How do I set up an FEI recognised Forest School?

If you wish to set up an FEI recognised Forest School contact you local FEI cluster group with your ideas. If there is no cluster group, you will need to form a cluster group.

If you already run a Forest School – ensure that your Forest School meets all the proposed criteria and join your local cluster group. Contact your co-ordinator with any specific questions you may have.

First Steps
Find out if there is an existing group in your area.

Make contact with the local group who will provide information on local Forest School delivery in that area.

If there isn't a group, contact the national co-ordinator for your country to find out how to set up a local FEI cluster group using the following as a guide:

Write down exactly what you would like to achieve and then contact your national co-ordinator. They may have contact details of other interested parties or they can put you in contact with another group that has already delivered something similar to your particular aims. If you decide to become a group:

• contact your co-ordinator and discuss your ideas;

• arrange a local meeting;

• invite all people who may be interested in developing forest schools (woodland owners, related industries, schools and colleges, local authorities, community groups and environmental bodies);

• decide on a few common aims for the group, based on local available resources and expertise - it is important to ensure that your group has a sound basis and useful resources to offer before starting to promote its existence;

• formally create the group by choosing a name, and electing officers (this process may take more than one meeting);

• write a constitution. View our Constitution template (MS Word 10kB) as an example;

• if you wish to apply for partnership funding you will need to open a bank account or arrange a ring-fenced account with a host organisation.

Training to become a FEI recognised Forest School Leader
All FEI recognised Forest Schools must be led by qualified leaders.

FEI Partnership Funding
If you decide to become an FEI cluster group,you can apply for a challenge fund (up to £5,000) to help with the setting up and training costs to deliver FEI recognised Forest School.

FEI aims to support any project that promotes wood and/or woodlands as a learning resource.