How we started
Birdwings Forest School was established in 2018 by Narell Neville and Jennifer McCormack, both experienced early childhood educators, artists and nature play facilitators who each owned their own nature play businesses. Jennifer and Narell observed profound growth in all areas of children’s development when they spent longer and longer days outside in nature. Now, together at Birdwings Forest School they offer a wide range of children’s programs, resources and professional development to ensure that children everywhere can benefit from nature play.
Find the right program
Birdwings offers different weekly programs for children and families. Some of our programs are multi-aged and even multi-generational. All of our programs are adventurous, creative and aimed at increasing nature connection through play.
Workshops and Training
Birdwings Forest School runs regular Nature Mentor Training and creative arts workshops for forest school and nature play leaders. This training is also useful professional development for educators, therapists and parents.
Our training is practical, creative and very very fun!
Reviews
I’m so impressed by the highly skilled, knowledgeable and caring mentors and the way they interact with the children, encouraging them to trust in their own abilities & how to gently move beyond them. The space they provide and hold for children to be in nature, learn about nature & how to appreciate it is incredible!! Keep up the amazing work Narell & Jen, what you offer the families on the Gold Coast is awesome and very much needed!!
— Bianca Nuss, Principle, The Village School
The team at Birdwings have set up a unique learning experience like no other on the Gold Coast. Children learn to be empowered, create, innovate and build a strong, caring connection to the natural world. They all this through the act of authentic play and the positive encouragement of their carers. As a fellow educator, I know how important this unique experience is in the digital world of the 21st century. The Birdwings are real educators, with real pedagogy and I can’t recommend them enough to all those looking for a unique learning experience for their little ones.
— Kate Hall, Teacher
Adventure Club was an essential part of our son’s growth during the year before he began school. We noticed a huge change in his confidence to push through limitations as well as a deeper understanding of his body and his surroundings. His independence grew as he learnt just how capable he is of looking after himself and his belongings. The social aspect of this program shows the children how they can work and problem solve together as well as help each other through the tricky parts of the adventures. His mentors gently guided us to allow him time and space to flourish as the independent person he has always been. I cannot recommend the Birdwings Nature Forest School enough as the perfect school-readiness program for our children.
-Elizabeth Williams, Parent