About me, Forest Schools and nature

Hello! I'm Ruth and I thought I'd use this post to tell you a bit about myself and a bit about forest school and outdoor education and connection. I was lucky enough to born in an area where the natural world was within easy reach and my family were always keen that we went out to explore it.  From an early age I knew I wanted to work with nature and find a way to share my enthusiasm, and over the last seventeen years of working in wildlife conservation, education and community engagement I've been lucky enough to do so.

I currently work part time for Central Bedfordshire Council as a Sustainability Officer. I ​spent a long period of time working for the Wildlife Trust running, projects, sessions and events aimed at helping people experience, value and protect the natural world.  I've worked with a very wide variety of people and organisations on increasing access to and knowledge of the natural world, I've been involved in forest schools, tree planting projects, training, helping deliver the National Curriculum in nature, helping develop eco-schools, community engagement and much much more.  I've also worked with many school's as well as developing my own independent portfolio of work.

I believe very strongly that nature is for everyone, but a particular passion for me has been working with young people and training. This has been a continuous journey of discovery and having two young children of my own has been one of my biggest learning opportunities! Going out in and rediscovering the natural world through their eyes has been a rewarding and  increasingly busy and intense outside world. Forest Schools are I believe one of the best ways we can share nature with young people in a positive, meaningful, safe and lasting way. 

I am Dbs checked. Fully insured, paediatric first aid trained and risk assessed. 

I have the following relevant qualifications. 

Forest School Advanced Level 3 leadership. Barnfield College.

AEL level 3 Education and Training.

International Development with Environmental Political Science BA Hons. University East Anglia.

PRINCE2 Project Management Professional

About Forest Schools.

'Forest School is a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It can be a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.'  The Forest School Association

My forest school sessions are about helping children establish a deep and lasting connection with nature so they can understand what an important and positive role it can be play in their lives as they grow.  We use fun and engaging activities to learn about nature while developing confidence and skills physically, mentally and emotionally. They learn to collaborate, problem solve and be creative in a safe and supportive environment.

My nature play sessions are about sensory experience and play in a natural setting. Allowing the opportunity for children and parents and carers to play, socialise and learn whilst developing a deeper connection with nature.  I use stories, songs, crafts, games and sensory play in these sessions to allow parents and children to take a step back from the busy day to day.

As well as the regular sessions you can view and book on my booking & info page, I also offer training and workshops to professionals and organisations alongside corporate team building events, visit my training & workshops page to find out more. If you are a school, youth group, home educator or child minder you can find out about what I can offer on my schools & groups page.