Forest School Training
Are you ready to begin your Forest School journey?
MUDDY FEET® delivers immersive Forest School training that allows you to experience the ethos, principles and practical approaches for yourself.
Our courses help you develop a meaningful connection with nature, build your confidence and understand what it feels like to participate in a genuine Forest School community. Our Forest School courses are recognised by the Forest School Association, so you can be assured of the quality and standards we provide.
We work with partner organisations to provide suitable woodland training locations. Every site is visited and assessed before the course to ensure it offers a safe, engaging and inspiring environment in which to learn.
Through our Forest School courses, you can:
- develop your understanding of the Forest School ethos and principles;
- experience a learner-centred and holistic approach;
- develop practical woodland, tool, fire and shelter-building skills;
- explore play, choice, relationships and communities of learning;
- understand risk–benefit assessment and safe working practices;
- learn about woodland ecology and sustainable site management;
- develop reflective practice; and
- progress towards assisting with or leading Forest School programmes.
Learn with experienced Forest School professionals
Our tutors are qualified, experienced and approachable Forest School practitioners with many years of experience. They continue to deliver Forest School programmes throughout the year and maintain their professional knowledge through research, reflective practice and continuing professional development.
We understand that enrolling on a Forest School course is the beginning of an exciting journey. You will receive ongoing guidance as you develop your practice, complete your assessments and work towards your qualification.
We also offer accredited progression routes, online learning and continuing professional development through the Nature Based Learning Hub.
View upcoming Forest School course dates and book your place
Explore our online learning courses
What our learners say
“Just to say a huge thank you for absolutely everything! You are an incredible woman and I have learned so much from you. You are very inspiring.”
Jade
“I just wanted to thank you for everything. It was such a great course, and I really enjoyed it from start to finish! Thank you for your support-it was really appreciated. I have hung my ‘works of art’ in the garden and already have great plans to make them with the children.”
Tara
“Thanks so much for the most inspirational course I have attended as a teacher. I am very excited and eager to begin my own Forest School sessions with the children.”
Charlotte
Which Forest School course is right for you?
- Choose a Forest School Taster Session if you want an informal introduction for yourself or your setting.
- Choose Level 1 if you want an accredited introduction to the Forest School ethos and principles.
- Choose Level 2 if you want to support a qualified Forest School Leader.
- Choose Level 3 if you want to plan, establish and lead Forest School programmes.
Forest School Taster Sessions
Our unaccredited Forest School Taster Session is available as either a half-day or full-day workshop. It is ideal for schools, early years settings, community organisations and staff teams interested in discovering more about Forest School.
The workshop includes:
- an introduction to the Forest School ethos and principles;
- the benefits of Forest School;
- practical advice about introducing Forest School within your setting;
- hands-on Forest School activities;
- opportunities for reflection;
- advice about suitable next steps; and
- action planning for your organisation.
Contact MUDDY FEET® to discuss or book a taster session
ITC Level 1 Award in Forest School Ethos and Principles
This accredited one-day introductory qualification explores the underlying ethos and principles of Forest School and the use of outdoor environments to support learning and development.
It is suitable for people who are interested in Forest School but are not yet ready to train as an assistant or leader.
Entry requirement
Learners must be aged 14 or over.
What will you learn?
You will:
- understand the Forest School approach to learning;
- participate in Forest School experiences;
- explore methods of identifying woodland species;
- understand how Forest School can affect the woodland environment; and
- recognise common hazards associated with Forest School.
The qualification is assessed through a portfolio of evidence and is normally completed within approximately six months.
ITC Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistants
The Level 2 Award is for people who want to support a qualified Forest School Leader or who may wish to progress to Forest School Leader training in the future.
This qualification develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to work effectively as part of a Forest School team. It does not qualify you to plan and lead Forest School programmes independently.
The programme includes six face-to-face training days, supported learning and practical experience within an established Forest School programme.
Most learners complete the qualification within approximately six months.
Qualification requirements
- Minimum age: 16.
- Previous experience of Forest School is advised.
- Learners must have access to a qualified Forest School Leader and an established programme in which they can assist and gather workplace evidence.
Qualification structure
The two units are:
- Supporting a Forest School Programme: Learning and Development
- Supporting a Forest School Programme: Practical Skills
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that you have met all the qualification criteria. Evidence may include:
- written or recorded responses;
- practical skills observations;
- workplace evidence;
- session plans and evaluations;
- reflective accounts;
- witness statements;
- annotated photographs or video; and
- peer observation and assessment.
View Level 2 Forest School course dates
ITC Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders
This qualification provides the skills and knowledge required to establish and deliver safe, effective Forest School programmes. It is intended for teachers, early years practitioners, youth workers, outdoor practitioners, community professionals and others who want to become qualified Forest School Leaders. The programme includes eight face-to-face training days, supported and directed learning, practical skills assessments, workplace practice and ongoing tutor support through online tutorials and access to our supportive community.The qualification normally takes between 9 and 12 months to complete.
Qualification requirements
- Be aged 19 or over.
- Applicants should have suitable experience of working with their intended participant group.
- Learners must identify a potential Forest School site and a group with whom they can plan and deliver their pilot programme.
- Applicants must be able to complete the practical, written and work-based elements of the qualification.
Qualification structure
The five units are:
- Forest School Programme: Delivery
- Forest School Programme: Learning and Development
- Forest School Programme: Planning and Preparation
- Forest School Programme: Practical Skills
- Forest School Programme: The Woodland as a Learning Environment
Mandatory pilot programme
As part of the qualification, learners must plan and deliver six pilot Forest School sessions with their chosen group. Learners must evaluate each session, assess the impact of the programme on participants and complete a final summative evaluation.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is through a comprehensive portfolio of evidence and practical and work-based assessment. Evidence may include:
- written assignments and professional discussion;
- programme plans and session evaluations;
- a Forest School handbook;
- risk assessments and risk–benefit assessments;
- practical skills observations;
- work-based observation;
- witness statements;
- participant observations and impact evidence;
- annotated photographs or video;
- peer assessment;
- reflective practice; and
- a three-year woodland management plan.
View Level 3 Forest School course dates
Bushcraft with Children- ITC Level 2 Award in Bushcraft Skills
Practical, accredited training for adults working with children and young people
Give children the opportunity to explore, create and develop practical outdoor skills, with the confidence that activities are being introduced safely, responsibly and progressively. Our five-day Bushcraft with Children course is designed for teachers, teaching assistants, outdoor educators, youth workers, community practitioners and group leaders who want to incorporate bushcraft into their work. This is a practical, hands-on course leading to the Level 2 Award in Bushcraft Skills.
When used thoughtfully, bushcraft can give children meaningful opportunities to:
- Develop confidence and independence
- Solve practical problems
- Work collaboratively
- Manage appropriate risks
- Build patience, resilience and perseverance
- Learn about natural materials and resources
- Strengthen their connection with the natural world
- Experience a genuine sense of achievement
Activities can be adapted for different ages, abilities and settings, making bushcraft a valuable addition to outdoor learning, youth work and community programmes.
What will you learn?
The course develops your knowledge, personal competence and confidence across a range of bushcraft skills, including:
- Bushcraft health, safety and legal responsibilities
- Risk–benefit assessment and safe group management
- Selecting, checking and using tools safely
- Fire lighting, fire management and extinguishing
- Choosing suitable firewood and understanding wood properties
- Campcraft, shelters, knots and cordage
- Identifying and using natural materials responsibly
- Recognising useful, unsuitable and potentially harmful plants or materials
- Caring for equipment and maintaining safe working practices
- Communicating and demonstrating practical skills clearly
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for:
- Teachers and teaching assistants
- Outdoor learning practitioners
- Youth and community workers
- Rangers and environmental educators
- Scout, Guide and youth group leaders
- Holiday club and childcare practitioners
- Adults responsible for delivering outdoor activities with groups
You do not need to arrive as a bushcraft expert. Our friendly and experienced tutors will help you develop your skills progressively and understand how to use them confidently within your own professional practice.
Begin your Forest School journey
Whether you are exploring Forest School for the first time, supporting an established programme or preparing to become a Forest School Leader, MUDDY FEET® can help you take your next step with confidence.
View Forest School courses and book online
For bespoke training, staff development or advice about choosing the right qualification, contact MUDDY FEET®.
“Enjoyed everything and feel very motivated to implement what I have learnt in school.”
“Brilliant course. I am looking forward to starting Forest School at our school.”
“A brilliant experience- it makes me want to spend every day with my class in our Forest School.”
Course participant feedback