Online Courses in Forest School Activities and Outdoor Learning

Forest School & Outdoor Learning Online Courses

Practical, video-based training to help you lead safe, engaging sessions outdoors, with any age group, in any setting.

Our courses are created and led by Marina Robb, who has more than 30 years' experience in outdoor learning. She is co-author of Learning with Nature and The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy. Teachers, Early Years practitioners and Forest School leaders use them to build their skills and confidence.

Every course comes with lifetime access and a 14-day money-back guarantee, and you can pay in full or monthly.

Prices are for one person.

Build confidence across your whole team
Give your staff the skills and confidence to take learning outdoors, with flexible multi-licence training for schools, nurseries and organisations.
Explore team training & staff licences

See our SHOP for books and PDF products

Forest School Activities Online Training

Practical skills and ideas you can use straight away.

Our foundational online training is designed for teachers and teaching assistants who would like to run Forest School activities with their groups.

It is also perfect for Forest School practitioners and other youth leaders who want lifetime access to inspiring activities with step-by-step instructions.

  • 8 practical modules: fire, ropes, cooking, shelters, crafts, tools, foraging and nature games
  • 87 videos, about 8 hours in total
  • 15 downloadable resources, including 8 risk-benefit assessments, recipes, food safety and UK knife law guidance
  • Activities for Early Years, primary and secondary, in any setting from the school field to woodland
  • A certificate for each module you complete
  • Lifetime access and a 14-day money-back guarantee
  • Price: £297 +VAT, or £24.75 +VAT a month for 12 months

    The Advanced Certificate in Forest School & Outdoor Learning

    Go deeper and understand the how and why

    Meaningful outdoor learning takes more than a collection of activities. This course gives you the understanding and confidence to plan and lead sessions that are safe, engaging and purposeful, all year round. It is organised by season, with 16 video masterclasses from Marina and more than 120 activity videos filmed across the year.

    • 8 seasonal modules, from early spring to late winter
    • 16 masterclasses covering risk-benefit assessment, behaviour and mental health, sensory development, Green Care, nature connection, and urban and wild settings
    • 120+ activity videos
    • 48+ adaptable session plans with curriculum links, plus three 6-week topic plans
    • Bonuses: the Fire & Pedagogy and Using Tools modules from Forest School Activities, the Routines & Boundaries course, Primary and Early Years curriculum packs, and the Facts About Outdoor Learning e-book
    • Lifetime access and a 14-day money-back guarantee

    Price: £797 +VAT, or £67 +VAT a month for 12 months

    Which course is right for me?

    Forest School Activities shows you what to do: practical, step-by-step activities you can use straight away.
    The Advanced Certificate shows you how and why: the thinking, planning and seasonal session plans behind a year-round programme.
    You can start with Activities and move on to the Certificate when you're ready.

    forest school activities online training

    boy whittling
    Ready-to-use activities

    For teachers and teaching assistants who want to run Forest School activities, and for Forest School practitioners and youth leaders who want lifetime access to inspiring, step-by-step activity ideas.

    • 8 practical skills modules
    • 87 step-by-step activity videos (about 8 hours)
    • 8 ready-made risk-benefit assessments
    • 15 downloadable resources and guides
    • A certificate for each module
    • Lifetime access
    • 14-day money-back guarantee

    £


    297+VAT

    or 12 monthly payments of

    £


    24.75+VAT

    the advanced certificate in forest school and outdoor learning

    Most comprehensive

    For practitioners planning or leading a year-round programme who want to understand the how and why.

    • 8 seasonal modules - early spring to late winter
    • 120+ activity videos
    • 16 video masterclasses with Marina
    • 48+ seasonal session plans with curriculum links
    • Bonus: the Fire & Pedagogy and Using Tools modules, plus the Routines & Boundaries course
    • A certificate for each module
    • Lifetime access
    • 14-day money-back guarantee

    £


    797+VAT

    or 12 monthly payments of

    £


    67+VAT

    FOREST SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ONLINE TRAINING

    Ready-to-use activities

    For teachers and teaching assistants who want to run Forest School activities, and for Forest School practitioners and youth leaders who want lifetime access to inspiring, step-by-step activity ideas.

    • 8 practical skills modules
    • 87 step-by-step activity videos (about 8 hours)
    • 8 ready-made risk-benefit assessments
    • 15 downloadable resources and guides
    • A certificate for each module
    • Lifetime access
    • 14-day money-back guarantee

    £


    24.75 +VAT

    the advanced certificate in forest school and outdoor learning

    Most comprehensive

    For practitioners planning or leading a year-round programme who want to understand the how and why.

    • 8 seasonal modules, from early spring to late winter
    • 120+ activity videos
    • 16 video masterclasses with Marina
    • 48+ seasonal session plans with curriculum links
    • Bonus: the Fire & Pedagogy and Using Tools modules, plus the Routines & Boundaries course
    • A certificate for each module
    • Lifetime access
    • 14-day money-back guarantee

    £

    67 +VAT

    Single Modules from Our Forest School Activities Online Training

    You can buy individual modules from our Forest School Activities Online Training for £47 +vat.

    Or save £79 and get all 8 modules for £297 +vat

    fire module
    Module 1:
    Fire & Pedagogy
    Ropes and Knots Online Course
    Module 2: Ropes & Knots
    Cooking on a Fire Online Courses
    Module 3:
    Cooking on a Fire
    Shelter and Play Online Courses
    Module 4:
    Shelters & Play
    Natural Crafts and Play Online Courses
    Module 5:Natural Crafts & Play
    Using Tools Online Courses
    Module 6:Using Tools
    Wild Plants and Foraging Online Courses
    Module 7: Wild Food & Foraging
    Nature Awareness Games Online Courses
    Module 8: Nature Awareness Games

    Other Forest School Activities and Outdoor Learning Online Courses

    Natural Crafts Volume 2 Online Courses
    Natural Crafts Volume 2
    Natural Crafts Bundle Online Courses
    Natural Crafts Bundle
    Forest School Routines and Boundaries Online Courses
    Forest School Routines & Boundaries
    boy climbing a tree
    A Masterclass in Writing Risk Benefit Assessments
    Marina Robb webinar
    Why Risky Activities are So Valuable for Children
    Visit our 'Testimonials'  page to see what other people are saying about our courses!

    Jenny Flude

    I work in a primary school running Forest School and outdoor learning sessions from reception all the way up to year six, and I'm really enjoying this course. I'm finding the masterclasses brilliant, really informative, providing information and embedding theories that you may have come across already in your training. I feel that it's given me a bit of 'oomph' as a practitioner, and making me connect with the sort of practitioner that I'd like to be. The activity suggestions are fantastic alongside the session plans that give ways of extending each activity with further ideas and links to the curriculum. It's brilliant!


    Sarah Cox

    The Outdoor Teacher's course has enabled us as a school, to train several members of staff to a high standard so they can confidently lead woodland sessions with our young children.


    Lynn Hughes

    We require all of our volunteers to complete The Outdoor Teacher's Using Tools Module and our Safeguarding Children, Adults at Risk and Vulnerable Groups Code of Practice states:
    ‘All employees and volunteers using tools with children as part of these specified activities should also complete this specific training before they will be able to lead or support a group.'


    Kelly Butler

    The Advanced Certificate in Forest School and Outdoor Learning training course was truly transformative. The program provided an exceptional blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, equipping me with the skills to confidently lead outdoor learning sessions. Marina is very knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate about fostering a connection with nature. I now feel empowered to create engaging and meaningful outdoor learning experiences that inspire curiosity, resilience, and a love for the natural world.


    Chloe & Christine

    We're Chloe and Christine and we've been Outdoor Teachers since May 2023 thanks to Marina and the Outdoor Teacher’s online course.

    The Forest School Activities are well thought out and age appropriate, teaching the children about the amazing environment around them and how they can explore the natural environment in a fun but safe manner.

    We have found the impact it has had on the young children is extremely positive, in terms of confidence, social skills, language, communication, motivation, physical skills, knowledge and understanding.


    Rhys Larcombe

    This course, along with Marina's books, have reignited my passion for teaching. The course also offered lots of practical ideas and activities that could actually be used in practice, and that's not always present in courses. Also, having the curriculum-linked examples and risk assessments has been super useful. Attending a Level 3 course in person and taking time off work would have been challenging.


    Training a team or a whole school?

    Online training is an affordable way to upskill several members of staff at once.
    We offer:

    Discounted staff licences for your team

    Payment by invoice or purchase order

    Help choosing the right course for your setting

    "We had a number of staff wanting to do the Outdoor Teacher's Online Training, and not having the funding to train them all… we wanted an affordable online option." 

    Peter Howard, Deputy Headteacher, Clayton le Woods CE Aided Primary School

    See staff licence prices

    Ask about invoicing

    Or call 01273 086029 / email [email protected]

    Who you learn from matters
    I'm Marina Robb

    Marina Robb (BSc; PGCE; MA; MSc) is the founder ofThe Outdoor Teacher and Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC, with over 30 years’ experience in nature-based education.  A national leader and FSA-endorsed trainer, Marina brings a unique blend of science, pedagogy and real-world teaching experience to her courses.

    Marina Robb Headshot

    I'm the co-author of ‘Learning with Nature’ a must-have book for Forest School & Outdoor practitioners, and ‘The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy’ which contains everything you need to know from theory to practice.

    I'm also the host of
     
    The Wild Minds Podcast.

    Learning with Nature Book Cover
    Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy
    Wild Minds Podcast logo
    FSA Endorsed Trainer Badge

    Family Outdoor Activities Online Course

    Family Outdoor Activities Module 1: Making a Fire Online Course
    Module 1
    Making a Fire
    Family Outdoor Activities Module 2: Campfire Cooking Online Course
    Module 2
    Campfire Cooking
    Module 3
    Tool Skills
    toddler with ball of wool
    Module 4
    Crafting with Nature
    Family Outdoor Activities Online Course
    Family Outdoor Activities
    All 4 Modules

    Not ready to buy yet?

    Start with 6 Free Forest School Lessons You Can Deliver With Confidence

    (Without Second-Guessing Yourself)
    After these lessons you will:
    • Feel clearer about how to structure outdoor sessions
    • Understand how to hold risk thoughtfully
    • Begin linking activities to developmental and curriculum aims

    FAQ

    When does the course start?

    As soon as your purchase is complete you will have access to all courses and bonuses. If you choose the payment plan option, you will get access to 1 new module each month.

    How long do I have access to the course?

    You will have lifetime access to the course! Unlimited access to the lessons and videos for as long as you like, across all your devices.

    Is my tutor qualified?

    Yes, Marina Robb is an author and UK Forest School Association Endorsed Trainer and has been training Forest School Leaders since 2011. She has been working with groups in nature since 1995 and you can read more here.

    Our organisation can’t pay using a credit or debit card – can we still buy the course?

    Yes, we understand that many schools and other organisations can’t pay by card – contact us and we can send you an invoice to pay us by bank transfer in UK Sterling, Euros or Dollars. We can also accept cheques from UK bank accounts.

    Can I access the course on my mobile?

    Yes, the course can be accessed on all devices. If you have a smart phone, you can also download the free ‘Teachable’ app from the Play Store or Apple Store and complete the course using the app, downloading any videos you like onto your device.

    What if I am unhappy with the course?

    If for some reason you are not happy with the course, contact us in writing within your first 14 days for a full refund. You will need to include an explanation of why you want the refund.

    Does this course qualify me to run Forest School sessions?

    This course is not a qualification but is Certified by The Outdoor Teacher and based on Marina's experience and expertise in this field.
    All practitioners in the UK need to follow health and safety law, which requires us to provide risk assessments and be competent to deliver activities. Teachers for example are already qualified already to take their practice outdoors but are likely to need a course like ours to get the practical skills in place.
    The Level 3 Forest School training and Forest School programmes (long term) are an educational approach and the training is excellent. If you intend to offer long-term forest school programmes, then I would recommend you doing the qualification.
    We have a page about Outdoor Learning Myths and a recent webinar where these issues are addressed:
    https://theoutdoorteacher.com/p/outdoor-learning-myths

    How is this course different from the Level 3 Training?

    It combines best practice from Outdoor Learning and the Forest School approach. This new training resource does not give you a formal qualification in Forest School Leadership.

    It has been designed at the same standard and beyond as a Level 3, by Marina Robb, an endorsed Forest School Association Trainer with 30 years experience. The course aims to enable and equip people with the practical delivery of Forest School-based activities to a high competency, linking to potential learning outcomes, with all the correct health and safety and pedagogy weaved through the course.

    There is no requirement to have a Forest School Qualification to take children out of doors to learn and play. As a teacher or practitioner, you are legally obliged to have risk assessments in place and insurance relevant to practice offered. 

    We don't have access to a woodland - can we do these activities in a playground or park?

    Yes, you can. Whether you are near a woodland, park or school playground - all the activities can be adapted for different circumstances.

    We have run activities using fire, tools, games, wild food, crafts, swings & ropes, shelters in school yards and playgrounds.

    It does take more preparation and consideration of equipment. If you wanted to make fires, you would either designate a small green area of the playground for this purpose or use a fire bowl to lift the fire off the ground. We have also taken many groups on short walks throughout the seasons to gather some plants for many activities.

    Posts can be put up to replace trees, so that children can still set up various rope bridges or constructions and with a little thinking you can easily set up a rope swing and tarpaulin shelters.

    In schools we often ask parents to contribute a log for our wood pile and ask for help to bring in useful materials we may need over the year.

    Can I share my course with my colleagues?

    No - the license is granted for 1 user to view the contents of the course. This access must not be shared with any other person and only the named user will receive the certificate.

    See next question for bulk licencing queries.

    Can we purchase multiple licenses for our staff team?

    Yes, please contact us for bulk purchasing discounts. We can set up the user accounts for you and send you access codes and you can pay by invoice

    My school has agreed to pay for this course - how do I proceed?

    If your school is buying this course on your behalf we can arrange to send an invoice directly to your school. 

    Do I get a certificate?

    Yes, all our courses come with a ‘Certificate of Completion’ from The Outdoor Teacher Ltd.

    How can we contact you if we have a question?

    Yes feel free to call or email us with any questions - our contact details are on the contact page.

    Our commitment to Nature & People:

    The Outdoor Teacher, alongside its sister organization Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC aim to transform health, education and family through nature.

    We are whole-heartedly concerned about the safeguarding of future generations, human and non-human alike, and the growing understanding of reciprocity between humans and nature. Whilst we are advocates for all people accessing nature and its benefits, we know that this is only healthy if we prioritise the care for the natural world and address issues of equality.

    The Outdoor Teacher is working towards becoming a certified B-Corp. Certified B Corps are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. We aim to be part of this community of leaders, driving a global movement of people using businesses as a force for good.

    We are using Monzo Business Banking which is listed as an ethical bank: https://monzo.com/ethics.

    >