Level 3 Forest School Training
Unlock your potential with my fully accredited Forest School Leader training, designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills to work with groups with confidence in nature. This comprehensive course will equip you to inspire, engage, and connect with groups in the outdoors, preparing you for one of the most rewarding careers imaginable.
Join a community of passionate, like-minded individuals as you embark on your forest school journey. Whether you choose the flexible 100% online course or enhance your experience with a 5-day immersive workshop, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to make a real impact.
You're a teacher, educator, parent, or youth worker - anyone looking to connect others with nature - this course will help you foster discovery and a deep love of learning, while reigniting that passion within yourself
You're frustrated because...
You’re eager to begin your journey as a forest school leader, but life’s challenges keep holding you back
You’re looking for a course that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule
You have big ambitions and you’re ready to start turning them into reality
You believe there’s a more meaningful way to inspire and educate than what mainstream systems offer—and you’re ready to find it
I know those feelings well!
Hi, I’m Jackie Roby, one of the UK’s leading forest school trainers and outdoor learning experts.
I first heard about forest school when I was training as a primary school teacher, more than a decade ago. I found the education system to be outdated, full of pointless tasks and, quite frankly, joyless. Forest school sounded amazing!
So I trained as a forest school leader, started my own forest school and I’ve never looked back. I spent three years working for many of Bristol's green institutions including the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project, Bristol Zoo and Wild Place. I began training others through the Forest of Avon Trust, whilst also being a founder of The Hawthorn Project, a weekly outdoor project for women in recovery. I have a PGDip in Education, am a trained Montessori practitioner as well as a qualified Sound Healer and Reiki practitioner. I am currently studying for a qualification in Wilderness Therapeutic Approaches.
In forest school I found my element, the thing that spoke to my soul and that this was where I could really make a difference to both people and planet. It gave me the freedom to teach how I wanted and to create a job I love. After years of practising, I can now share that passion and experience with you, all at your own pace and in your own time.
Now is your time to take that first step toward a more fulfilling path.
Imagine…
… gaining a qualification & the confidence to truly make an impact
This course doesn’t just equip you with a Level 3 Forest School qualification—it empowers you with the skills and self-assurance to lead with purpose in the natural world. You’ll be ready to step into your role with confidence, knowing you can inspire and engage others.
Plus, you’ll discover practical tips and strategies to shape a fulfilling career that aligns with your passion, helping you create a job you truly love. This isn’t just about credentials—it’s about unlocking your full potential.
… having expert support every step of the way
Throughout your course, you’ll receive guidance not just from me and my (small-but-perfectly-formed) dedicated and experienced team, but also from a global network of passionate, like-minded individuals—your Go Wild Tribe.
This supportive community will be there to share insights, answer questions, and inspire you, ensuring you have the resources and encouragement you need to succeed. With this combined expertise and connection, you’ll never feel alone on your journey.
… loving what you do, every single day (yes, really!)
This qualification isn’t just a box to tick; it’s the gateway to a fulfilling and rewarding career. It marks the beginning of an incredible journey, where every day brings new opportunities to inspire, connect with nature, and make a meaningful difference.
With this training, you're not just gaining skills—you’re opening the door to a job you truly love.
Go Wild Level 3 Forest School Training
Go Wild Level 3 Forest School Training is an 18-month, self-paced course designed for individuals like you, seeking an accredited Level 3 Forest School qualification. You can choose the flexibility of 100% online learning, or enhance your experience with a 5-day immersive workshop at the stunning Wye Valley Sculpture Garden in Tintern.
Workshops
Workshops are over 5 consecutive days and take place at the Wye Valley Sculpture Garden in Tintern (NP16 7NX).
Dates for 2025 workshops are:
April 14 - 18th
May 19 - 23rd
July 28th - 1st August
Workshops run from 9:30 to 4:30 each day (early finish on Friday). There is plenty of accommodation in the area.
At checkout, fill in your details and then choose your workshop from the dropdown menu.
“I feel like this course has reinvigorated my passion for working with children. It has echoed all of the educational philosophies and ethos that I fell in love with at university and that were slowly chipped away at while being in ‘the system’. I’ve learned more in a few hours with Jackie than I did in 16 years’ worth of INSET training”
- Syreeta
"Only three years ago I left a career in the City. The time since then has been a constant learning journey for me. Training as a teacher helped me develop many new skills. The chance to train as a forest school leader was the perfect opportunity for me to develop and extend my skills, to learn about the holistic development of children, and to combine this with my love of the outdoors. I have learnt a lot!”
- Andrew
“Your course, its layout and the videos are just brilliant. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and learning loads. I feel so inspired by this course, it's so clear and learner-centred. It offers so much diverse information and has lots of really usable information. The reading list is excellent and really enhances your learning. It certainly has been an eye-opener to see how well things can be delivered online”
- Jemma
At the end of the course, you will have:
A level 3 forest school qualification provided you complete the portfolio work to the required standard
Led a pilot programme of six sessions with your target group
A range of practical skills, including safe tool use and fire management
A bank of activities that you can use in your sessions
A thorough understanding of the necessary paperwork for running successful, safe and effective sessions
An understanding of how people truly learn (clue, it’s not how it’s done in schools) and how to put this into practice
A deeper connection to our natural world
An awesome network of diverse yet like-minded people from all over the world. Your Go Wild Tribe!
↟ Course Curriculum ↟
Unlock the transformative experience of my Level 3 Forest School Course, designed to equip you with invaluable skills and knowledge, including:
Understanding the Ethos of Forest School: Dive deep into the philosophy behind forest school and see how it comes to life in practice, allowing you to create meaningful experiences for your groups
Woodland Environment Insights: Gain a comprehensive introduction to the woodland ecosystem and learn how to nurture and care for it, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection with nature
Flora and Fauna Identification Skills: Develop essential skills to identify local plants and wildlife, enhancing your sessions with engaging, nature-based learning opportunities
Health and Safety Mastery: Acquire all the critical health and safety knowledge needed to run forest school programs safely, including risk assessments and the responsible use of tools and fire.
Learning Theories Application: Explore relevant learning theories and discover how to implement them in your sessions, ensuring a rich and effective learning environment for your participants
Activity and Craft Ideas: Access a treasure trove of activities and crafts that you can seamlessly integrate into your sessions, keeping your learners engaged and inspired
Real-World Experience: Benefit from examples drawn from my personal experiences, providing you with practical insights and strategies you can apply immediately
Lifetime Access to Support: Enjoy forever access to my exclusive Go Wild Level 3 support group on Facebook and (almost-) monthly online Full Moon Meet-Ups, where you can connect with my team and fellow learners, share ideas, and seek advice. You will also get an invite to join me at Rootstock, my annual get-together in the Wye Valley where you can gather around a fire, meet your community and skillshare
Ongoing Individual Support: Receive personalised guidance as you work on your portfolio, along with additional resources to enrich your learning journey
What you get when you join Go Wild Level 3 Forest School Training:
This course is uniquely designed and delivered by me, drawing on my extensive experience and deep passion for forest schooling. Every lesson is carefully crafted to ensure you receive the highest quality education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical insights.
With each module written and filmed personally, you can trust that you’re learning from someone who has vast experience in the field and understands the intricacies of leading successful forest school sessions. My expertise informs every aspect of the course, making it not only informative but also engaging and relatable.
You’ll benefit from real-world examples and proven strategies that have been tested and refined over years of experience. I’ve poured my heart into creating an amazing and brilliant learning journey that will empower you to thrive as a forest school leader.
Instant Access
Access to 300+ video tutorials written and filmed by me
Written resources and templates
Videos with captions/subtitles
Online course study guide
Activities + tasks to carry out in real life
Personal approach to learning and support
Dedicated Facebook group connect with other course students, along with monthly online meet-ups (non-compulsory)
Ongoing tutor support
What you will be required to do:
↟ Watch the online videos then take your knowledge outside and apply it in real-world settings, bridging theory with practice
↟ Complete a robust portfolio of evidence, showcasing your journey through written reflections and video demonstrations that highlight your growth and understanding
↟ Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the key theories that underpin forest school, and show how you’ve translated these concepts into effective practices
↟ Show that you understand how to conduct risk assessments and handle essential planning tasks, including compiling a comprehensive forest school handbook filled with policies and procedures to ensure safe and successful sessions
↟ Run a pilot programme of 6 sessions with a group of your choosing, allowing you to implement your skills and gain practical experience
↟ Demonstrate your practical abilities by creating short videos using your phone, capturing your journey and highlighting your newfound expertise
What people are saying about the workshops
“I felt compelled to thank you so much for the best 5 days I've had in ages, for the inspiration and hope it provided. You really are wonderful at what you do!”
- Lisa
“Thanks for an amazing week! Truly wonderful. A fun and great bunch of people and you and your team guided us so well, in a beautiful setting… I have so much gratitude.”
- Alex
“Thank you so much for being a major catalyst - it was by far the most life affirming, inspiring and fun CPD I have had in over 20 years. Wish I done it sooner. ”
- Ginny
Join Now!
✨ 2025 workshops: April 14 - 18th, May 19 - 23rd, July 28th - 1st August ✨
If you would prefer an invoice please click here and fill in the form.
At checkout you can choose whether to pay in full or choose a payment plan of 8 monthly instalments. I don’t charge any fees for paying in instalments.
Please make sure that you have read my Terms and Conditions before you sign up to a course. Course cost includes registration fee paid to Open Awards. No refunds are given outside of your statutory rights. Payment plans are automatically processed on the same day that you sign up (i.e. 5th of every month if you join on the 5th) over consecutive months. This course is eligible for PayPal Credit. When at checkout, choose Paypal as your payment method and choose PayPal credit.
I’m confident that this is an amazing course. So much so that I offer a money-back guarantee. If, within 14 days (or less), you don’t want to continue with the course, I’ll refund your money.
"Just to say thanks a million for this lovely course. I am reflecting and I realise that this course is serving so much more than a forest school practitioner grade. You are the most amazing and ever so level-headed and well-balanced course leader. Always ‘sensing’ perfectly what would serve everyone’s best interest for progress and wellbeing"
- Claudia
“Ahhhhh it's just been wonderful! I have never felt so at home around such a unique set of individuals. It brought out the best of me and did it with ease! Thank you so bloody much!”
- Liam
"I really appreciate and value everything the forest school training has taught me. It has given me the confidence that I can provide a professional programme and greatly improved my skillset and understanding. I have made key contacts who continue to support me in my work, making me feel less isolated. It has also given me access to further training and skill sharing events which makes me confident that my practice will only ever improve."
- Rebecca
↟Is this course right for you?↟
This course is for you if you:
Want a fully accredited, internationally recognised, level 3 qualification
Are open minded, willing to try new things and shift your current mindset
Can commit to approximately 180 hours of self-directed study over the course of about 18 months (maximum)
Have access to a group of people who you can run 6 forest school sessions with. They don’t have to be in a school setting or even be children!
Be willing to get a criminal record check(DBS or equivalent). I also recommend that you get a 16-hour, outdoor first aid qualification (although this is not mandatory)
Have basic tech skills
This course isn’t for you if you:
Are resistant to online learning or are incompetent with technology
Want an easy option and a jolly in the woods eating marshmallows and sitting by a campfire (although you can do all that, it’s just not an ‘easy’ option!)
Are happy with the status quo and like they way you already teach, thank you very much
Want curriculum-linked lesson ideas (although you can link retrospectively)
Are under 21. You won’t be able to qualify unless you’re 21 or over, although you can start at 19.
Struggle to understand a British accent (although all videos have subtitles!)
14-Day Free Trial
FAQs
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Anyone who is interested in working outdoors, in all weathers, with a learner-led approach. If you’re a teacher, educator, parent, youth worker, equine therapist, in fact, any adult human-being who wants to get outside and learn a new way of being then this course is for you. You’ll have to work hard, but I promise it’ll be worth it.
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No! As well as having run my forest school sessions in mainstream schools I specialise in teaching other groups including teenagers at risk of exclusion, children with Special Educational Needs such as speech and language delay, hearing impaired, adults recovering from alcohol misuse and many more. I pass on as much of my knowledge and experience to you as I can and I'm always on-hand to offer advice about your own groups.
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You start online, where you can begin to understand the theories and practices that are involved in forest school. You can start this at any time and progress at your own pace. You will be expected to go outside and give things a go! If you opt for a workshop, you come and join me for 5-days in the Wye Valley. You will have to have completed some self-study beforehand
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Yes! If you complete your portfolio to the required standard you will get a level 3 forest school qualification by doing this course and will be able to run your own sessions and call it ‘forest school’. The course is accredited by Open Awards.
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Definitely! The online course has been developed so that you can access it from anywhere in the world. I have qualified students in America, Australia, Spain, Poland and Denmark. I’ve adapted the training to include information about temperate woodlands in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. My team and I will support you to adapt your forest school to the culture and climate that you work in. All of your portfolio work must be written/presented in English.
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You will have 18 months’ access to the course and resources. You must submit your portfolio within this time to get the qualification.
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No! The levels refer to academic levels rather than the order that you need to do things in. You can go straight to level 3.
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You’re not alone! Plenty of people run forest school sessions without much access to green space. You will still be able to run activities following the forest school ethos. You may have to improvise or get creative with resources, but many people gain their qualification in such surroundings.
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You can access the online portal from your mobile phone, but it definitely works better on a computer. I recommend a computer if at all possible. You will also need to complete written assignments so will need access to a computer for this.
Maybe you're thinking...
… I don't have enough time
I understand that life can be busy, which is why this course is designed to be self-paced. You have the flexibility to work through the material at your own convenience, allowing you to fit learning into your schedule without the stress of rigid deadlines (unless you request them).
You’re in control—this is your journey, and you know what works best for you. My team and I are here to support you every step of the way, providing guidance and resources tailored to your needs.
Plus, you’ll be joining a vibrant community of passionate individuals from around the globe. Connect, share, and learn together with like-minded peers who are on the same journey as you. You’re never alone in this experience, and together, we’ll help you thrive as a forest school leader, now and into the future!
… This is a big investment
It’s understandable to see this as a significant investment—because it truly is. I firmly believe that investing in yourself is the key to achieving your goals and unlocking your potential. When I embarked on my own forest school training, it was a substantial commitment, and I’ve never looked back or regretted that choice.
Consider this course as the beginning of your transformative journey. The skills and knowledge you gain will not only empower you as a forest school leader but will also create opportunities that will pay for themselves many times over.
Investing in your education is one of the most valuable decisions you can make for your future, and my team and I are here to support you every step of the way.
… Will I be able to do this?
Absolutely, you can do this! My team and I are committed to supporting you every step of the way. I specialise in training individuals from all backgrounds, including those with no prior experience, ensuring you have the guidance you need to succeed.
This course is designed to be as accessible as possible, accommodating different learning styles and assessment methods. You can showcase your skills through various formats, including videos, voice recordings, and more. All video content is subtitled and captioned and I'm actively working on providing audio recordings of all written materials.
With our comprehensive support and flexible approach, you’ll have everything you need to thrive on this course and as a forest school leader.
Here's what happens when you join:
You'll receive an email from me welcoming you to the course and giving you your login details
You get immediate access to all course materials so that you can get started right away
If you’ve signed up to a workshop you will see everything you need to know about that when you login
Click the images below to find out more about your forest school training:
Start your forest school adventure today!
If you've read this far, I have a feeling this course is exactly what you need. So don't second guess yourself.
If you're worried you're not ready yet, or aren't 100% convinced Go Wild Level 3 Forest School Training is the perfect fit - give me a shout at hello@gowildeducation.co.uk.
I'll be totally honest about whether I think this course will help you with your adventures.