The Therapeutic Forest CIC

Across the UK, more adults are looking for support that feels accessible, welcoming, and easier to engage with.

For many people, outdoor wellbeing groups can offer exactly that.
Shared activities, time in nature, and supportive group spaces often help people feel more comfortable connecting with others and talking about what they’re experiencing.

This is something many Forest School Leaders and outdoor practitioners are already naturally skilled at creating.

The Certificate in Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing for Outdoor Leaders helps build on those existing skills with therapeutic understanding and practical strategies guided by Clinical Psychologists.
You will learn how to -

- create safe, supportive spaces for adults
- introduce simple wellbeing and coping strategies
- support group dynamics with confidence
- use nature-based activities to support mental health and wellbeing

Outdoor mental health support is becoming an increasingly important area of work, if you're interested in responding to this need then get in touch with us today!

The Certificate in Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing for Outdoor Leaders begins on 15th June.

Learn more here: https://www.thetherapeuticforest.org/amhprospectus

Behind the scenes on our PMLD in-person day!

Last week, we welcomed learners to Manchester for our in-person training day as part of the Certificate in Supporting Children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities in the Outdoors.

We were joined by professionals working across a wide range of settings from preschool through to adulthood all looking to create more accessible, meaningful outdoor experiences for individuals with PMLD.

Some learners were already experienced Forest School Leaders wanting to deepen their practice.

Others were exploring how nature-based approaches could better support communication, wellbeing, and inclusion within their own settings.

Together, we explored real-world strategies shaped around:

🌿 individual spaces
🌿 available resources
🌿 communication needs
🌿 learner goals

Rather than generic ideas, the focus was on realistic, adaptable approaches that could be used straight away.

A brilliant day of shared learning, reflection, and confidence building!

On Monday evening, we officially welcomed a new group of learners to the summer cohort of the Certificate in Therapeutic Skills for Outdoor Leaders.

Our live induction is always a lovely way to begin, offering space to meet your fellow students and introduce the team & course, and getting a feel for what's next!

Designed for Forest School Leaders and Outdoor Practitioners, this programme supports learners in developing the therapeutic knowledge and practical strategies needed to create more inclusive, informed outdoor experiences.

Across four modules, learners explore:

- Therapeutic approaches in Forest School
- Supporting children with a range of additional needs
- Attachment and developmental trauma
- Child development and developmental therapies

The course is taught by a multidisciplinary team including a Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist, outdoor therapy practitioners, and contributors with lived experience.

If you’re considering joining, enrolment is still open!

You can begin now, access learning materials straight away, and catch up via the induction recording 👇
https://www.thetherapeuticforest.org/citsprospectus

We’re looking forward to the Certificate in Supporting Children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities in the Outdoors on Friday!

Learners joining us will explore how to deliver the Therapeutic Forest Explorers programme and support children with PMLD to access the outdoors.

The Certificate in Therapeutic Skills for Outdoor Leaders starts tonight!

We'll be welcoming a new group of learners on our induction tonight at 7pm.

Over the coming weeks, they’ll explore how therapeutic approaches, clinical insight, and practical outdoor leadership can come together to better support children and young people.

The course combines:

-therapeutic theory
-practical nature-based strategies
-multidisciplinary teaching
-flexible online learning

Designed for Forest School Leaders and outdoor practitioners, it offers a thoughtful next step for those wanting to feel more informed, grounded, and confident in their work.

If you’re still considering joining, enrolment remains open until 11th June.

You can begin after the official start date with recordings and flexible study options available.

Get in touch or enrol here 👇
https://www.thetherapeuticforest.org/registration-certificate-in-therapeutic-skills-for-outdoor-leaders-2026

Join us tonight at 8pm!

Tonight we’re hosting our live open evening for the Certificate in Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing for Outdoor Leaders.

This is a relaxed opportunity to learn more about how the course works, what you’ll explore, and how outdoor spaces can be used to support adult mental health in practical, meaningful ways.

We’ll be sharing more about the course structure and flexibility, supporting adult wellbeing outdoors, Woodcraft for Wellbeing, and how this training can build on existing Forest School or outdoor practice

There’ll also be space to ask questions and hear directly from the team.

Join us live this evening or watch the recording later.

Head to the link to register - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_98mrL5X-TvaEXfQbpDJhIg #/registration

Congratulations Hannah, for her services to children and families in Manchester, winner of the Outstanding Alumni Contribution to Social Responsibility Award and the University of Manchester Medal of Social Responsibility at the Making a Difference Awards for Social Responsibility 2026 👏

As part of the Certificate in Outdoor Emotional Regulation Support, this week learners are hearing from Speech and Language Therapist Amica Davies.

This session focuses on supporting communication within Nature Circles interventions.

It's an important part of helping children feel safe, understood, and able to engage.

Learners are building practical strategies that support:

- Emotional regulation
- Communication development
- Consistency
- Connection outdoors

The Certificate in Outdoor Emotional Regulation Support is led by a clinical psychologist, speech and language therapist, and occupational therapist, giving you the tools to support emotional regulation, manage sensory needs, and build a sense of belonging for every child.

Read more here https://www.thetherapeuticforest.org/naturecirclesprospectus

This week, learners on the Certificate in Green Dementia Care are moving into Module Three, where the focus moves towards practical nature connection interventions.

At this stage in the course, learners begin exploring how nature can be used more intentionally to support wellbeing for individuals living with dementia.

This includes:

- Sensory-based nature activities
- Nature connection techniques
- Reminiscence-based interventions
- Adapting sessions to support emotional wellbeing

Alongside the online module, learners will also hear from a Specialist Occupational Therapist in a live session focused on supporting motor skills within Green Dementia Care - more on that later this week!

These sessions continue to build on the course’s thoughtful balance of practical ideas and multidisciplinary expertise.

It's the next step in understanding how nature can support connection, confidence, and wellbeing 🌱

Today is the final day to join the next cohort of the Certificate in Green Dementia Care!

This course is designed for those who want to support individuals living with dementia in ways that feel more connected, more thoughtful, and grounded in the therapeutic value of nature.

Across the programme, learners explore:

- The impact of dementia on individuals and families

- How outdoor experiences can support wellbeing

- Practical nature-based activities for care settings and community groups

- Ways to deliver meaningful, accessible green dementia care with confidence

As enrolment closes this evening, we’re looking forward to welcoming the next group of learners beginning this journey!

Head to the link below to join us.
https://www.thetherapeuticforest.org/links