Birdwings Forest School are experienced contemporary nature mentors, and co-founders of the Australian Forest School Association (AFSA). Our training meets the principles and practices of this national organisation, which sets the standard for nature immersion programs in Australia.
Birdwings Forest School training is specific to Australian environments, sensitive and inclusive of First Nations perspectives and reflective of our innovative practice in our own programs. We share our special nature connection methods, playwork, ecological storytelling, practical outdoor skills, bush kindy, singing, felt-making and handcrafts. Choose from our mentoring series below, or Contact us to discuss your professional development, speaking engagement or bespoke training needs.
Elemental Connections Series
A journey into the creative arts and nature connection through water, fire, earth and air. Join our Birdwings Staff Team on our own training days with practical, creative and joyful learning in wild nature.
Suitable both for those who are just starting their journey into nature play, and for those like us who have been working in nature with children for some time, Elemental Connections is a series of three days across the year.
We cover the practical components of working with children in nature and then step into our creative and intuitive selves to make this work even more meaningful for our own community and Country.
WATER – Monday April 3rd
Basic Water Rescue Certificate and Botanical Art through Water Colour Painting
FIRE – Monday June 19
Fire-making with Children, safety and procedures, campfire cooking and chemical-free Eco Printing on cloth with natural materials.
EARTH & AIR – Monday September 18
Communicating children’s learning through visual documentation – Mindfulness and Breathwork with Singing – Free-form Claywork.
Join us for a single day, or book all three for a discounted rate.
View / Download our brochure for more information.
Wild Nature Mentoring Series
The next step into wild nature connection. A training course for mentoring children through wild nature play. Tap into your intuition, creativity and nature awareness through practical skills, creative arts, theory and connection practices.
This course is beneficial both as a practical course for beginners in nature play, forest school, playwork and therapeutic settings – and also for experienced practitioners who wish to move deeper into their creativity and intuition with nature mentoring.
Wild Nature Mentoring may be booked as attendance for single days for on-site learning at our site in Guanaba, Gold Coast – or sign up for the full training across the year which also includes online personal reflection challenges and a visit to one of our programs.
WILD PLAY – Saturday April 29
Nature mentoring for risky and adventurous play in wild natural environments. Practical & safety procedures and nature mentoring styles.
WILD CRAFT – Saturday July 22
Fun and practical day exploring bushcraft and survival with tools, whittling, ropes, tarps and shelter-building. Gain confidence with using what you find and loose parts play in the bush.
ECOLOGICAL STORYTELLING – Saturday August 26
This training we have offered for 20+ years! It remains our most popular offering as we delve into connections with culture, Country, community and conservation through traditional oral storytelling. Practice storytelling techniques and write your own nature story.
FIBRE CRAFT – Saturday 14 October
There’s always room for more craft! We find the benefits of engaging with handcraft will be seen in children’s thinking processes, self-regulation, creative thinking and ability to organise themselves. Learn the art mentoring through wet felt-making, weaving and hand sewing.
Join us for a single day, or book all four for a discounted rate.
View / Download our brochure for more information: