Level 3 Forest School Leader + Level 4 Outdoor & Adventure Therapy
Train as a Forest School Leader and become an Outdoor and Adventure Therapist through one integrated route.
Gain two Ofqual-regulated qualifications, with the Level 4 Certificate credit-rated by Queen Margaret University, combining practical outdoor leadership with evidence-based therapeutic training.
At The Therapy Adventure, you’ll learn with a strong focus on mental health, inclusive practice, and real-world application from day one.
This pathway is for those who would like to becoming Outdoor and Adventure Therapists but don't hold an Outdoor Instructor qualification, those looking for a career change or already working outdoors. You may also choose to do this route if you are an outdoor instructor but would like to add Forest School Skills to your existing knowledge and delivery.
Instead of taking these qualifications separately, the integrated pathway gives you a clear progression from practical delivery to therapeutic practice.
A structured pathway from Level 3 to Level 4
£295 saving when enrolling on both together
Build confidence first, before moving into therapeutic work
Learn with a therapist-led team, combining clinical and outdoor expertise
Train in a way that reflects real practice, not just theory
By enrolling on the integrated route, you would have immediate access to the Level 3 Forest School Leader training - choosing a fully online, or with a weekend covering practical skills in-person.
This can be done over a year, with 2-2.5 hours per week but you can also complete much sooner.
You would then be able to begin the Level 4 Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy in October, alongside our cohort.
This is delivered by self-paced online learning, some live learning in the evening and an optional immersive weekend. It usually takes 2-2.5 hours a week over 12-18 months.
By completing both qualifications, you’ll be able to work as Forest School Leader, safely delivering outdoor sessions for all ages as well as work as an Outdoor and Adventure Therapist using outdoor sessions as a vehicle for ethical and safe therapeutic interventions.
You can enrol now and start the Level 3 Forest School Leader training straight away.
If you want to attend Practical Skill Days - Manchester: 26th and 27th September and Surrey: 29th and 30th August.
The Level 4 Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy starts on the 19th October 2026.
Enrol now and tick the 'Dual Enrolment Option'. Pay a £95 deposit and then we'll email you to set up a payment plan or pay the full amount in October.
For the integrated route, there are no entry requirements. By studying the Level 3 Forest School Leader training, you are eligible to take part in the Level 4 Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy.
You must be older that 21 years of age and a passion for the outdoors is essential.
We know many of our learners are balancing work and family, so we’ve designed this course to be as manageable and supportive as possible. You’ll follow a clear structure, but you won’t be rushed. You’ll have time to complete your portfolio in a way that works for you, with guidance throughout.
The Level 3 Forest School Leader training costs £897 and the Level 4 Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy costs £1395. There is a £295 discount on our usual course costs when you study together.
The total cost of the course is £1,997 (£1,664.17 plus VAT).
To make this qualification accessible, we offer a flexible payment plan. An initial deposit to secure your place of £95 is required.
The remaining balance can then be paid in 12, 18 or 24 monthly instalments.
Most learners will take around 12-18 months to complete both pathways although you can take as long as you need. You can start the Level 3 Forest School Training straight away before starting the Level 4 Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy in October 2026.
Welcome and Portfolio
Introduction to the training, induction and how the portfolio works. The portfolio information includes activities for each unit and can be completed in different formats such as writing, photos, videos or presentations.
Unit 1: Forest School Programmes and the Woodland Environment
Learn about woodland structures, flora and fauna, and sustainable management. Includes 3 activities.
Support Units
Planning your 6 sessions: choosing a placement and contacting sites
Risk assessments: a recorded session and resources
Unit 2: Practical Skills for a Forest School Programme
Develop practical delivery skills through 6 projects, including shelter building and tool use. Shown through videos you record at home.
Choose from Practical Skills Training Options
Online (with encouragement to gain experience through volunteering or shadowing)
One-day confidence sessions (Manchester or Surrey)
Two-day practical training (Manchester or Surrey)
Unit 3: Learning and Development
Explore learning theories, development and behaviour. Includes 7 activities.
Unit 4: Planning a Forest School Programme
Plan your programme, including handbook, policies, risk assessments and 6 sessions.
Unit 5: Delivery of a Forest School Programme
Deliver, reflect on and evaluate 6 sessions.
Optional Accreditation (6 CPD Hours)
Mental Health and Inclusive Practice, focused on wellbeing and SEND. Delivered by a Speech and Language Therapist and Clinical Psychologist.
Ongoing Support
First six months support pack
Two business webinars (career planning and starting a business)
Monthly drop-in sessions
Peer support via Facebook group and chat
Ongoing support via WhatsApp, email and phone
A 300-hour qualification with around 50% self-study. Completion typically takes 12–18 months (minimum 9 months, up to 2 years).
Foundations of Outdoor and Adventure Therapy
Explores the development, application and underlying neurological and psychological principles.
Mental Health Foundations
Covers mental health conditions, trauma, ACEs and trauma-sensitive practice.
Planning Therapeutic Interventions
Focuses on assessment, case formulation, goal setting and measuring progress.
The Therapeutic Relationship
Explores relationship-building, nature connection, humanistic approaches and ethical practice.
Applied Psychological Approaches
Covers anxiety, emotional regulation, cognitive-behavioural techniques, resilience and skill transfer.
Supporting Diverse Needs
Focuses on strengths-based, neuroaffirming and inclusive approaches.
Clinical Supervision and Practitioner Wellbeing
Explores supervision, reflective practice and maintaining practitioner wellbeing.
For the Level 3 Forest School Leader training, you'll complete a portfolio via submitting written and video evidence as you go through the course. You'll share your competency with tools and fire using videos. You'll answer questions about your understanding of the woodland environment, learning and development at Forest School. You'll create a handbook and develop policies for your Forest School. You'll also need to deliver 6 Forest School sessions in practice,. Don’t worry, you won’t be in this alone. We help you every step of the way. You can do these locally to home or we can support you to organise them.
We provide high levels of support so you can complete your portfolio including guides, checklists, templates and more. We pride ourselves on tailoring our courses to make it accessible to all. Upon completion and submission of your portfolio, you will receive your internationally recognised qualification and become a Level 3 Forest Schools Leader.
The Level 4 Certificate in Outdoor & Adventure Therapy is assessed through 7 assignments, which include a mix of research-based tasks, case study and vignette analyses and reflective assignments. The reflective assignments provide a space for you to evaluate your own experiences, while the research-based tasks encourage you to deepen your understanding of therapeutic models and their integration into outdoor practices.
To help you succeed, we offer assignment support sessions for each of the seven assignments. These sessions are designed to guide you through the Level 4 study process, helping you refine your research, analysis, and reflection skills, while ensuring that you meet the high standards expected at early degree level.
Questions
You've got questions. We've got answers.
According to the Forest School Association, Forest School is...
"a child-centred inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting."
You may deliver sessions within a school setting, as an extra curricular activity, for early years age groups, for children with additional needs, for young people, for adults and more.
You can read more about Forest School here: https://forestschoolassociation.org/what-is-forest-school/?utm_source=podia&utm_medium=iframely
Can you summarise these:
Level 3 Forest School Leader
Welcome and Portfolio
The first section is all about welcoming you to your training, accessing our induction, understanding how the training works and what the portfolio will look like.
The portfolio consists of a number of activities in each unit, showing your understanding of applying your knowledge and skills as a Forest School Leader. You can complete these in many ways including writing, diagrams and bullet points, photos, videos and voicenotes, typed work, presentations and posters and more.
Unit 1: Forest School Programmes and the Woodland Environment
In this module, you'll learn more about the structures of woodlands, flora and fauna and understand sustainable management techniques. You'll complete 3 activities as part of this unit!
Support Unit: Planning where to do your 6 sessions
This unit supports you to select a placement, contact local Forest Schools or possible sites for delivery and provides you with a list of Forest Schools that you can contact from our network!
Support Unit: Risk Assessments
This live session and resources helps you understand and develop risk assessments for your sessions.
Unit 2: Practical Skills for a Forest School Programme
In this module, you'll learn the practical skills of delivering forest school. There are 6 small projects to complete as part of this unit from Shelter Building to using Hand Tools. You'll need to film yourself completing some aspects of the training.
Online, One Day or Two Days: Practical Skills Training
As part of the training, all students are able to access practical skills training. This is available:
Purely online, as part of Unit 2. If you choose online training, we encourage you to volunteer or shadow at a Forest School to benefit from practical support
One Day Confidence Building Practical Skill days. As part of Unit 2, you'll learn the practical skills, then you can join us in Manchester or Surrey for a day to build your confidence!
Two Day Practical Skill days. Join us in Manchester or Surrey to learn all the practical skills you need to be a confident Forest School Leader.
Unit 3: Learning and Development at a Forest School Programme
In this module, you'll learn relevant theories of learning and development and their application to a Forest School programme and understand the impact of behaviour on learning and development. There are 7 activities to complete in this unit and you can present them in any way you wish.
Unit 4: Planning a Forest School Programme
In this module, you'll more about planning and putting together your Forest School Programme. This includes creating your handbook, policies and risk assessments as well as planning your 6 sessions!
Unit 5: Delivery of a Forest School Programme
In this module, you'll deliver 6 Forest School Programme, reflect on them and evaluate your delivery.
Optional Accreditation - 6 CPD Hours: Mental Health and Inclusive Practice at Forest School
Mental Health and Inclusive Practice at Forest School equips Forest School leaders with essential training focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all children, and creating a safe, inclusive environment for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The course is delivered by Caspian Jamie, an Award Winning Speech and Language Therapist, and Dr Abigail Methley, a Clinical Psychologist, who provides invaluable insights and practical strategies to empower participants in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all children.
Your First Six Months as a Forest School Leader
A new Forest School Leaders Support Pack including support from Forest School Leaders, checklists, games and activities and more.
Post-Qualification Support
Our Business Coach delivers two webinars for your further development - Career Planning as a Forest School Leader and Starting your own Forest School Business.
Monthly Support Drop Ins
Once a month, our team hold a drop in session where you can come along and get support with completing your Level 3 Forest School Leader training!
Peer Support: Facebook Group & Chat
All of our students have access to a community Facebook Group and chat so that you can share ideas, questions and gain support as you work through the qualification.
Support from our team
Our team are available via Whatsapp, Email and Phone throughout the training and beyond. This means you are able to get support when suits you.
This module provides an overview of common mental health conditions and how their symptoms may influence participation in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy. It also explores the psychological impact of trauma and ACEs, the suitability of nature-based approaches for clients with complex needs, and the principles of trauma-sensitive practice.
This module explores the role of case formulation in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy and introduces methods for conducting client assessments in outdoor settings. It also covers values-based goal setting and practical approaches for measuring therapeutic progress throughout the intervention.
This module focuses on the core principles of building effective therapeutic relationships in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy, including the role of nature connection and humanistic counselling approaches. It also explores ethical practice and how to maintain professional boundaries in outdoor & adventure therapy.
This module explores the psychological mechanisms behind anxiety and emotional regulation, alongside cognitive-behavioural techniques for emotional exploration in outdoor settings. It also covers practical strategies for building resilience and self-efficacy, supporting meaning-making, and helping clients transfer new skills into everyday life through Outdoor and Adventure Therapy.
This module introduces the principles of strengths-based and neuroaffirming approaches in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy, emphasising the importance of recognising and building on each client’s unique abilities. It also explores how to adapt outdoor activities to meet the diverse needs of individuals in an inclusive and supportive way.
This module explores the importance of clinical supervision and reflective practice in maintaining safe, ethical, and effective Outdoor and Adventure Therapy. It also covers strategies to support practitioner wellbeing and resilience in this emotionally and physically demanding field.
We pride ourselves on tailoring our courses to make it accessible to all.
From peer-to-peer sessions, video guides, checklists, templates, and tutor support, we have learning options that suit everyone’s learning style.
You can pay via 12, 18 or 24 monthly instalments
When you purchase through a payment plan, you are responsible for completing each payment regardless if you don't complete the programme.
Payment plans must be paid in full before certification can be ordered.
You can complete this course in your own time. On average, participants complete the course in 12-18 months alongside their other commitments. This makes it an easy option for those who wish to train while they are in a full-time occupation.
You can complete a fast-track version of this course completing it in 9 months.
If you wish to take longer and spread this course over an extended period of time, we can support you to do this.
We frequently hear that retraining as a Forest School Leader is one of the best decisions individuals have ever made. The opportunity to work in the outdoors in beautiful surroundings in a meaningful role and see the progress children make, is incredibly valuable way to spend your days.
However, the process of retraining can seem scary. Life can be busy and fitting in a new qualification around other commitments can seem a challenge.
At The Therapy Adventure we support you to succeed. We help to make the process as straightforward as possible, by providing you with tools and templates to complete your qualification. We provide an exceptionally high level of support, with each step of the qualification broken down into baby steps which you can easily complete around your daily life.
Studying online can allow for flexibility for those who can’t easily take an extended break from their responsibilities or those who need to pace themselves by studying in short bursts or watching material for a second time to build confidence.
Online courses can vary in quality and additional supports need to be put in place to ensure that learners are engaged and feel confident in practising as a Forest School Leader. At The Therapy Adventure our team are skilled in delivering high quality online courses and programmes.
We’ve worked hard to ensure that whether you join us in person or study online, that you’re receiving the same course content and, of course, the same qualification.
Our Blended option means you get the opportunity to study online, completing the units and portfolio around your own commitments but also benefit from 2 days of practical skills training in the woods. You don't need to decide until after you've enrolled.
Online students are invited to our Confidence Building Day: An optional day takes place in person and provides you with opportunities to practice skills like putting up a tarp or using tools.
Easy to navigate self-paced modules
Practical Challenges integrated into each section
Plenty of opportunities for group discussion with peers through online check ins, webinars and a friendly group of peers.
Opportunities to shadow a Forest School Leader near you through The Therapeutic Forest’s Approved Practitioner Network of more than 120 Forest School Leaders.
The Level 4 Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy is designed for people who are already experienced outdoor or adventure instructors. You already know how to deliver activities safely in outdoor settings, so this qualification focuses on something different.
Our aim is to give you high-level knowledge, ethical frameworks, and therapeutic approaches from clinical psychologists, therapists, and mental health professionals. These are best taught through expert-led workshops, live online teaching, and structured self-study, where you can learn, reflect, and engage with the evidence and theory behind good practice.
The outdoor element comes in through the immersive weekend, where you will connect what you have learned to real-world outdoor therapy settings. The qualification itself focuses on the serious, academic training you need to design safe, ethical, and effective outdoor and adventure therapy programmes, rather than teaching outdoor skills you already have.
No. This is a knowledge-based qualification, not a statutory clinical training. It equips outdoor and adventure professionals with the skills to integrate therapeutic approaches safely and ethically within outdoor and adventure settings for people with mild-to-moderate mental health needs.
Graduates must always work within the qualification’s defined scope, follow referral pathways where needs exceed this scope, and maintain ongoing supervision as set out in the Qualification Scope & Guidance document.
Safety is built into the qualification at every stage. Learners receive explicit training in ethical practice, professional boundaries, supervision requirements, and referral pathways so they understand exactly where their role begins and ends.
A full unit, Clinical Supervision and Practitioner Wellbeing, introduces recognised supervision models, reflective practice methods, and strategies for managing complexity and practitioner wellbeing. Graduates are taught that ongoing clinical supervision is essential for safe and ethical practice, this is not optional.
After completing, graduates are given access to a monthly Outdoor Therapy Clinical Supervision Group facilitated by clinical psychologists, therapists, and experienced outdoor practitioners. They can also access one-to-one consultations for more complex cases.
The Qualification Scope & Guidance document sets out clear parameters for safe practice, including the supervision expectations and referral processes, so graduates always work within defined ethical and professional boundaries.
You will be a Level 3 Forest School Leader and can offer this as a standalone option or combine both qualifications and work as an Outdoor & Adventure Therapist
Graduates can design and deliver therapeutic outdoor and adventure programmes for people with mild-to-moderate mental health and wellbeing needs.
They learn how to plan sessions, integrate therapeutic frameworks, adapt for diverse needs, build safe relationships, and collaborate with healthcare professionals where appropriate.
The Qualification Scope & Guidance document sets out the full range of applications, as well as the limitations and exclusions - so graduates always work within a defined ethical and professional framework.
Yes. We support graduates to use the term Outdoor and Adventure Therapist and Outdoor and Adventure Therapy. This is a widely used term in research and practice internationally and reflects a long tradition of nature- and adventure-based therapeutic approaches.
However, it is important to note that this is a knowledge-based qualification and does not confer any statutory or protected therapist title. Graduates should always use the full term Outdoor and Adventure Therapy or Therapist so the scope and limits of their practice remain clear.
Similar fields such as equine therapy, play therapy, and ecotherapy also integrate therapeutic models and evidence-informed practices within clearly defined scopes of practice while remaining outside statutory regulation.
More information on scope of the qualification, ethical boundaries, supervision requirements and graduate expectations can be found in the Qualification Scope & Guidance document.
Level 3 Forest School Leader Training
We are not a member or affiliated with any specific association, including the Forest School Association.
We deliver the Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification with the awarding body Open Awards, regulated by OFQUAL. You can review the qualification we deliver here.
Upon completion, you will gain an internationally recognised qualification. Providing you have appropriate First Aid, you can immediately gain insurance and begin practicing as a Forest School Leader.
Although we do not deliver an FSA approved course, once you have completed your training, you will still be able to join the FSA as an Individual Member and access a range of benefits. However, you will not be eligible to become a Recognised Forest School Provider. Currently a very small proportion of UK Forest School Leaders are Registered Providers.
Level 4 Certificate in Outdoor and Adventure Therapy: Our Approach to Accreditation and Endorsement
The Open Awards Level 4 Certificate in Outdoor & Adventure Therapy (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated, knowledge-based qualification with university credit rating from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.
Why not a therapy membership body like BACP or UKCP?
Bodies such as BACP, BPS and UKCP set endorsement criteria for statutory training in counselling, psychology or psychotherapy. Our qualification does not train statutory therapists or confer a protected professional title. It is intentionally integrative and multidisciplinary, rather than belonging to a single therapeutic tradition. Designing the qualification to align with one therapy body would have narrowed the focus and failed to reflect the breadth and diversity on which the qualification is built.
Why not an outdoor membership body?
Outdoor education has a long history in the UK with well-respected membership organisations. However, outdoor and adventure therapy as a distinct field draws on diverse traditions and has no single, long-established membership body representing it. With most networks relatively new and the field still developing, aligning the qualification with one body could risk narrowing its focus in what is an intentionally broad and evolving area of practice.
Our focus
Rather than aligning with any single membership body, we have deliberately prioritised academic strength, national regulation, and independent oversight.
The qualification is Ofqual-regulated and currently undergoing university credit rating, ensuring it meets rigorous academic standards recognised both nationally and internationally.
Alongside this, we have developed strategic partnerships to enrich the training experience. A nationally respected mental health charity, Manchester Mind, collaborates with us to deliver workshops for learners, bringing real-world expertise from mental health professionals into the programme. We also partner with a long-established adventure therapy charity, whose extensive experience in outdoor therapeutic work provides valuable sector insight and practical context for our students.
To ensure the qualification continues to reflect the needs of this diverse and evolving field, we are also establishing an Independent Professional Advisory Panel. This panel will bring together representatives from mental health, education, research, and the outdoor sector to provide balanced, informed guidance as the qualification develops and grows.