School Visits

We can run sessions from your school or you can come to us

We run weekly Forest school sessions ( usually in blocks of 6 or 8 weeks) during school terms as well as once off ‘tasters’, TY days out and school trips all year round.

We can tailor a single day or a block of sessions to suit your needs.

Ross is also one of the Heritage Councils Heritage in Schools specialists. This scheme part funds visits to primary schools.

Heritage Council Info

Self Esteem
Confidence
Resilience
Holistic
Bonding
Team Work
Life Skills
Fun

Forest School and Bushcraft

Forest School is suitable for children and adults of all ages though we tend to do more advanced Bushcraft skills and sessions with Secondary School aged children.

Safety is a priority in all we do and detailed site risk assessments and individual activity risk and benefit assessments are completed before all sessions.

All our instructors and staff have vast experience working with children of all ages, are garda vetted, first aid qualified and up to date with all relevant child safety protocols.

Please get in touch for more details and any inquiries.

Testimonials

Stan

Super 2 day course, would recommend to anyone regardless of experience level. Very accessible and taught in a comfortable atmosphere. Ross is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his subject. Thoroughly enjoyed this course

Chantelle

I work as an Sna with senior children in our primary school I have taken part in forest school with Ross the past 3 years. He is brilliant with the children, always positive & encouraging while working with the children. He has provided a safe place for the children to grow and learn new life skills! It has been a privilege to work along side Ross during Forest school and I look forward to the next term 😊

Kerry

I am the founder of The Nature Hub, and it was my pleasure to welcome Ross from ‘Free Range Outdoor Education’ to our outdoor learning space. His weekend spoon carving and firecraft workshops were delivered with professionalism and highly skilled tuition. Participants arrived with little to no carving knowledge, and after an afternoon with Ross they left with their own spoon that they carved themselves. Ross is a gifted and knowledgeable facilitator and I would highly recommend him for any sort of outdoor learning experience

Lorraine

Ross and Jay, sincere thanks for a fabulous day today. I learned so much on your walking stick skills day, it has completely changed how I see the country side, everywhere I go now I’m looking for Hazel and black thorn. It was so lovely as a busy working mam to get off the hamster wheel and take a few hours in the most beautiful setting, the rustle of the trees, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the birds tweeting and our lunch cooked on an open fire. Not to mention all of the knowledge and skill sets that was imparted. I felt so comfortable to ask questions and look for help, Jay is such a wonderful gentleman with the loveliest energy that you could only feel guided and comfortable in his company. Ross’s knowledge of all things outdoors is second to none and nothing is too much much for him. I left the workshop feeling 100% confident to try walking stick crafting on my own and with such utter pleasure to bring my accomplishment walking stick home to show my family. I highly recommend anyone to try this skill/craft day. I can’t wait to do another.

Miriam

"What a fantastic experience my kids had at free range forest school. This is by far the best activity my kids have done in a long time . A perfect balance between messy outdoor fun and education. Playing on the rope bridges and swings was definitely the highlight for them along with learning to build a fire and forage for edibles which they then used while cooking on the fire . The kids had such a great time and are so excited to go back . Very very happy with free range forest school and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great fun outdoor adventure"

Glenn

I worked as an SNA on two x 6 week sessions with Ross in forest school. First session was with 3rd class, boys and girls aged 8. Ross engaged with them brilliantly, explained how to stay safe during the lessons while also ensuring there was plenty of fun and life skills learned. Second session was with 6th class boys and girls ages 11/12. Again Ross was brilliant with the kids, the sessions were geared towards their aged group. The kids all mixed with each other brilliantly and couldn't wait for forest school every week. Looking forward to our next six week session.

Outdoors Development Officer, Local Sports Partnership

Ross from Free Range Forest School was a pleasure to deal with throughout in organising a forest experience programme in a forest woodlands for a disadvantaged community within our town. I had never previously organised a forest experience programme so the ease at which I could communicate and work with Ross was important in ensuring this programme ran successfully. Having attended a couple of the sessions in the forest, I was able to see for myself that they were brilliantly organised and well delivered, with all attendees, young and old, clearly enjoying the whole experience facilitated by Ross and Gosia. I would highly recommend Free Range Forest School for a forest experience programme.

Hazel 1st Class Teacher, Knockmore NS

First class of Knockmore Junior school have had the most incredible forest school experience this year. From campfires to dream catchers and everything in between .. it is fair to say Ross has really helped this class to chase their dreams 🙂

Knockmore NS 1st Class Pupils

“Forest school is AMAZING” Brooke “Forest school was the best thing in school this year, I really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the cooking and the magic tricks!” Blake “I like everything about forest school, especially when I get to be creative with the earth and clay.” Karlee

Louise, 2nd class teacher, Knockmore NS

My second class absolutely loved Forest Schools with Ross. He was always so kind, patient and inclusive of all of the children. Children who often struggled in class and were quite withdrawn a lot of the time really flourished during Forest Schools and the care and attention Ross showed them was a big part of this. I highly recommend Ross and his thoughtful, informative and fun lessons- thanks so much Ross!’