Leading: Nature Skills

Develop the skills and confidence to safely teach and facilitate practical 'Nature Skills' activities through hands-on Outdoor Education. Join Field Studies Ireland for a practical Leading Nature Skills course, designed for those wishing to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to safely incorporate fire lighting, shelter building, outdoor cooking and cutting tools into their teaching practices. ‘Nature Skills’ is a term we use to describe practical outdoor skills commonly associated with bushcraft, wilderness skills, and Forest School practices. This fully outdoor course builds on personal Nature Skills knowledge, focusing on how to share these skills with others through Outdoor Education, using practical, sensory and experiential approaches to learning. Participants will explore how to teach fire lighting, shelter building, knot tying, the safe use of cutting tools and simple campfire cooking techniques. We will also investigate how to create and manage practical outdoor activities and build playscapes, including rope swings, ladders and simple climbing structures, with an emphasis on safe practice, appropriate risk management and meaningful play. Participants will develop their understanding of how to plan and facilitate activities for different groups, abilities and outdoor environments. Learning will be grounded in practical experiences, demonstrations, group activities and shared learning, helping participants develop the confidence and competence to introduce these skills into their own educational, community or professional settings. Field Studies Ireland is a not-for-profit organisation specialising in Outdoor Education. Our expertise lies in using Outdoor Education as a methodology across a wide range of subjects, settings and environments, placing us in a unique position to deliver practical, meaningful training. We exist to empower access to Outdoor Education, helping people and organisations bring what they do outdoors, for the benefit of education, development and wellbeing. Who is this course for? This Leading course is suitable for adults wishing to develop their ability to teach and facilitate practical Nature Skills activities for others, or those wishing to take their existing knowledge and skills to the next level. It is particularly relevant to teachers, educators, youth workers, volunteers, outdoor leaders, environmental professionals and others interested in using practical outdoor skills to support education, development and wellbeing. Participants are advised to complete a relevant introductory course, such as ‘Intro: Nature Skills’, before attending. However, this is not essential, and those with suitable existing knowledge or experience are welcome to participate. What to expect Expect a friendly, practical and engaging learning experience, delivered entirely outdoors by Mark O’Connor, founder of Field Studies Ireland. Participants will spend the course developing and practising approaches to teach Nature Skills, supported by demonstrations, shared experiences and opportunities to plan, facilitate and reflect on practical activities. The emphasis is on developing safe, accessible and engaging experiences that can be replicated in participants' own environments. This is a certified course. Participants who have successfully completed the relevant introductory training, alongside this Leading course, will be eligible for certification. Those attending without suitable introductory training can still participate and develop their skills, with certification available following completion of the required training. As this course takes place outdoors, participants should expect uneven terrain and variable weather conditions. Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear are required. Group Training Field Studies Ireland regularly delivers this training directly to organisations, teams and community groups, often within their own local outdoor environments. The courses advertised here are intended for individuals or small groups wishing to join scheduled training. If you would like to arrange training for your own group, please contact Field Studies Ireland to discuss your requirements. [email protected]