Bracken Van Ryssen
Forest School Training and Education Lead
Qualified FSL3 Practitioner
Founder of Bracken Outdoors
Qualified in IOL Bushcraft Competency
The founder of Bracken Outdoors he specialises in outdoor learning for kids but is also a great teacher for adults. Bracken has over 9 years of experience in bushcraft and teaching including Forest Schools. He runs multiple regular Forest School sessions every week in South Birmingham.
Stephanie Bale
Administrator and Centre Contact
Qualified FSL3 Practitioner
Founder of Sustainable Life & Wild Wolf Survival
Professional Forager & Bushcraft Teacher
Stephanie is your main point of contact and the one who makes everything happen. She has 10 years experience in teaching outdoor skills and oversees all projects and administration duties to facilitate a smooth course experience. She not only has her FSL3, but got a perfect Pass 3 across the board in her portfolio! As an added bonus she is also the lead forager/plant ID specialist and has 10 years foraging and 5 years bushcraft experience.
Alan Bale
Woodland Management Consultant
Qualified FSL3 Practitioner
Qualified and Experienced Arborist
Professional Bushcraft and Outdoor Skills Teacher
Alan is our main consultant for woodland management, conservation and trees in general thanks to his unique combination of skills including Arborist, FSL3 practitioner and an outdoor skills educator for 10 years. As well as over 20 years experience in bushcraft and 10 years experience working outdoors for community projects and managing urban woodlands such as Highbury Gardens in Birmingham.
Ceris Williams-Turner
Forest Schools Training Consultant
Qualified FSL3 Practitioner
Experienced FS Trainer
Forest Schools Technical Advisor to Telford, Wrekin and Shropshire Council
Founder of Rooted and Forest Creatures
Ceris has been working in Forest Schools for over 20 years, running sessions, training practitioners and running nature based sessions and training for education and the private sector. She is currently the Forest Schools Technical Advisor to Telford, Wrekin and Shropshire Council.
Ceris will be popping in during your training week to offer her expert guidance and field any questions you might have about the course or working in this field.
Jessica Maiden
Venue Host and Trainee Trainer
Qualified FSL3 Practitioner
Experienced Mental Health Nurse
Owner of the Wellness Woodlands
Jess has built an amazing site in Highley with lovingly crafted facilities for Forest School sessions and training. She currently assists with regular Forest School sessions on the site utilising the woodlands, play areas, Forest School circles and mud kitchens and more! A great way to be inspired for your own Forest School adventure.