Discover our Wilder Learning Programme

Belfairs Forest School

Discover our Wilder Learning Programme

At Essex Wildlife Trust, we believe in nurturing a lifelong love of nature at every age and stage of life. Our Wilder Learning programme offers opportunities for children, educators, adults and families to connect with the natural world. Designed to inspire curiosity and conservation, our programs are suitable for all ages. 

For Schools, Colleges and Educators

Curriculum-linked sessions for EYFS, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and A-Level. We also offer Forest School Programmes, designing and delivering bespoke programmes to suit your setting. 

  • Curriculum based sessions: Enhance your students’ learning with activities that support science, geography, and environmental studies. 
  • Expert guidance: Learn from our experiences educators and wildlife experts. 

  • Interactive learning: Engage students with outdoor, hands-on experiences. Immersive fieldwork and field trip opportunities throughout Essex. 

  • Forest School: We offer six week, term or school year programmes designed tailored to your setting. 

  • After school clubs: We provide all equipment and deliver after school sessions up to 5pm throughout the year. 

What we offer

For Families

Our weekly nature groups, forest school sessions and school holiday programmes provide fun and educational experiences for children of all ages. These sessions are designed to encourage learning in a natural environment, through exploration, creativity, and play. 

  • Family events: Discover our wildlife themed events and activities in Essex. 

  • Holiday clubs: Drop off days through the school holidays allow children aged 5-11 to spend the whole day immersed in our wild world. 

  • Weekly groups: Nature Tots is our weekly pre-school club, for parents and children aged 18 months to 5 years. 

  • Birthday Parties: We offer specialised birthday parties with a wild twist to encourage adventure and exploration through outdoor activities. 

What we offer

Adult Training and Nature Courses

Get closer to wildlife with our exciting range of courses: Forest School, Inset CPD days and Nature Courses. 

We provide professional development opportunities for teachers and educators, helping them to incorporate outdoor learning and wildlife education into their teaching practices. 

  • Forest School training: Our Forest School Leader Level 3 course enables you to deliver Forest School sessions in your setting. 

  • Inset / CPD days: Inset days and twilight courses at your site to train staff on how to use the outdoors to deliver the curriculum creatively. 

  • Nature courses: Learn about our natural world, from species and habitats, practical conservation and more. 

What we offer

Forest school child - Photo: Helena Dolby

Forest school child - Photo: Helena Dolby

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Photo - Carol Durrell River Photography

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All our events are accessible, risk assessed and our staff have the required checks and training to ensure the quality of your experience.