Continuous Professional Development Opportunities
Every teacher is fully qualified to bring children outdoors to learn! However, if you would like to gain knowledge, inspiration and join a supportive community of teachers passionate about nature then there are a number of fantastic CPD courses that might be of interest. We update this page regularly, but please check the Irish Forest School Association, Brigit's Garden and your local Education Centre websites for the most up to date information.
Coill na bPáisti (Children's Forest)
Forest from Seed and Children's Forest Facilitator Training
Knockree Hostel, Enniskerry, co. Wicklow
8-11th August 2026
Join the incredible team from Children's Forest UK for two amazing workshops this summer. Learn how to grow forests from seed and facilitate woodland planting projects with children and communities. This inspiring approach uses Forest School principles to foster deep nature connection through forest creation. Learn how ancestral skills, storytelling, music and art can bring wonder and joy to tree planting projects. Leave with all the practical skills to start your own forest project - big or small.
Workshop 1: Forests from Seed
Dates: Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th August
Workshop 2: Children's Forest Facilitator Training
Dates: Monday 10th & Tuesday 11th August
Location: Knockree Hostel, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
Time: 9:30-16:00 daily
A children's camp will run alongside the training to enable families to attend.
Food & Accommodation options available.
See the event website for more details.
Nature Based Learning CPD - Summer Courses
Education Centres - nationwide
This week long summer course is designed to give teachers the confidence, skills and inspiration to bring learning outdoors. It will be packed full of ideas, practical experience and lots of time in nature! Throughout the week the focus will be on how to support learning and wellbeing in Education for Sustainable Development, the Arts, biodiversity, STEAM and the Primary School Curriculum through Forest School approaches. Booking is via the individual Education Centres.
QQI Level 6 in Forest School Leadership
Brigit's Garden Education Centre
The course equips you with the knowledge, skills and competence needed to work as a qualified Forest School leader. It prepares you to lead effective and safe Forest School programmes outdoors for children, families and adults, with nature connection at the heart of the practice.
The course is delivered by a professional team of tutors, all of whom have many years’ experience leading and teaching Forest School in a wide range of settings.
If you have any queries you can email Laura at adulteducation@brigitsgarden.ie.
Nature Based Learning Community of Practice
Blackrock Education Centre, Dublin
Monthly, starting 4th October 2025
This year-long Community of Practice is designed for Forest School leaders, teachers, and nature-connected practitioners who want to continue their learning journey in a supportive, playful, and reflective space. Each session will deepen our connection to nature, pedagogy, and each other.
Together, we’ll explore the seasons, child-led learning, and the art of bringing Nature-Based Learning to children. Expect stories, songs, folklore, creativity, laughter, and woodland treats.
Fully booked for 2025/26. Please sign up to our email alerts for the latest course dates.
Talk to a trained
Forest School Leader
IFSA Website
There are many fantastic trained Forest School Leaders throughout Ireland who frequently work with schools on designing and implementing Nature Based Learning programmes. Visit the Irish Forest School Association website to see a helpful map and county by county list of Forest School practitioners.
