Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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SUMMARY TABLE: SELECTING THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOU
TARGET GROUP
TRAINING REQUIRED
METHOD
TYPE OF OUTDOOR SPACE AVAILABLE:
preferable ● possible *
Optional/
resources
available
Any space with natural
elements including school
grounds - woodland
optional
Trees and/or
woodland
●
* for some aspects
●
●
* for some aspects
●
●
●
*
●
Nature Kindergarten
●
●
*
*
Nature Play
●
*
*
Nature Nurture
●
*
*
Woodland Play
●
Early
Years
Secondary
Tertiary/
Adult
Primary
No
Woodland Learning
●
●
●
●
●
Forest School
●
●
●
●
Forest Kindergarten
●
●
●
●
Branching Out
Rural Skills &
Vocational Training
Yes
●
●
●
●
* for some aspects
●
●
●
*
*
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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Model/ Description
WOODLAND LEARNING
Summary
A variety of approaches and activities using trees or woods as a stimulus or topic for formal and informal learning; no
specific skills are required
Any activity using trees or woods as a stimulus or topic for play based or formal learning. The learning can take place
as a one-off or repeated regular sessions, regardless of approach or number of sessions, and is usually led by a
practitioner during school hours. No specific skills are required for a teacher to use woodland learning to take learning
outdoors. A range of free resources are available to support this approach.
All ages
Access to outdoor natural space, with one tree or more, or woodland/ forest. Suitable outdoor clothing for all
Description
Target group
Resource
requirements
Resources available
There are a number of free on-line resources that offer support and guidance. Use the search facility on the Forest
Education Initiative (FEI) website home page. Search here for:
1) Learning resources, which can be filtered by subject area:
 Art, design & technology
 climate change
 cross curriculum
 literacy & English
 geography
 maths & numeracy
 mini-beasts
 science
 trees
 wood as material
2) Other resources:
 project reports
 guidance notes
 templates & forms
Disclaimer: FEI and FCS are not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites or resources indicated here from external sources. Listing should not be taken
as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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
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research
meeting minutes
publications
organisations
external links
Training/ qualification
None required - You don’t have to be a qualified expert to lead a learning experience outdoors.
CPD or woodland skills based workshop opportunities are often available through FEI national events and your local
FEI cluster group
Length of training
Progression
Opportunities
n/a
Try this first: Using school grounds for outdoor learning & play; outdoor journeys
Compare with: Early Years: nature play; woodland play
Consider: Early Years: Forest Kindergarten, Nature Kindergarten All ages:, Forest School training; Woodland Activity
Leader Training is a short accredited NCFE Level 2 course which aims to give confidence and skills to those leading
woodland learning activities. See Wild things. Consider combining with Outdoor Journeys, a place-based exploratory
approach to support outdoor learning. Outdoor Journeys supports teacher training courses at University of Edinburgh,
or is available as a half day CPD course.
Key Organisations
Forest Education Initiative (FEI); Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS); Education Scotland; Woodland Trust
Further information/
resources
Outdoor Learning: Practical guidance, ideas and support for teachers and practitioners in Scotland
Woodland Learning
Education Scotland Woodland Learning Case Studies
FEI learning resources
Wild things.
Disclaimer: FEI and FCS are not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites or resources indicated here from external sources. Listing should not be taken
as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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Outdoor Journeys
The Woodland Trust Scotland outdoor learning pack is aimed at primary teachers but has lots of useful ideas for a
range of practitioners.
Disclaimer: FEI and FCS are not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites or resources indicated here from external sources. Listing should not be taken
as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Model/ Description
FOREST SCHOOL
Summary
An experiential programme led by trained and qualified practitioners using frequent and regular sessions outdoors to
support the whole person.
A long term experiential programme using frequent and regular sessions outdoors, to develop emotional, physical,
cognitive and communication skills across all ages. Participants are supported in their learning and encouraged to
explore the outdoor environment and appreciate nature.
Trained and qualified Forest School leaders use learning and teaching strategies, which develop confidence,
emotional resilience, independence, language and communication skills and increase levels of physical activity and
mental wellbeing. Further information can be found on the Forest School pages of the FEI website
Description
Target group
All ages: Forest School programmes can be developed and delivered to all ages – children from 3-18, those with
additional support for learning, adults and families. Skills acquired can be linked to youth award schemes or help
secondary students progress to Rural Skills.
Resource
requirements
Use of a woodland or natural area, although Forest School can be started within school grounds or other natural
space.
Suitable outdoor clothing for all
High adult to pupil ratio
Equipment is usually required to support Forest School activities e.g. ropes, tools, tarpaulins etc.
Resources available
Advice and support from Forest School training organisations, and local FEI cluster groups; FEI Scotland and FEI
Forest School Scotland Co-ordinator. See also free Woodland Learning resources
To lead a Forest School programme it is necessary to be an OCN or BTEC certificated Forest School Level 3
practitioner. Level 1 enables understanding of Forest School; Level 2 – can assist (but not lead) Forest School. Credit
rating of this course through the SCQF and recognition by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) is
currently under development in Scotland.
Introduction OCN Level 1 (Approx. 1 contact day, 30 hours taught/ self-study time total).
Assistant Practitioner OCN Level 2 (Approx. 6 contact days, 62 hours taught/ self-study time total).
FS Practitioner OCN Level 3 (Approx. 10 contact days, 182 hours taught/ self-study time total).
Training/ qualification
Length of training
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
Progression
Opportunities
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Progression through Forest School OCN accredited training levels: Level 1 (introduction to Forest School) is an
introductory course aimed at giving a basic understanding of Forest School. Level 2 Assistant (qualifies a person to
assist in the delivery of Forest School sessions alongside a Forest School Leader Level 3) and Level 3 Forest School
Leader (qualifies a person to run Forest School sessions with children).
Some training companies offer modular Forest School training (Levels 1–3 combined) or it is possible to embark
directly on a Level 3 course if you have the required background.
See training to become a Forest School leader.
Try this first: Early Years: Nature Play, Forest Kindergarten; All ages: Using school grounds for outdoor learning &
play; outdoor journeys; woodland learning
Compare with: Woodland Activity Leader training; Branching Out, to support mental health in adults.
Consider: Forest School L3 Provides an ideal stepping stone to other Continuing Professional Development
opportunities including postgraduate degree courses which look at different aspects of learning outside and the need
for children to have contact with nature. If trainees have completed a L2/3 Forest School course (or another course
which assesses tool use), then they don’t need to do the full two day period of shadowing and assessment by peers
for Branching Out training.
Key Organisations
Further information/
resources
Forest Education Initiative (FEI) and FEI local cluster groups
Forestry Commission Scotland
Forest School training organisations/ individual trainers
FEI website Forest School information
FEI Forest School in Scotland leaflet
Education Scotland Woods for Learning case Study Developing leadership through Forest School experiences in a
nursery setting
Consider combining with Outdoor Journeys, a place-based exploratory approach to support outdoor learning.
Disclaimer: FEI and FCS are not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites or resources indicated here from external sources. Listing should not be taken
as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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Model/ Description
FOREST KINDERGARTEN
Summary
Description
A Forest School approach in the Early Years, based around child-centred learning through play
Forest Kindergarten offers young children frequent, regular play opportunities in woodland and/or a natural setting,
throughout the year, in almost all weathers. Most early years establishments adopting this approach allocate one
session per week. However, this can be increased to children being outdoors more than 80% of the time. Forest
Kindergarten supports child-centred learning through play, in a 'real world' context, provides young children with
freedom to explore, using multiple senses, promotes health and well-being, confidence and physical and emotional
resilience, supports the acquisition of knowledge, skills and care for the natural heritage.
Young children with Forest Kindergarten experience can progress naturally to Forest School programmes and the
outdoor learning environment.
Target group
Resource
requirements
Resources available
Training/ qualification
Length of training
Progression
Opportunities
Early (3-5) Years
Nursery grounds with some trees and natural space, or access to woodland or other natural area. Suitable outdoor
clothing for all
A Forest Kindergarten training handbook has been designed to support the training course – with information for
leaders, participants and parents.
A Forest Kindergarten training course has been designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge, understanding
and skills to enable children in their setting to play in local woods and other accessible green spaces. An additional
day of CPD may be offered to develop awareness on the use of elements such as tool use and fire. Credit rating of
this course through the SCQF and recognition by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and Scottish
Social Services Council (SSSC) for Early Years staff is currently under development.
3 days plus one additional optional CPD day
Try this first: using nursery grounds,woodland play, nature play
Compare with: Nature Kindergartens
Key Organisations
Consider: Provides an ideal stepping stone to other Continuing Professional Development opportunities including
Forest School Leader training and postgraduate degree courses which look at different aspects of learning outside
and the need for children to have contact with nature.
Forestry Commission Scotland
Central Scotland Conservancy
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
Further information/
resources
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Forestry Commission Scotland (Central Scotland Conservancy) temporary archive Forest Kindergarten information.
Contact Marian Cairns, FCS Education Officer
Forest Kindergarten Case Study: Cassiltoun Stables Nursery, Glasgow.
South Lanarkshire TV Forest Kindergarten film
CreativeSTAR Blog post describes a Forest Kindergarten session
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as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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Model/ Description
NATURE KINDERGARTEN
Summary
Description
A range of methodologies supporting the development of young children through regular contact with nature
This is a general term with different meanings.
The UK Nature Kindergarten focus is on the length of time, connected learning, and the way adults work with
children. The experience for the child in such settings is continuous and profound, and is exemplified by
Mindstretchers’ Nature Kindergartens.
Target group
Resource
requirements
Resources available
Training/ qualification
Length of training
Progression
Opportunities
In other contexts, such as the position taken by Fife Council, this term is used simultaneously along with Forest
Kindergarten to describe its support for pre-school settings to visit woods and nearby greenspaces on a frequent and
regular basis.
Young children with Nature Kindergarten experience can progress naturally to Forest Kindergarten/ Forest School
programmes and woodland learning experiences
Early (3-5)years children
A natural outdoor environment. Suitable outdoor clothing for all
Naturally sourced materials; additional through organisations
In many parts of Europe the adult actually holds a different qualification.
A ‘Nature Play and Nurture’ project that has been running in East and Mid Lothian for over a year. It has involved
training many Early Years staff, and running demonstration Nature Kindergartens.
Mindstrechers offer Nature Kindergarten training
Mindstretchers - Half Day Training and site visit from 12 noon to 3.30pm with attendance certificate
Try this first : using school grounds, woodland play, nature play
Compare with: Forest Kindergarten; nature play
Consider: Woodland learning; Forest School
Key Organisations
Further information/
resources
Mindstretchers; some local authorities including Fife Council
Education Scotland Woods for Learning case Study Nature Kindergartens in Fife
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as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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Mindstretchers Nature Kindergartens See also the publication Nature Kindergartens and Forest Schools by Claire
Warden (2010) www.mindstretchers.co.uk
The Secret Garden is a nursery in Fife that offers explorative full-time outdoor play
Skogsmulle is a Swedish early years play programme to support learning through all the senses, a complementary
approach to Nature Kindergarten.
See CreativeSTAR’s blogspot on Skogsmulle and blogspot on Skogsmulle in Scotland
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as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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Model/ Description
NATURE PLAY
Summary
Description
The creation of simple play opportunities in the natural environment.
Providing children and young people of any age opportunities to have child led unstructured or free play in a natural
habitat using natural materials. Nature play can also take place in artificial natural playgrounds mainly created from
natural resources.
Target group
Resource
requirements
Resources available
Training/ CPD
Young people and children particularly Early Years
Outdoor space with natural elements. Suitable outdoor clothing for all
Grounds for Learning; Mindstretchers
Nature play can be developed in any setting without specialist training. However a variety of organisations (see
further information) can provide advice, resources and training opportunities.
A non-accredited ‘Nature Play and Nurture’ project in East and Mid Lothian that has been delivered since 2011 by Big
World in collaboration with Liberton Nursery and Grounds for Learning. It has involved training many Early Years
staff, and running demonstration Nature Kindergartens.
Mindstretchers offer ‘Nurture Through Nature’ training
Length of training
Big World ‘Nature Play and Nurture’ course comprises 3 x 6 hr blocks plus a observation visit to a demonstration
project session.
Mindstretchers bespoke courses run from half – full day
Progression
Opportunities
Try this first : Using school grounds
Compare with: woodland play; Nature Kindergarten
Consider: Early Years: Nature Kindergarten; Forest Kindergarten; All ages: Woodland Learning,; Forest School
Key Organisations
Grounds for Learning, Big World; Mindstretchers
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as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
Further information/
resources
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Grounds for Learning (GfL) the Scottish school grounds charity has created a video on natural play in schools. See
also case study materials about natural playgrounds and natural materials to support play on the GfL website.
Forestry Commission England Nature Play. Simple and fun ideas for all practical guide on nature play offers fun,
simple and cost effective examples of play ideas from easily sourced materials.
Netmums website offers a search facility for suggestions of local parks, playgrounds and woodlands on their website
See a short video of a nature play and nurture project in action using Support for the Start funding.
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as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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Model/ Description
NATURE NURTURE®
Summary
An early intervention nurture and free play programme in natural environments for vulnerable children and young
people
Nature Nurture® is the trademarked name of a project run by the charity Family Support Projects, based in
Aberdeenshire. It is an early intervention programme for vulnerable children and young people giving opportunities
for nurturing interactions and free play in peaceful natural environments. In common with Forest School pedagogy it
aims to promote resilience, but specifically for vulnerable children.
Vulnerable children and young people are nominated for Nature Nurture project by social workers.
Peaceful natural environments. Suitable outdoor clothing for all
Description
Target group
Resource
requirements
Resources available
Training/ CPD
Contact Nature Nurture®
Family Support Projects have a Post Graduate Certificate in development.
Other trainings provided by Family Support Projects involve joining a children’s programme to learn whilst in practice
with the support of three CPD days to look at theory and background to the approach. This is training is not credited
but can be used to support other credited courses for example SVQ Child Care Level 3. See CPD Courses for
professionals
Length of training
Progression
Opportunities
1/2 day, whole day or 2 day courses available. Contact Nature Nurture®
Progression will be variable depending on professional background: social work, health and education sectors, and
client needs. The Go Play Outcome and Evaluation Framework may help to identify training required
Key Organisations
Nature Nurture® works in partnership with referring agencies (social care, education and health).
Further information/
resources
Nature Nurture® website
CreativeSTAR blogpost on Nature Nurture session
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as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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Model/ Description
WOODLAND PLAY
Summary
Description
Regular child-led free woodland play opportunities
Enabling children to have regular access to woodland for free play opportunities. This can be a natural progression
from the development and use of school grounds for play and learning. Young children with woodland play experience
progress naturally to Forest Kindergarten/ Forest School programmes and outdoor learning environment
Early years, primary, secondary
Woodlands either in or immediately adjacent to a setting’s grounds.
Target group
Resource
requirements
Resources available
Training/ CPD
Length of training
Progression
Opportunities
Grounds for Learning offer resources
Grounds for Learning offer training opportunities
n/a
Try this first: using school grounds; Nature Play
Compare with: Nature Play; Woodland learning
Consider: Forest Kindergarten; Forest School
Key Organisations
Grounds for Learning. Forestry Commission Scotland
Further information/
resources
Grounds for Learning Woodland Play booklet and case studies and includes a Woodland play film telling the story of
how 3 schools have started to provide regular child-led free play in woodlands that are either in or immediately
adjacent to their school grounds
CreativeSTAR blog spot on using woodlands for play in the Early Years
CreativeSTAR blog spot on outdoor play at Cowgate under 5’s Centre, Edinburgh
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as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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Model/ Description
BRANCHING OUT
Summary
Description
A long term outdoor programme that builds skills and self-esteem to support adults with mental health problems
Branching Out is a long term (usually 12 week) outdoor programme that builds skills and self-esteem. There are
health and well-being benefits to the participants. Branching Out involves a wide range of woodland activities
approved at a local level with the referring service and delivery partner. These activities will offer a range of mentally
and physically stimulating tasks and may include conservation, environmental art, health walks and bushcraft etc.
Clients may then be better equipped to progress on to mainstream activities and further work/ training. Practitioners
have environmental and mental health training and the leader will been through a 3 day Branching Out training course.
Target group
Resource
requirements
Adults with mental health problems
Use of a woodland or natural area. Some equipment may be required to support activities e.g. ropes, tools, tarpaulins
etc.
Groups have high overall staff to client ratios (minimum one member of environmental staff for every 6 clients), with
further input from sessional workers.
A full Leaders handbook is available to trained leaders and FCS provides on-going support to all Branching Out
groups/leaders. There are also password-protected web based resources for trained Branching Out leaders.
Resources available
Training/ CPD
To ensure consistency of the Branching Out model across Central Scotland, a training and accreditation programme
has been developed for leaders. Training is aimed at experienced outdoor professionals who would like to work with
mental health groups, and consists of the following:
- 2-day mental health first aid course (or equivalent)
- 3-day bespoke Branching Out Leaders training course
- A two day period of shadowing and assessment by peers
The three day course includes all aspects of working with mental health groups outdoors such as obtaining referrals,
creating partnership agreements, adapting activities for different types of groups and professional boundaries.
The training package has been approved by the Institute of Outdoor Learning and endorsed by NHS Health Scotland.
Training packages are also currently being piloted for healthcare professionals who wish to assist with leading
Branching Out groups. If a trainee has already done a level 2/3 Forest School course or similar they will not have to do
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
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all aspects of the shadowing. All training and support is currently provided free by FCS.
Length of training
Progression
Opportunities
3 days bespoke + additional days
Compare with: Forest School
The Branching Out course recognises prior learning. If trainees have completed a L2/3 Forest School course (or
another course which assesses tool use), then they don’t need to do the full two day period of shadowing and
assessment by peers for Branching Out training.
This course is also mapped against the National Occupational Standards in the Scottish Countryside Rangers
Association 'Scottish Ranger Award' so that people can use attendance at the B/O course as part of requirements for
the Scottish Ranger Award.
Key Organisations
Further information/
resources
Forestry Commission Scotland
NHS Health Scotland
Scottish Association for Mental Health
and other partner bodies
Nathalie Moriarty Branching Out Programme Manager, Forestry Commission Scotland, Central Scotland Conservancy
Direct line: 01698 368559
Mobile: 07584 339 366
Branching Out (archived) webpage
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as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Model/ Description
RURAL SKILLS & VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Summary
Work-based vocational learning courses and national qualifications to develop the practical skills necessary to work in
land-based disciplines including Forestry
Description
These courses are offered by an increasing number of Scottish secondary schools and colleges since 2007 through
the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Skills for Work programme. The Curriculum for Excellence introduces many
learning and teaching opportunities for vocational learning and local business engagement with schools to enhance
the learning experience for the pupils involved. In the workplace, vocational qualifications can help with promotion,
prove job competence, or support personal development.
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are work-related qualifications to acquire the skills and knowledge required
for a job. There are SVQs at different levels. These qualifications are based on National Occupational Standards
agreed by industry, so they are recognised by employers throughout the UK.
Land & Environment is one SVQ subject group which includes SVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Forestry, Arboriculture and
Treework
National Qualifications (NQ) are taken by students in secondary schools and colleges (and some training centres), and
cover subjects to suit individual interests and skills. The types of NQ available include Standard Grades and National
Courses in academic subjects, and Group Awards which include National Progression Awards in Rural Skills.
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Skills for Work group awards include Rural Skills (Intermediate 1) SCQF
level 4. This is further supported the National Progression Award (NPA) in Rural Skills (which replaces the Scottish
Progression Award in rural skills at SCQF level 5). Both qualifications can be offered in the context of Forestry.
Target group
Resource
requirements
Students & adults in secondary schools, college or work based.
Rural Skills Int. 1 is available to secondary students from S3 upwards. The NPA is available to secondary students
from S5 upwards or adults
Varies according to the course chosen.
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Resources available
Depends upon course chosen. See also key organisations and further information.
Training/ CPD
Try this first: Student experience of Forest School practice will help to equip them with some of the outdoor skills
relevant for this career path.
Rural Skills Intermediate 1 at SCQF level 4. SVQ1 (SCQF level 4) Competence involves the application of
knowledge and skills in the performance of a range of varied work activities, most of which may be routine or
predictable.
The Rural Skills National Progression Award (NPA) at SCQF level 5/ SVQ2 Forestry, SVQ2 Arboriculture: SVQ2
(SCQF level 5) Competence required involves the application of knowledge and skills in a significant range of varied
work activities, performed in a variety of contexts. At this level, there will be activities, which are complex or nonroutine and there is some individual responsibility and autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through
membership of a work group or team, may often be a requirement.
SVQ3 Treework.SVQ3 level adds considerable responsibility and autonomy, and control or guidance of others is often
required.
Recognition is also available for different practical skills attained, such as bushcraft, through the John Muir Award, an
environmental award scheme focused on wild places. Participants are required to tackle all four Challenges –
Discover, Explore, Conserve, Share. The Award can be achieved at three progressive Levels – Discovery, Explorer
and Conserver Level. This and other award schemes are described in Amazing Things – A guide to the youth awards
in Scotland.
Length of training
Rural Skills Intermediate 1 course: three mandatory Units (two of 40 hours and one of 20 hours) and two optional Units
(one of 40 hours and one of 20 hours).
NPA candidates must complete one mandatory Business Unit (6 SCQF credit points) and two optional Units (12 SCQF
credit points) relating to their choice of route. The Forestry route can comprise Rural Business Investigation (SCQF
level 5), Forests and Woodlands: An Introduction, and Production and Care of Young Trees (all SCQF level 5).
Progression
Opportunities
Entry is discretionary, but for the NPA, prior qualifications may include Skills for Work Rural Skills at SCQF level 4,
appropriate NQ Units at SCQF level 4 or other similar qualifications and/or experience relating to the land-based
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industries
The Rural Skills Intermediate 1 (SCQF level 4) course may provide candidates with opportunities to progress to:




Scottish Progression Award in Rural Skills at Intermediate 2
SVQs/ NVQs in Appropriate Land-based sector vocational areas
Programmes in Further Education Colleges
Other suitable training or employment
The NPA prepares candidates for further study or employment, although candidates will require further training for
land-based workplace alone. It can lead to a Modern Apprenticeship or other work-based learning qualification such as
an SVQ. The NPA also provides the opportunity to progress to a full-time course in a chosen specialism such as a
National Certificate.
Key Organisations
Forestry Commission Scotland is working in partnership with others including Skills Development Scotland, Scottish
Forest and Timber Technologies Group and Lantra to provide information on careers for young people. Lantra is the
Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector.
See also support and guidance available from colleges running these courses.
Training/ Placements may take place with Forestry Commission, National Trust, private forestry, and community trusts
such as Abriachan Forest Trust etc.
Further information/
resources
Forest Education Initiative (FEI) website information on rural skills and vocational training and careers and
apprenticeships. Use the resource library on the home page to search for downloadable resources. These include:

Good Practice Guidelines for Work Experience Placements - Careers

Rural Skills [SCQF Level 4&5] Support Handbook: Trees, Timber & Forestry

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN MODERN FORESTRY An Evaluation Report to Forestry Commission Scotland
(2012)
SQA information on the Rural Skills National Progression Award and SCQF level descriptors
Disclaimer: FEI and FCS are not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites or resources indicated here from external sources. Listing should not be taken
as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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Woodland and outdoor learning models and descriptor tables
Version June 2014
PlanIT Plus is a web based resource of careers, learning and school information, including the Forestry sector.
The SQA progression routes guide for Land and Sea based industries (includes Forestry/Arboriculture) (NB. 2004 so
requires updating)
See the Lantra/ Forestry Commission Scotland School Survey 2009 report. This was a survey of schools and colleges
who run the Skill for work Rural Skills course and/or the Scottish Progression Award (SPA) in Rural Skills to ascertain
take up and support received for the course.
Lantra provides a summary of types of qualifications in Scotland
Disclaimer: FEI and FCS are not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites or resources indicated here from external sources. Listing should not be taken
as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
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