The date for the next course has not yet been announced but will take place in Summer 2026
The Open Awards Level 1 & 2 in Nature Connection & Wellbeing is the first qualification in the UK to formally recognise the impact of nature-based learning on wellbeing. Designed to bridge the gap between Forest School and formal education, this GCSE-equivalent qualification ensures that young people gain meaningful accreditation while engaging in experiential, child-led, and holistic learning.
This qualification is designed to be delivered by Forest School Leaders and Outdoor Educators.
We train Forest School Leaders and Outdoor Learning staff to become a Nature Connection Qualification Instructor through our CPD-accredited training. We provide all the training, resources, and curriculum you need to confidently deliver this GCSE-equivalent qualification in your setting.
The heart of Forest School and outdoor learning lies in exploration, nature connection, and personal growth—qualities that don’t always fit neatly into traditional assessment models.
The Open Awards Level 1 & 2 in Nature Connection & Wellbeing offers a powerful solution. This GCSE-equivalent qualification brings together the worlds of experiential outdoor learning and formal education, providing the structured recognition that schools require—without compromising the ethos, principles, or roots of Forest School.
By offering a recognised GCSE- level qualification, it ensures that students’ nature-based learning is valued on par with traditional subjects, while keeping wellbeing and connection to the natural world at its core.
Find out more about becoming a Nature Connection Instructor when you join our email list.
The Nature Connection Instructor Training equips Forest School leaders, outdoor educators, teaching staff, and wellbeing practitioners with the skills and accreditation needed to deliver the Open Awards Level 1 & 2 in Nature Connection & Wellbeing.
This CPD-accredited training provides:
✅ A ready-to-use curriculum, including lesson plans and structured learning activities
✅ Training from doctoral-level experts, including clinical psychologists and nature connection researchers
✅ A portfolio-based assessment model, allowing learners to showcase their skills through hands-on activities
✅ Guidance on delivering the wellbeing elements of the course safely and effectively
By completing the training, educators save time, reduce admin, and gain expert guidance, making qualification delivery seamless and impactful.
In order to enrol on the Instructor Training, you need to be a qualified Forest School Leader or teacher. Alternatively, you may be an individual currently working with children in a supervised setting such as a school or youth charity.
For many Forest School leaders, the idea of delivering a GCSE-equivalent qualification can feel overwhelming. Questions like “How do I structure lessons?”, “How do I assess students?” and “Do I need to understand exam regulations?” can create uncertainty.
Our Nature Connection Instructor Training takes the stress out of the process by providing everything you need, including:
✅ A fully developed curriculum – No need to create lesson plans from scratch; we provide a structured programme aligned with the qualification’s learning outcomes.
✅ Portfolio-based assessment training – We walk you through how to assess students’ work in an accessible, non-exam format.
✅ Step-by-step marking guidance – You’ll gain confidence in evaluating learner portfolios, ensuring fair and accurate assessment.
✅ Training from experts – Learn directly from doctoral-level specialists in clinical psychology, outdoor learning, and nature connection research.
✅ Wellbeing & safeguarding best practices – Get expert guidance on delivering the mental health elements of the qualification safely and effectively.
By completing this training, you’ll be fully equipped to deliver a recognised, GCSE-equivalent qualification while ensuring your learners experience Forest School and nature connection in a way that stays true to its roots.
Once you have completed the Instructor training, there are two routes to delivering this qualification depending on your needs:
You can register directly with Open Awards to deliver the qualification independently.
This requires an initial centre registration fee £625 plus an annual fee of £650 (for up to 99 learners) or £695 (for 100+ leaders).
You will need a Tutor/Assessor and will need to appoint an Internal Quality Assessor (IQA) within your organisation.
There is a registration cost for each person you register for a qualification.
For those who do not want the extra admin of registering with Open Awards, we provide a fully supported route through our TTA Exam Centre.
For £245 per year, you can deliver the qualification to up to 30 learners with full Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) support from our team.
✅ We handle all IQA requirements – No need to hire or train an IQA; our team ensures your assessments meet all standards.
✅ You receive full assessment guidance – Our simple, step-by-step marking guides ensure you feel confident assessing student work.
✅ Portfolio marking workshops – Join our expert team to mark sample portfolios together and refine your approach.
✅ Ongoing support – You’re never left to figure it out alone; we provide clear guidance and one-to-one help as needed.
There is a registration cost for each person you register for a qualification.
This is the easiest and most efficient way to offer a GCSE-equivalent qualification without the complexity of managing exam regulations, IQA requirements, and external quality assurance yourself.
This instructor training provides you with the knowledge, skills and resources to deliver the Level 1 and Level 2 in Nature Connection. You can select either option at any point during your training or afterwards.
This qualification is designed for a wide range of learners, including:
Students in schools, PRUs, and alternative education settings who struggle with traditional academic assessments
Young people interested in conservation, environmental education, and outdoor leadership
Neurodivergent students, including those with SEND and SEMH needs, who benefit from hands-on, nature-based learning
Learners preparing for careers in the green economy, outdoor education, or wellbeing sectors
This qualification is portfolio-based, meaning there are no exams. Learners complete a range of activities, reflections, and nature-based tasks to demonstrate their understanding, ensuring an accessible and engaging learning experience.
Find out more about becoming a Nature Connection Instructor when you join our email list.
🌿 Supports Mental Health & Wellbeing – Nature-based learning has been proven to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and enhance focus. Learners develop practical coping strategies to support their wellbeing.
📖 An Alternative to Mainstream Assessment – This qualification offers a flexible, portfolio-based approach, allowing learners to showcase their skills through hands-on experiences rather than exams.
🌍 Prepares Young People for Future Careers – With the green economy growing rapidly, this qualification provides essential skills for careers in:
Conservation & Land Management – Park ranger, rewilding, biodiversity research
Outdoor Education & Leadership – Forest School leader, environmental educator
Nature-Based Wellbeing Roles – Outdoor therapy, social prescribing, eco-coaching
Scientific & Environmental Research – Sustainability consultancy, climate science
The Nature Connection Instructor Training is a CPD-accredited course designed to equip Forest School leaders, outdoor educators, teaching staff, and wellbeing practitioners with the skills, confidence, and accreditation needed to deliver the Open Awards Level 1 & 2 in Nature Connection & Wellbeing.
This training ensures that you can confidently support learners in gaining a GCSE-equivalent qualification, while deepening their connection to nature and enhancing their wellbeing.
We understand that educators and Forest School leaders have different schedules and learning preferences, so we offer an online flexible approach to complete the training:
The date for the next course has not yet been announced but will take place in Summer 2026
£395 inc VAT
• A flexible online option for those who prefer to learn at their own pace.
• Delivered over 8 weeks, part-time, to fit around work and other commitments.
• Weekly video lessons, live Q&A sessions, and expert-led discussions.
1️⃣ Register for the Nature Connection Instructor Training
Secure your place on the CPD-accredited training that equips you with everything needed to deliver the qualification effectively.
2️⃣ Complete the Nature Connection Instructor Training
Gain practical skills, expert guidance, and ready-to-use resources to confidently support learners.
3️⃣ Choose Your Delivery Route
Want to manage it yourself? Register with Open Awards and set up your own IQA.
Want an easy, supported route? Register with our TTA Exam Centre and we’ll handle IQA for you.
4️⃣ Start Delivering the Qualification
Provide young people with a GCSE-equivalent outcome that recognises their nature connection and wellbeing learning while staying true to the values of Forest School and outdoor education.
Find out more about becoming a Nature Connection Qualification Instructor when you join our email list.
If you would like to complete the Level 2 Award in Nature Connection and Wellbeing in addition to the Qualification Instructor Training, you can gain the Level 2 Award for an additional £150 (instead of the usual £395) when you enrol.
Delivered via self-paced learning over 16 weeks and using a portfolio assessment method, you can complete it at your own pace.