About Us

So, what is a Forest School?

Forest Schools encourage intellectual development by driving independent learning. It allows children to follow their own path with leaders who promote and assist discovery.

The Ethos of Forest Schools:

-regular sessions
-takes places in woodland/natural environment
-promotes soft skills and holistic development
-supports healthy risk taking
-run by a qualified Forest School practitioner
-child-led learning

Over the term, children will learn skills such as: fire lighting, using saws, using knives and making dens. Forest Schools give children the opportunities to develop friendship, build confidence and resilience as well as grow as creative learners.

Read more about Forest Schools in our full blog.

Find out more

About me

Hi, my name is Michelle Cooper. I began teaching in 2016 in an idyllic small primary school on the outskirts of Keswick. It was there that I was able to demonstrate my love for the outdoors and enjoyed the freedom to take learning outside of the classroom. In the five years that I worked there, I enjoyed leading PE and outdoor studies. The opportunity to become a Forest School Leader came about and I was excited to get started. After completing the course, I set up a forest school and held sessions one day a week in a spectacular forest close to the school. It soon became apparent that these were my most enjoyable days at school! I loved exploring the forest with the children and seeing the benefits of child-led learning.

In September 2021, I gave birth to my daughter: Fern. My husband and I were overjoyed and amazed at our little bundle of fun! I loved teaching and adored working with children, but I couldn’t imagine being away from Fern for such long periods of time. My maternity leave was very busy with me hatching up new ideas and plans which meant that I could spend as much time with Fern as possible.

… And so Little Twiglets was created. A place that I could share my passion and enthusiasm, where Fern could enjoy other children’s company whilst playing and learning in the forest.

Qualifications

– Level 3 Forest School Practitioner,
– (16 Hour) Outdoor First Aider
– Paediatric First Aider,
– BA (Hons) Sport Studies,
– PGCE in Primary Education

About Sarah

Hi, my name is Sarah Pearce. I have loved the outdoors all my life and gained a degree in Outdoor Studies from the University of Cumbria in 2012. In September 2021, a day after Michelle welcomed Fern into the world, me and my husband welcomed Jack! We were lucky enough to meet at a baby group and now I am really excited to support Michelle on her journey to creating Little Twiglets Forest School. Along with providing marketing and admin support, I love assisting Michelle at the groups!

Blogs

Why do I keep hearing about child-led play?

The role of play is a very important part of Forest Schools. It is something I feel extremely strong…

‘The weather outside is frightful but Forest School is still delightful!’

As the colder months set in our little adventurers still love to be outdoors enjoying the seasonal c…

What is a ‘Forest School’?

So what is a forest school? Michelle discusses what forest school means to her and what it represent…