Forest Instructor Advancement (October 2025)

Forest Instructor Advancement (October 2025) - Rank 3

Suffolk Wildlife Trust Announces Level 3 Forest School Leader Training Course

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is offering a ten-day, face-to-face outdoor training program for individuals who wish to lead Forest School programmes confidently and safely. The Level 3 Forest School Leader training course is scheduled for various dates in October and November 2025, with additional courses in May and October 2025.

The course, certified by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, focuses on Forest School programme delivery, learning and development, planning, practical skills, and the woodland environment. No prior Level 1 or Level 2 Forest School qualifications are required, unless you wish to top up from Level 2 within 18 months.

Course Content

The course content is designed to develop leadership, facilitation, practical, and teaching skills to understand the principles and ethos of Forest School and to plan and deliver Forest School programmes. Participants will gain practical outdoor skills including safe fire management, outdoor cooking, and hand tool use. They will also explore and understand the woodland environment, flora, and fauna.

Assessment Process

Participants must complete a coursework portfolio within 12 months of starting the course, which is divided into 5 units with hand-in dates spread over the 12 months. The portfolio requires significant additional study beyond the 10 face-to-face training days. Continuous assessment is applied, with no final exam. Successful completion results in an AIM Qualifications Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders.

Prerequisites

There is no requirement to have completed Level 1 Forest School Ethos and Principles or Level 2 Forest School Assistant before this Level 3 course. However, an optional top-up to Level 3 is available if you have completed an AIM-accredited Level 2 course within 18 months, attending only days 6-10 of the course.

Course Details

The course takes place at the Foxburrow Nature Reserve, IP12 1NA. The course time is from 9:30am to 5:30pm each day. Hot drinks, all required paperwork, and tools and equipment for outdoor tasks will be provided. Participants are asked not to bring their own tools.

Participants should bring a packed lunch, cup, snacks, suitable outdoor clothing, stout shoes or boots, and a camera for recording activities. They should also 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.

Additional Training Opportunities

Additional accredited training opportunities are available with SWT. This includes a recommended 16-hour Forest School and Paediatric First Aid course to complement this training, which is important for Level 3 practitioners but is a distinct qualification.

Skills courses are also offered. For more conservation jobs and courses, participants can visit www.environmentjob.co.uk.

Booking and Inquiries

For booking and inquiries, please email accredited.training@our website and phone our main phone number. Participants are required to read and agree to the terms and conditions, learner agreement, diversity and access policy, students complaints and appeals procedures before booking. The course is suitable for individuals with limited mobility, but they are advised to contact the organizer in advance.

[1] Suffolk Wildlife Trust (2023). Level 3 Forest School Leader Training Course. Retrieved from www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/forestschool

[2] Forest School Association (2023). Forest School Ethos and Principles. Retrieved from www.forestschoolassociation.org/resources/forest-school-ethos-and-principles

[3] First Aid Awards (2023). 16-hour Forest School and Paediatric First Aid. Retrieved from www.firstaidawards.com/courses/16-hour-forest-school-and-paediatric-first-aid

[4] AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group (2023). Level 3 Certificate for Forest School Leaders. Retrieved from www.aimqualifications.co.uk/qualifications/level-3-certificate-forest-school-leaders

[5] Suffolk Wildlife Trust (2023). Forest School Programme. Retrieved from www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/forestschoolprogramme

Engaging in the Level 3 Forest School Leader training course offered by Suffolk Wildlife Trust provides an opportunity for education-and-self-development, as it equips participants with personal-growth in leadership, facilitation, practical, and teaching skills.
By attending this ten-day program, individuals can unlock a pathway for learning and growth, enabling them to plan and deliver Forest School programmes, fostering their own understanding of the principles and ethos of Forest School.