My Story
I'm Lisa and I set up Tiny Outdoor Explorers in 2013, to share my love of nature with children, to help build a lifelong connection and respect for the environment. And yes, here is a picture of me letting my inner hippy show on the outside!
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As a teenager I loved walking in the hills and learning about the landscape and how it was formed, but my connection with nature really grew while on placement with the Field Studies Council, when I was introduced to different Environmental Education techniques.Over 30 years later I still remember the moment I first played 'Meet A Tree' - having been blindfolded I was guided to 'hug a tree' , feeling it's bark, branches, leaves and place deep in the woodland. Once returned to the starting point and blind fold removed, I was expected to demonstrate finding the tree in front of a group of students - I dutifully wandered through the woodland wondering how I was supposed to tell one tree from another when I hadn't even seen it with my eyes - However, as soon as the tree was ahead of me, I recognised it as 'my tree' and felt a strong connection to the woodland, that has stayed with me.
That is the root of my journey, when I realised I wanted to work outdoors in nature, to make learning fun, experiential and meaningful, for the learner and environment. I went on to work for a country park in Birmingham, Watling Chase Community Forest, an environment centre in inner city London, agroforestry project in Ghana and national waste education charity, before using my experience to set up Tiny Outdoor Explorers in 2013.
Ethos
I draw on my experience of environmental education and Forest Schools to provide sessions that offer a balance between free play and more structured activities. Nature is at the heart of all my activity planning, providing children with a range of learning opportunities that they can engage with, as suits them best. I observe how the children respond to the activities and adapt sessions to suit their interests. Every week is filled with discovery and difference, reflecting the seasonal changes and celebrations of the year.
What is Forest School?
Forest School is based on six principles:
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A long-term process of regular sessions, rather than one-off visits
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Takes place in a natural environment to support the development of a lifelong relationship between the learner and the natural world.
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Uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for being, development and learning.
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Aims to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.
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Offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
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Run by qualified Forest School practitioners, who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
Qualifications
Post graduate diploma Environmental Education
Level 3 Forest School Practitioner
Member of Forest School Association
ITC Outdoor First Aid
Enhanced DBS checked - registered with DBS update service.
