Episode Details

Welcome back to The Forest School Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the realities of lone working in outdoor education, the unexpected (and hilarious) responsibilities of a Forest School leader, and the importance of connection in a role that can often feel isolating.

🌲 Key topics in this episode:

• The highs and lows of returning to work after illness.

• Why Forest School leaders need mental health policies for lone working.

• Listener-submitted job descriptions, including ‘Animal Hostage Negotiator’ and ‘Fart Consultant’!

• The role of play and improvisation in outdoor education.

• Introducing ‘Surprise Student’ – a new game where we design a Forest School session for famous figures.

Join us as we reflect, laugh, and explore how we can better support outdoor educators. 🌿

🌟 Sponsored by TENTSILE & Chris Holland

🌲 TENTSILE – Take your outdoor adventures to the next level with TENTSILE's incredible hammock tents! Designed for comfort, durability, and a unique Forest School experience, these tree tents are a game-changer. Use code ForestChildren10 for 10% off your purchase at www.tentsile.com.

🍃 Chris Holland – Want to deepen your nature connection? Get your hands on Chris Holland’s 54-page Plant Guide, an essential resource for Forest School leaders and nature enthusiasts. Use code FORESTPOD for 15% off via our exclusive affiliate link.

⏳ Episode Chapters & Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

03:58 Reflections on Productivity and Mental Health

09:12 The Importance of Connection and Support

13:10 Nature Connection and Personal Growth

17:13 Engaging with Nature and Crafting

21:15 Productivity Insights and New Practices

26:45 Fun and Games in Forest School

30:42 Animal Encounters and Job Descriptions

31:16 Emergency Privacy Screen Holder: A Forest School Job

34:35 Christmas Fart Consultant: The Humor of Forest School

37:49 Fart Consultancy: A Necessary Skill

42:20 Surprise Student: A Fun Game for Learning

44:49 Paddington Bear: A Forest School Intervention

51:01 Season Two: New Beginnings and Exciting Changes
📚 Resources & Links Mentioned

• 🌍 TENTSILE Hammock Tents – Use ForestChildren10 for 10% off.

• 🍃 Chris Holland’s Plant Guide – Use FORESTPOD for 15% off.

• 🎶 Song Mentioned: ‘Summer is Icumen In’ – the oldest secular English song.

• 🦉 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @ForestSchoolPodcast

🎧 Enjoyed this episode?

If you loved this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow Forest School leaders and outdoor educators! 🌿 Your support helps us grow and bring more valuable discussions to the community.

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Have a weird job title from your Forest School experience? Send it to us at

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