Level 1 Forest School Training

Forest School Ethos and Principles (a three-day course)

The Level 1 Introduction to Forest School Ethos and Principles course is suitable for those at the start of their forest school journey. It gives an overview of the principles, introducing many of the skills, and providing a range of ideas for activities and games which particpants can use in their own settings. It covers the forest school ethos and the theory that underpins it, plus an opportunity to try practical skills such as fire lighting, using tools and putting up shelters, flora and fauna identification, risk assessment and management, and managing the environmental impact.

It's open to everyone. Not only teachers, teaching assistants, nursery staff and youth workers attend the course, but also people working with children or adults across a range of settings; as well as those who just want to learn about Forest School. The Level 1 course is also a great way to decide whether Forest School is for you, before embarking on the more involved Level 3 Forest School Leadership course. Please note that no prior experience or knowledge is necessary to join this course. 

We also provide a course workbook with nine, short written assessment tasks. There will be time to complete these during the course, although you are welcome to take your workbook home to add extra information. Once assessed, the workbook is yours to keep for reference. 

All three days of training take place at our beautiful site at Scotswood Garden, NE15 6TU, with two of our knowledgeable and supportive trainers. Participants must attend all three days to complete the course. This course is accredited by ITC First.

Course fee per person: £300. We offer two subsidised places on each Level 1 course (half price, i.e. £150) for people on low incomes (who are paying for their own places on the course). People from backgrounds that are under represented in outdoor education (people of colour, disabled people) will be given priority. 

Please note that you can also pay by instalments in the months leading up to the course, although we do ask that all course fees are paid in full before the beginning of the course. 

For a subsidised place application form, to discuss instalments or for any other query, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can book directly onto this course from the link at the top of this page. Thank you.

Feedback from recent Level 1 participants

"High quality teaching by trainers who boosted my confidence, knowledge and commitment to the outdoors."

"Friendly, inclusive and down to earth."

"Outstanding on a personal and professional level."

"The support was immeasurable."

"The setting was stunning, and extremely therapeutic and inspirational."

"The trainers were excellent - very approachable, knowledgeable and interesting. They complemented each other so well."

"The course provided a brilliant springboard for me to improve my own school setting."

"Will take lots of new ideas away to share with reception children."

"Very useful for life and work."

Questions? Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Other funding - If you are aged 18-30 and not in work, you may be eligible to apply for funding to cover part of the course fee from the King's Fund. See here for more information: Get funding to train and learn | Development Awards