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.
Facilitator Training
Outdoor Learning Using a Forest School Approach
Blackrock Education Centre, Dunlaoghaire, Co. Dublin
This two-day training is designed for Forest School–trained primary teachers or equivalent who are interested in facilitating an EPV-approved summer course, or who would like to explore whether this role might be a good fit in the future.
Dates: 28th February & 1st March 2026
Location: Blackrock Education Centre, Dublin
• Saturday: 9:45am – 5:00pm
• Sunday: 9:45am – 4:00pm
Subsidised cost: €100 for two day training
Rough play at forest school
Facilitated by Jon Cree
Larchhill Arcadian Gardens, Co. Meath
This day will explore the value of conflict in play at Forest School. Play, behaviour and consent are the broader themes. How do we support play through a consent/needs lens while holding to naturecentric values? We will apply theory to our own challenges and real life scenarios.
Jon Cree is an internationally renowned Forest School Leader, Earth Educator, author and founder of the UK Forest School Association.
This event is hosted by Forest School Ireland.
Date: Sunday 22nd February
09:30-16:30
Cost: €85 + booking fee
Play Structures
Facilitated by Jon Cree
Larchhill Arcadian Gardens, Co. Meath
This 1 or 2 day course is for educators wishing to be a little more adventurous with creative play structures at their sites, building them out of wood and rope and combining these with the natural features at your site. We will be sharing techniques and know-how on building safe but slightly risky (!) structures with children that can enhance creativity and physical play at your forest school site.
Jon Cree is an internationally renowned Forest School Leader, Earth Educator, author and founder of the UK Forest School Association.
This event is hosted by Forest School Ireland.
Dates: Friday 20th, Saturday 21st February
09:30-16:30
Cost: €85 per day + booking fee
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.
Nature Based Learning CPD - Summer Course
Education Centres - TBC
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 we focus 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.
Subscribe to our email alerts for 2026 dates.