I have a lifelong love of nature and science.  I have a BSc in Microbiology form Warwick University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics. I started my career working in the NHS, working in health promotion, with a specialism in food and health.   

 

My interest in Forest School began in 2004, when I started volunteering with Wild Things and at St Ann's Community Orchard. I qualified as a Forest School Leader in 2006.  I left my career in the NHS in 2010, to focus on working with children outdoors.

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In 2020 I became a Recognised provider of forest school with the Forest School Association. 

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I have a particular interest in the health benefits of forest school - both physical and mental. In 2021 I started working in partnership with the Institute of Mental Health, at the University of Nottingham, to evaluate the impact of Forest School on the mental well being of children with Social and Emotional Special Educational Needs. 

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I have completed the following additional training:

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• Certificate in Health Promotion - the Open University

• Certificate in Therapeutic skills for Outdoor Leaders,the Therapeutic Forest

• NCFE Cache Level 2 certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health, the Learning Curve

• NCFE Cache Level 2 certificate in Understanding Autism, the Learning Curve

• Storytelling for children age 3-16 - International School of Storytelling, Emerson College  

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