Develop your wildlife knowledge and environmental skills with Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s accredited training courses.
As Forest School Association-endorsed trainers, with all accredited courses certified by AIM Qualifications, we provide high-quality CPD for teachers, tutors and outdoor learning practitioners. Train with two of the country’s leading Forest School trainers on Level 2 and Level 3 courses, delivered at our Foxburrow and Bradfield Woods nature reserves.
Each course is specifically tailored for our learners to have an immersive experience and take away key skills to help their students thrive, building on the primary curriculum and guidance set by Ofsted.
For those looking to upskill without completing coursework, we also offer practical skills workshops and INSET training days.
Certificated courses
Forest School Leader (Level 3)
11 days of face-to-face learning at our nature reserves, and a coursework portfolio to be completed within 12 months of the start of training with support of your assigned tutor.
This course has 5 units covering:
- Delivering Forest School
- Learning and Development
- Planning and Preparation
- Practical Skills
- Woodlands as a Learning Environment
Total qualification time: 180 hours
Cost: £1395
Upcoming course start dates:
Wild Beach Leader (Level 3)
4 days of in person teaching in a coastal setting and a coursework portfolio to be completed within 6 months of the start of training with support of your assigned tutor.
Wild Beach is a very similar learning approach to Forest School; except with a focus on the coastal environment rather than woodland. Our Wild Beach Leader Training courses are designed to provide those who work with children, young people, and the wider community to lead Wild Beach sessions themselves; helping people to connect with nature and learn about the environment with hands-on, self-led, and confidence-building activities.
This course has four units covering:
- Keeping safe on the beach
- Practical skills on the beach
- Understanding the beach environment
- Ocean connection
Total qualification time: 60 hours
Cost: £495
Upcoming course start dates:
Leader in Outdoor Learning (Level 2)
3 days of face-to-face learning at our Foxburrow Nature Reserve plus a coursework portfolio to be completed within 6 months of the start of your training with support from our tutors.
Learning outside of the classroom offers children and young people of all abilities and backgrounds opportunities to gain confidence and holistic skills through a series of hands-on learning experiences in school grounds and local green spaces. This course is an exciting opportunity for your CPD. You will use primary curriculum linked activities to help you become a Leader in Outdoor Learning (Level 2).
This course has 5 units covering
- Benefits of Outdoor Learning
- Engaging children with local wildlife
- Health and Safety in the natural environment
- Learning in the natural environment
- Using and improving the school grounds and the natural environment.
Total qualification time: 70 hours
Cost: £415
Upcoming course start dates:
Paediatric First Aid
A two day face-to-face first aid training course for those working with children within outdoor and forest school settings. Paediatric First Aid Certificate is required for those training for Level 3 Forest School Leader, and can be booked in addition to the level 3 course.
This course has 2 units covering:
- Forest School Emergency Action
- Forest School Incident Management
Total qualification time: 16 hours
Cost: £220
Upcoming course start dates:
Emma Keeble, Wilder Training Manager
Emma Keeble - Wilder Training Manager
Emma has worked with Suffolk Wildlife Trust for over 20 years, delivering a wide variety of environmental education for children, families, schools, teachers and education practitioners. Throughout her career, she's facilitated a variety of training courses, including STEM sessions, SCITT courses, INSET days and now the Wilder Training accredited courses.
"Nature grounds me, calms me, excites and inspires me. I love sharing and seeing that passion and connection grow within others and being part of their journey."
Joanne Atkins, Senior Wilder Training Officer
Joanne Atkins - Senior Wilder Training Officer
Jo started her Forest School journey in 2008, when she created Nature Bugs, an outdoor toddler group and Forest School, when her children were young and there was little provision in Suffolk. She joined Suffolk Wildlife Trust in 2012 and has facilitated Forest School sessions, outdoor learning, skills days, CPD and leisure courses.
"I am a woodland wanderer, a lover of nature and am particularly passionate about plants and our relationships with them."
Skills and creative courses
Day skills and creative courses of various lengths to help improve your outdoor learning delivery
Workshop: Wild crafting with birch
Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve,
Bury St Edmunds , Suffolk
Frequently asked questions and useful information
If you have queries about our courses, you might find the answer in our FAQ and Terms and Conditions.