Woodland Activity Leader Training Theory (Part 1, Online, self-led)

We have split our in-person 7-day WALT course into the theory and practical parts. So you may complete these separately. This course is ideally suited to anyone interested in leading groups in an outdoor setting. Whether you’re an English or a Mathematics teacher, an environmental professional, or an outdoor enthusiast, our WALT will enable you to take groups of all ages and abilities on exciting and educational outdoor adventures.

With the WALT course you will learn the necessary skills from scratch so you can share them with your own students when needed. These skills include:

• Bushcraft skills – This includes making shelters, setting up tarps, wood carving, whittling, knot tying and making cordage using natural materials
• Tool use – Learn how to safely use of knives, saws, loppers and other cutting tools
• Fire lighting – Learn the principals of effective and safe fire lighting. This includes making appropriate tinder, kindling and using flint and steel (fire starters)
• Naturalist knowledge – learn to identify trees and plants, going on “minibeasts” insect adventures, and recognising animal tracks
• Environmental Education Games – learn a wide variety of games suitable for a variety of abilities, ages, learning styles and learning objectives.
• Conservation Activities – learn how to leave natural environments in a better state than when you found them, leave-no-trace policies as well as conservation crafts and activities such as: making bird feeders, bird houses, bug hotels, tree planting and much more!
• Health and safety – Learn how to do risk assessment and group management in outdoor contexts, rights of access and other legal considerations and responsibilities.
• Environmental education methodology – Gain insight into the many approaches to outdoor learning. Learn how to make sessions accessible for people of all abilities and develop session plans to meet diverse needs.

On completion of both the theory and the practical course you will gain:

• A Level 2 qualification recognised by the General Teaching Council of Scotland
• Your first outdoor session plan, designed by yourself to use in your teaching.
• A tool-box of environmental activities and games sure to engage and excite your students
• Confidence to deliver inspiring outdoor sessions safely
• Naturalist skills that will help you bring the outdoors to life
• Access to the ongoing support after the course from our instructors and fellow students. This includes useful resources to help you develop further session plans in the future.

Working since 2003, Wild Things is the leading provider of nature-based health and wellbeing programmes in the North of Scotland. Our WALT instructors are highly experienced environmental educators. They have honed their skills through years of delivering successful charitable programmes to vulnerable children and youths. We are excited to teach our expertise to WALT participants so even more children across Scotland have meaningful experiences with nature!