In this episode, I was joined by Masters Student Rosie Molton and our directors, Tom and Shev, to discuss how the use of outdoor learning environments for autistic students can benefit the adults working with them. We discussed Rosie’s findings and contrasted them with the experiences of us here at The Outdoors Group over the last 11 years. Inevitably, this organically turned into a wider discussion on education that encompassed the national curriculum, why one size doesn’t fit all, the importance of the language we use, and how the outdoors can provide a better setting for education than the classroom. If you’d like to find out more about Rosie’s Masters, you can see the summary of her findings on her linked in page by searching for Rosie Molton.

In this episode, I was delighted to go on tour to the beautiful Orchard Forest School in Brixham, South Devon. Once there I spent a very enjoyable hour in the company of Louise Loram, the lady behind this very special venture. We chatted about her journey to Forest School and the remarkable work she does from her Forest School sessions to her use of the governments kickstarter scheme to offer training to local 16-25 year olds, from the work she does with over 50’s to her community events that she holds. It is clear that community is important to her and the strand that holds everything she does together and it was a real inspiration to hear about everything she has done. To find out more about what she’s getting up to, you can find her on Facebook at Orchard Forest School, on instagram at @orchard_forest_school or email her on [email protected]. To read the Scottish government paper on their inter generational work, head over to https://generations working together.org/downloads/6270ed19a7b3b-Toolkit%20Draft%20Final.pdf

Nicki and Vicci’s beautiful podcast was part of the inspiration behind us starting this project, here at The Outdoors Group. So it was an absolute honour to wake up early one Tuesday morning and jump online for a chat with Vicci from Wildlings Forest School in Australia. We chatted about their journey to Forest School, the similarities and differences between how they do things and how we do it here in England and discussed their dreams for the future. We love collaboration and community and are grateful for technology in allowing us to connect with our peers, even if they are on the other side of the world! A great listen for any one interested in Forest School and doing things differently.

In this episode, I was joined again by Shevek Pring, one of our directors at The Outdoors Group. We sat down to discuss what the purpose of education is and should be, the idea of learner led project based education and how we’re trying to do things differently at The Outdoors School. Our conversation during this episode can be embodied through a quote from Robert Kennedy that says “each time someone stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, these ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and injustice”. For us here at The Outdoors Group this perfectly summarises what education is about, what we're about as humans, and the importance of being responsible for both each other and planet.

In this episode, I was joined by Molly Mary Simmons, a Cornish based forest school leader and the woman behind Where Wildlings Flow. We discussed her journey to Forest School, how she found her Forest School Training course, how she’s using those skills now and her love of archery and wolves! Full of whimsy and joy, this is an uplifting and inspiring episode, guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

In this episode, I was delighted to be joined by the man, the legend, that is Neil Martin. Neil is our lead trainer at The Outdoors Group and storyteller extraordinaire. Neil has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to storytelling and he was good enough to share some of it with me as we discussed the relevance storytelling still has, how to reach children and adults of all ages and explored some tips for those wanting to give it a go themselves.

In this episode, I was joined by the Headteacher of the Avanti Hall School in Exeter, Phil Arnold, for a conversation about the place of outdoor education and Forest School within mainstream schools in the UK. We discussed what outdoor education means to different people, the challenges teachers can face in facilitating it, the benefits it can have to students of all ages and it’s place in a post-covid world.

In this episode I was delighted to be joined by Michael James, author of Forest School and Autism, and Andy Smith, founder of Spectrum Gaming. Ahead of their Key Note speech at our SEND Outdoors Conference in July, we discussed the benefits of Forest School for neurodiverse children and young people, the similarities between good Forest School practise and good autism practice, the biggest myths about autism that they wanted to dispel and why the outdoors is so important to them. They mentioned quite a few resources which we’ve listed below: Forest School for All by Sarah Knight (book), Changing our Minds: The Psychology of Self Directed Education by Naomi Fisher (YouTube video), The double empathy problem by Dr Damian Milton (article on autism.org.uk) and Autistic Play at Forest School by Stefania Donzelli (article on forestschoolassociation.org.uk). Additionally, Michael and Andy will be delivering a keynote speech at our SEND Outdoors Conference on Wednesday 6th July at Embercome in Devon. Find out more at www.outdoorsgroup.co.uk/send-outdoors-conference.

In this episode, I’m joined by the headteacher of The Outdoors School, Robyn Vincent to talk about taking a different approach than the mainstream narrative when it comes to both education and parenting. We discussed what authenticity means in this context, how to have the courage to stand up for what you believe in and follow your own path and the importance of leading by example for both adults and children around you. A fantastic listen for both anyone working in education and for parents, grandparents and carers.

In this episode, I talk to Pete Shepherd and Rowan Pring about the therapeutic benefits of spending time outside. Both Pete and Rowan are trained counsellors with a wealth of experience and a passion for the outdoors. We discuss, among other things, the benefits of taking therapy outside for both adults and children, how to access these benefits in an urban environment, and in a non-therapeutic context, how being outside can positively impact our stress levels, mental health and well-being.