About this Event
Dates and Timings
24th-25th March 2026, 9.30am-4.30pm
Location: Gillham Wood Nature Reserve, Hawkhurst Way, Bexhill, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 3BA
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Parking / Public transport: Use Traveline to plan your journey There is limited roadside parking on Hawkhurst Way.
Meeting Point: At the entrance at the bus stop
Google link: Gillham Woods Nature Reserve, Sussex Wildlife Trust - Google Maps
Toilets: We will provide a toilet tent and handwashing facilities.
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at those who are interested in learning more about the Forest School approach to learning and who would like to help out at an existing Forest School.
It can also be used as a first step for those considering taking Forest School Leader training at a later date.
Entry Criteria
- Participants need to be over 18 years of age and have an interest in working with children and young people outdoors.
Course Content
The Level 1 course will provide you with the skills necessary to become an effective member of a Forest School delivery team. We will discuss the Forest School approach to learning, risk management and the impacts of Forest School on a woodland environment. Practical skills covered will include safe lighting, management and use of a campfire in a Forest School setting, safe use of a range of hand tools and a variety of games and activities. The course will be run on Forest School principles, so you will see the Forest School ethos in action.
Course Layout
Two days of training to cover:
- Understanding the Forest School Approach to Learning
- Practical Forest School skills
Training days run from 9.30am – 4.30pm in an outdoor setting
A short Level 1 workbook should be completed within six months of the course start date (Please refer to booking Terms & Conditions).
As part of the coursework you will need to attend at least one Forest School session run by a Level 3 Qualified Forest School Leader and complete your observations of this session.
The course will take place outside in a woodland setting.
Will this course lead to an accreditation?
On successful completion of the course you will be awarded an AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group Level 1 Award in Introduction to Forest School Principles (QCF)
Please note that the Level 1 qualification will not entitle you to lead your own Forest School sessions. If you would like to know more about Level 3 Forest School Leader training courses, please contact us.
Special Instructions:
Please ensure that you arrive ten minutes before the start time, on the first day, for registration.
Kit List
The training is primarily based outdoors and as such there are certain things you need to bring. The kit list below is obviously weather dependant.
- Please bring a form of photographic identification with you to register such as a driving licence, passport or other reputable form of photographic ID
- Work/Gardening (also known as Rigger) gloves
- Lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Hot water will be available, please bring your own tea/coffee/milk/flask etc.
- Notebook, pen and camera
- This is a practical and active outdoor course so please wear plenty of warm clothes, hat and gloves, thermals. It is often cooler in the woods.
- Full waterproofs including trousers.
- Please make sure you have closed toe, sturdy shoes or wellington boots suitable for a woodland setting.
- Always wear long trousers, even if the forecast is a hot day. This is for safe tool use and tick prevention.
- Consider sun cream and insect repellent (if susceptible)
- A bag to carry your kit
Hygiene
Please DO NOT attend the course if you are unwell (high temperature, continuous cough, diarrhoea and/or vomiting within last 48 hours) and notify your trainer via TEXT directly.
Severe Weather
We aim to go ahead in most weather conditions; however, activities will not go ahead in severe weather such as high winds, extreme cold and/or persistent heavy rain, and where indoor alternatives cannot be arranged. You will receive an email and/or a phone call the day before the event to be informed of cancellation. If you are not contacted, the event will be going ahead as planned.
This information should answer most questions you have about the training, however if you do have any further queries please don’t hesitate to contact:
[email protected] Tel: 01273 497561
Please read, understand and agree to our Booking Terms and Conditions before making a booking.
Forest School Training | Sussex Wildlife Trust
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation more than 90 days before the course start date = 10% of total booking cost
Cancellation between 31-90 days before the course start date = 50% of total booking cost
Cancellation less than 30 days before the course start date = 100% of total booking cost
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Gillham Wood Nature Reserve, Hawkhurst Way, Bexhill, United Kingdom
GBP 263.00
