Forest Educator - Advanced Qualification (October 2025) - Grade 3
Forest School Leadership Course: A Comprehensive Journey into the Woods
The AIM Qualifications Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders is an extensive qualification designed for individuals who wish to lead Forest School programmes. This course, spanning over ten days of face-to-face outdoor training and a year-long coursework portfolio, focuses on leadership, facilitation, planning, woodland knowledge, and delivery skills.
Course Structure
The course involves ten days of practical, outdoor training, delivered across multiple days, often spanning months. Participants must complete a coursework portfolio within 12 months from the course start date, divided into five units: Practical Skills, Planning and Preparation, Woodland Environment, Delivery, and Learning and Development.
Curriculum Details
The face-to-face training covers Forest School programme delivery, learning and development principles, planning and preparation, practical skills required for Forest School leadership, and knowledge of the woodland environment.
Coursework Portfolio
Each unit has specific hand-in deadlines spread over the 12-month period to allow gradual completion and reflection. The portfolio requires evidence of understanding and application of Forest School ethos and principles, competence in planning and delivering effective Forest School sessions, safety, risk management, and knowledge of the natural environment, and reflection on learning and development of participants.
Assessment Criteria
Assessment is based on a combination of portfolio submission and practical delivery. Participants are required to plan and deliver an assessed six-week Forest School programme as part of their practical assessment.
Additional Features
Some courses offer a top-up option if a Level 2 certificate was obtained within 18 months, reducing face-to-face days and course fees. Practical training is held in woodland settings to ensure real-world experience, and supporting materials and ongoing guidance may be provided, including membership in the Forest School Association for some providers.
Course Requirements
Participants should be over 21 and hold a qualification at Level 2 or above in teaching or youth work, or have significant experience of working with young people. Participants should bring a packed lunch, suitable outdoor clothing, sturdy shoes or boots, a camera for recording activities, and should not bring their own tools.
Course Details
The course is held at Foxburrow Nature Reserve, IP12 1NA, from the 13th to the 17th of October 2025, the 11th to the 13th of November 2025, and the 24th to the 25th of November 2025, from 9:30am to 5:30pm each day. Hand-in dates for each unit are provided, with the final submission due on the 1st of September 2026.
For more conservation jobs and courses, visit www.environmentjob.co.uk. The course does not offer an overnight camp option and does not allow dogs, except for assistance dogs. Participants are asked to read and agree to the terms and conditions and Learner Agreement before booking.
[1] Forest School Association [2] AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group [3] SWT
The Forest School Leadership Course, detailed in the text, is designed for individuals seeking education and self-development in the area of Forest School leadership, focusing on learning skills in forest school program delivery, planning, and woodland knowledge. This comprehensive journey, through a combination of practical outdoor training and a year-long coursework portfolio, aims to empower participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead Forest School sessions and understand the natural environment.
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