Training to be a forest school practitioner with Afric and Nick has been a life changing experience for me in a good way. I have learnt to slow down and truly appreciate and respect nature. It has cemented in me the importance of revisiting my child like self and really instilling a love of nature and the outdoors in our children. The course empowers you as a FS leader to follow your path and tap into your own interests and skills which I love. I felt bereft when our training had finished and when we returned for our assessment week it was like coming home to family, where you feel accepted, welcome and valued. As a learner I was encouraged, guided, never criticised and empowered to take charge of my own learning in a safe and non judgemental environment, where we encourage others to succeed in their own unique way. If you are considering doing this training I would highly recommend it. Not only has it been amazing for me personally, but on a professional level too. Since rolling out FS to all year groups at my primary school I have had lots of positive comments and thank yous from parents. But the most important review is that of the children “Forest school is my favourite part of the week”. This one comment makes it all worth it! I love my Forest school family and will carry what I have learnt for a lifetime!

A genuinely transformative experience Forest school training with Nick and Afric was quite sincerely a transformative experience which I won’t forget in a hurry. Five days spent really engaging with people, with our surroundings, and with what it means to educate and inspire was massively rewarding and most of all so enjoyable. I met some one of a kind people, all different kinds of people, all receiving the training for different reasons and their varied perspectives and personalities made the week really eye opening. When I finished my first week people in my personal life were genuinely amazed at how enriched I seemed, I was telling people I felt two feet taller! Nick and Afric themselves are very experienced and knowledgable, they were a great resource to us all and also became great friends also. Their dog Larz was also a complete sweetheart which is a bonus. If you think Forest School leadership training might be something that you’d like to pursue, either for your career or just because you’d enjoy it, going through Nick and Afric at Forest Schools Birmingham will be a very enjoyable and educational path to do so.

WOW, what can I say, just handed in my completed portfolio. What a journey it has been. From the initial assessment week I have been honoured to learn from such inspirational practitioners (Afric & Nick) and had a wonderful group of trainees too. There is help every step of the way either via zoom meetings or the Whatsapp group chat, or emails. Being a part of this wonderful experience has truly changed my life, a spark has been ignited and I truly enjoy sharing my knowledge with the children I work with. If you're looking for a face to face course, this is the one for you, the setting at Lime Woods is idyllic and so peaceful. I wouldn't of been able to do this via an online course as I feel you'd be missing the personal touch and experiences of the people who are training you, plus you get to know the other trainees on the course and you all have different experiences and backgrounds and is great to share your own personal trials and tribulations. Plus there is a wonderful dog called Lars, who will just chase his ball endlessly. Thank you Afric & Nick for all of your inspiration xx

This was the most wonderful, and life changing experience of my life. I was stuck in mainstream education, plodding along, being crushed by the rules, procedures and red tape. Demoralised by the 'system'. After my initial training week I was hooked, and after completing the course I had a new sense of purpose and was so excited to share my new passion and skills with others. I left mainstream education soon after and am now a freelance forest school leader. It was the best and most rewarding decision of my life. Afric and Nick are a breath of fresh air and are truly inspirational. They, along with Ruth were there every step of the way, not just on the training course and assessment, but for any questions or advice, including help with the portfolio. The course was was amazing, the group of practitioners were amazing and it was also so much fun. I would recommend this course for anyone who loves the outdoors, is creative and passionate about the benefits of an outdoor education. Amazing!

What a thoroughly fantastic two weeks I have had training to become a forest school practitioner with Afric and Nick at Forest Schools, Birmingham. It's not just their amazing professionalism, the engaging way they teach, but the warmth and welcome that you get when you go there. The woods are so beautiful, there is a lovely community feel about everything, you feel at ease immediately and never feel like you are being assessed, more nurtured and completely supported. While undertaking course work there is always a friendly email sent with some hints and tips and support and if you need a chat, you can always have one. I learnt so much while I was there and cannot recommend it highly enough. There's only one thing you may struggle with - when you get to forest school with Afric and Nick - you may never want to leave forest school!

Cannot recommend this training course enough! I had no idea what to expect when I started the first training week and was really anxious about completing a new qualification and, later, having to be assessed. However, it has been one of the most supportive and incredible experiences of my life, learning these amazing skills and growing in confidence in the most beautiful woods! Afric and Nick are the epitome of the Forest School ethos; kind, caring and utterly inspiring and they are so incredibly knowledgeable too. If you're thinking of becoming a Forest School practitioner, you couldn't find a more knowledgeable and inspiring pair! Cannot thank Afric and Nick enough for sharing their beautiful woods, skills, knowledge and passion with us all. Xx

Where do you even begin, when trying to explain how much of an impact the training from Forest Schools Birmingham has on you? You are constantly learning, yet never feel like you are in a classroom. And you are not just taught life skills, such as fire building, den making and tool talks! Afric & Nick continuously guide you to reach your full potential, and genuinely care about the affect you can have on future generations, with what they teach you. The support you get from them, and the other people in your group is unmatched. The shared experience of personal development brings the group together, and is something I will never forget. I hope everything I have learnt, and am yet to learn, makes Afric and Nick proud of the great work they do.

I came away from my time with Forest Schools Birmingham fuelled with inspiration, a deep love of the forest and determination to make my life goals a reality. They dont just tell you how to be a Forest School Practitioner, they show you how to respect the natural world around you and how to engage future generations to do the same.I was lucky enough to take advantage of their option to camp on the training facilities for the weeks of practical assessments, something I haven't seen advertised with many other training programmes being offered around the country. I would highly recommend Forest Schools Birmingham to anyone looking for a unique, perfetional but personal experience to becoming a Forest Schools Practitioner.

I stepped out of my comfort zone last April, to attend a week long OCN level 3 leader training. I almost cancelled when my dad had a stroke two days before I was due go to Lime Woods. Thankfully i didn't cancel, I can whole heartedly say it was the best week of my life, I felt I grew emotionally and connected with the people and the holistically nurturing environment at Lime Woods. The skills I learned inspired my soul and motivated me to make a change and push myself a little further into taking risks and growing more into who 'I am'. I feel I have found a little missing piece of myself, and I can't thank Nick, Afric and the other trainees enough for this life changing experience Thank you all

I spent a long time trying to find the right Forest School Leader course and when I found Forest Schools Birmingham, I knew it was the right place for me. I have loved learning with Afric and Nick, they are so knowledgeable & are clearly passionate - which is infectious! This is child led learning at its best and I can’t wait to put my new found skills into practice. I have felt privileged to have spent time at Lime Woods learning from such inspiring people. If you’re beginning your Forest School leader journey, I would highly recommend this wonderful group of people I feel no words can do my experience there justice, it was life changing.

Afric, Nick, Ruth and the rest of the team are an absolute joy to work with! The week course we did in October was very well run and highly inspiring. The setting was perfect and it was a wonderful experience on many different levels. I would definitely recommend this course and feel it should be almost compulsory for teachers to spend some time in the forset reflecting on ourselves and the children we work with! A huge thank you to you all! Xxx

I did my OCN level 3 forset school practitioner award training last April, and it was the best thing I ever did in my life ,it changed me personally and professionally, it was like the missing puzzle piece in my life . Afric and Nick were very welcoming , inspiring ,joyful and a wealth of knowledge ,I am very grateful and honoured that I have had a chance to learn from them. Thank you for the amazing work you do .

Can't say enough great things about this organisation. I trained to be a level 3 Forest School Leader with them. The Training experience alone improved my wellbeing and prepared me for a new line of work. The training was excellent and the support and guidance throughout was brilliant too. I have recommended them as a training provider to a further 3 contacts of mine who have all also had a great experience.

I have attended 1st week of OCN Level 3 course in October. Absolutely loved it from the very first session. The atmosphere was amazing and inspiring. Afric and Nick has been lovely and I felt fortunate to be able be part of this course. Everything I have lernt I will be able to use in my setting and with my own children. Looking forward to Week 2.

I have just finished my initial week of training in forest school with these wonderful people. I would recommend it to anyone. It is truly the best week I’ve spent on a course ever. Thank you so much Afric and Nick for making us all so welcome and I have learnt so much. I can’t wait to complete my assessment week with you all later in the year.

Working and learning with FSB changed my life for the better. It’s a special and magical place where lives change for good, in a safe and awe inspiring environment. Beautiful people, beautiful place. They are sharing a space where adults and children can grow and build themselves, naturally.

I highly recommend Forest School Birmingham, Afric and Nick are great experts and inspired us in many ways. It was an amazing experience! I now feel confident to bring children into contact with the natural environment. Thank you so much Forest School Birmingham

The most inspirational trainers (Afric & Nick) and tranquil place to complete your Forest School Training. I have just finished my Level 3 Forest School Practitioner training with these guys. It was a complete joy and I learnt so much. Would highly recommend!!!

I worked with Forest Schools Birmingham to train to be a forest school leader. The kindness and knowledge shown was amazing. I learnt so much during my week about myself, others and the forest. I would recommend.

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