days which consist of both theory and practical tasks 
  • Run a Forest School programme in your  chosen setting 
  • Have a tutor visit to your workplace 
  • Complete a portfolio for assessment 

Course structure:

  • 8 face to face outdoor training days 
  • 1 face to face portfolio development day 
  • A workplace visit from your tutor
  • Support throughout your training and development of your portfolio, online, by phone and in person.  
  • Access to Campfire Cymru and Cambium Sustainable’s comprehensive online resources 
A whittled forest gnome

Course entry requirements: 

Level 2 Qualification or appropriate experience in education, youth work, childcare or similar

Established link with a proposed group and a potential Forest School Site

18 years or over at the start of the course.

OR

Level 2 Qualification in Forest School, Countryside, Woodland Management

At least two years experience with groups

Established link with a proposed group and a potential Forest School Site.

ALSO

Alongside Level 3 Forest School Training, you are strongly advised to achieve a suitable First Aid Qualification.  Holding a current DBS certificate prior to starting your own Forest School practice is also expected and is the responsibility of your setting. If you plan to cook food at your sessions, it is also advisable to obtain a Food Hygiene certificate at an appropriate level