Do you want to become a qualified Forest School Leader? Look no further than Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, one of the leading centres for Forest School qualifications in the south-west. Our hands on Forest School courses provide you with the understanding, knowledge and practical skills needed to lead or support a Forest School programme.

At Wiltshire Wildlife Trust we offer training on two of our beautiful flagship reserves, Lower Moor Farm and Langford Lakes. As part of the course you will also visit another nearby reserve, providing a unique opportunity to learn about Forest School delivery in different settings and to gain knowledge in a practical setting rather than a classroom.

Our qualified trainers have many years of experience delivering Forest School programmes with a broad range of groups and will support you throughout your Forest School journey.

The courses can be transformational for trainees, giving you new skills and ideas, a restored connection with the natural world and enthusiasm for learning.

 “Thank you for the most inspiring week – it was even better than I had hoped for! I can’t wait to continue my Forest School journey after such a fantastic start.”

Participant on Level 3 course

Our Courses

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is a recognised centre for the National Open College Network (NOCN). As a registered training centre, we deliver two levels of qualification:

  • Level 3 Award for Forest School Leaders
  • Level 2 Award for Forest School Assistance

We can also offer Forest School taster sessions, for people who are not yet ready to embark on a full qualification. For more information click here.

Forest School Level 3 Qualification

The Forest School Level 3 course is the nationally recognised training for anyone who wants to lead and manage a Forest School programme. The course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to set up, plan and deliver a Forest School programme in your setting. It consists of 5 days of practical training, planning and delivery of six of your own Forest School sessions, a written portfolio and a 1-2 day practical assessment.

The total qualification time is estimated at 180 hours, which includes 96 guided learning hours. The course must be completed within twenty-four months of commencement. 

Cost of Level 3 course: £800. This can be paid in instalments - please contact to discuss a payment plan.

For more information, such as entry requirements, please contact us.

“The practical, hands on experience has been outstanding. I am so pleased I selected this course with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.”

Participant on Level 3 course

Forest School Level 2 Qualification

The Forest School Level 2 course is designed to qualify a learner to become a Forest School Assistant, enabling them to take a proactive role in helping a Forest School Practitioner plan and deliver a Forest School programme and supporting the learners.

Cost of Level 2 course: £450. This can be paid in instalments - please contact to discuss a payment plan.

Upcoming Course Dates

Level 2 Course: 25th- 29th May at Langford Lakes Nature Reserve.

Level 3 Course: 28th October – 1st Nov 2019 at Lower Moor Farm. Practical assessment dates: Mon 6th – Tues 7th April 2020.

Level 3 Course: 6th – 10th April 2020 at Langford Lakes. Practical Assessment will be held in October 2020, dates to be confirmed.

For more information about Forest School Training, please contact:

Gail Grimes

01380 736079 / 07736 457649

[email protected] 

Download our Activities Brochure to find out more about what we can offer.