Forest School with Mark Newton & Gatwick Greenspace © Tamara JewellEmpowering teachers to take learning outdoors
Recognised nationally for our Forest School Association (FSA) supported Forest School training programmes, and our pioneering Wild Beach training, we also partner with nationally recognised teacher CPD providers to deliver National Curriculum aligned training, support and networking on our nature reserves.
We empower teachers to take learning outdoors, whatever their outdoor space, subject or year group.
AIM logoWhat we do
Forest School training
AIM logoSWT_21st_May_37Our accredited Forest School training programmes have been delivered in Sussex by our experienced team since 2005.
Promoting the reconnection between people and their natural environment is at the heart of our ethos, and this is reflected in all areas of our courses.
We are active members of the Forest School Association (FSA) and deliver our training through OFQUAL regulated and FSA supported awarding body, Aim Qualifications and Assessment Group. We offer 3 levels of accredited Forest School training across locations in Sussex.
Wild Beach Training © Kai HiltonWhat we do
Wild Beach training
AIM logoTrain as a Wild Beach Leader on Sussex’s dynamic coastline with an accredited course uniquely developed by Sussex Wildlife Trust and now adopted by Wildlife Trusts nationally.
Grounded in a Forest School approach, you’ll gain practical skills in beach safety, shelter-building and coastal exploration, alongside a deeper understanding of marine environments.
Through hands-on experiences, you’ll learn to inspire ocean connection and create meaningful, nature-based learning on the beach, whatever your setting or age group.
Why train with Sussex Wildlife Trust?
I want to take a moment to say a big ‘thank you’ for generously enabling such a rich and beneficial experience in the Level 2 Forest School Training course. I absolutely loved every moment, Natasha and Zoe were exceptional facilitators – warm, friendly and knowledgeable. They used fostered a learning environment where I felt my ideas were valued and my questions and curiosity were welcomed. Every element – whether theory or practical – was pitched to support the group’s various learning styles and I felt safe to make suggestions out of my comfort zone and stretch myself without fear of making mistakes or feeling judged. To feel very involved in the process from the outset – setting up the space together, collecting natural resources and collaborating throughout – developed a strong sense of community and enabled relationships to develop quickly and meaningfully. I absolutely loved the whole experience.
The fully-funded Forest School Level 3 place from Sussex Wildlife Trust has meant I was able to access the training far sooner than I thought possible as I would have had to self-fund the course. This has meant that I have started to deliver forest school sessions to children who otherwise would have gone without, many of whom have no connection to nature and are already thriving in the early sessions.
Sussex Wildlife Trust planted a forest school seed with us which together we nurtured and grew. With support, encouragement and training from SWT, Forest School is now strongly embedded into our curriculum and is at the heart of our school ethos. Our children love every minute of it; as one of our 4 year olds said ‘I forgot I was at school!’
I have never participated in training as enjoyable as this! A week on, I’m still feeling very inspired.
