Forest School Leader Level 3 Training

new course starting october 2026
​complete enquiry form at bottom of this page

Participants must attend four modules, 11 training days in total between October 2026 and May 2027.
​Times: 9am - 5pm

2026 - 2027 Cohort training dates:
Wed 21st – Fri 23rd Oct 2026
Thur 4th - Sat 6th Feb 2027
Wed 17th - Fri 19th Mar 2027
Sat 8th & Sun 9th May 2027

Tutor: Adrian Goodhand - Coast and Forest Education
coastandforest.co.uk

​£1180 
* Arrangement can be made to pay by instalments: £200 non-refundable deposit to reserve a place, £500 by the start of the course, £480 by 28th Feb 2026

Please fill in the enquiry form at the bottom of the page to register an interest in our training starting Autumn 2026.

2025 - 2026 Cohort training is underway:
Module 1: Wed 12th to Fri 14th November 2025
Module 2: Thurs 5th to Sat 7th February 2026 
Module 3: Wed 18th to Fri 20th March 2026 
Module 4: Sat 16th to Sun 17th May 2026 

"These last few days have just reaffirmed that this course is not just about a better career opportunity or making us better teachers/TAs/instructors but on a personal level it's therapeutic and creates a deeper awareness of yourself, so thank you!"

"It has been an amazing experience, I have learnt an immense amount about Forest School, myself, the woodland sites and learning."

"Thank you so much for an excellent experience. The Sustainability Centre is great for this kind of course."

   This course:

• Nurtures a love of nature in the next generation
• Supports people's wellbeing
• Connects people with nature​​

​ABOUT THE COURSE

This training course is essential for anyone wishing to lead Forest School programmes in their own setting. It covers learning theory and practical skills, plus gives participants the confidence and knowledge needed to establish and deliver their own Forest School programmes.

Our Forest School Leader Training is run by experienced leader and trainer, Adrian Goodhand, and accredited by the awarding body QNUK. Our venue is a pioneering environmental education centre within a 55 acre woodland site, where we are passionate about outdoor learning and providing high quality training. The course covers a combination of practical skills (tool use, fire lighting, campfire cooking, knot tying, identifying and using natural materials etc.) and theoretical skills (holistic development, self esteem theory, learning theory, learning through play etc.). The course also covers how to set up a Forest School programme, risk management and sustainable use of woodlands. 

​Our  Forest School Leader (Level 3) training course is run over a number of months to help participants take on board the course learning, spread the coursework assignment load and reflect on their training. Level 3 trainees receive 11 days of training, split into 4 modules. In addition to the training days, participants will be required to set up their own 6 week pilot Forest School programme and submit a coursework portfolio within 12 months of starting the training. The course is described as 24 days worth of work - 11 days attending the training days and the rest is self directed learning time. 

WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT OUR FOREST SCHOOL TRAINING?

• We deliver our training in a 'forest school way' - over time, in an achieveable format and with support.
• We keep the group size small, with a maximum of 12 students per course.
• As well as the 11 training days for Level 3 students, we offer an extra portfolio support day.
• Our tutor will also support students via phone, email or Skype to provide help with particular assignments and skills.  
• Our tutor will visit your Forest School programme to observe you in practice and offer tailored feedback and support.

LEVEL 3 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS        

Level 3 Forest School Leader candidates must: 

• be aged 21 years or over; 
• be a qualified teacher, play-worker, youth-worker or support worker (to level 2 or equivalent) OR compile a portfolio of at least 2 years experience of working with their chosen client group in a leadership capacity;
• have access to a group with whom they will run an introductory 6-week Forest School Programme. 

Before delivering their 6-week pilot Forest School programme, candidates must also:

• hold a current enhanced DBS 
• hold a current and valid First Aid certificate (minimum 2-day Outdoor First Aid or 2-day Paediatric First Aid).  

ABOUT THE TUTOR

Adrian Goodhand has been actively involved in Forest School since 2010 and has been delivering Forest School Training since 2014 across Hampshire and Surrey. As an endorsed trainer with the Forest School Association (FSA), Adrian brings over 25 years of experience in environmental education. His expertise extends beyond Forest School; he is a qualified First Aid trainer, IQA and has also delivered training for various outdoor and sports qualifications.
Adrian is deeply passionate about Forest School, which he views as a transformative approach to outdoor education. For him, Forest School represents a learner-led, investigative method of engagement with the natural world, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional outdoor education styles. He founded his own Forest School company, Coast and Forest Education, and previously served on the Forest School Association (FSA) board.
Adrian specializes in working with groups with special educational needs over the long term and is particularly dedicated to promoting the importance of physical play in childhood development. He takes great joy in witnessing individuals build confidence and deepen their understanding during training courses and throughout their careers.
In addition to his professional work, Adrian volunteers with Dorset Search and Rescue further showcasing his commitment to supporting others.

click here to complete enquiry form
​for forest school level 3 training

Check Out Accommodation 

You can get 10% discount when you stay with us during your course in our campsite or eco lodge. Please call us on 01730 823166 to make your accommodation booking. Our reception is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

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