Skip to content
Alaria logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Our Approach
  • ServicesExpand
    • Play Therapy
    • Counselling
  • Parent WorkshopsExpand
    • Training for Professionals
  • ProgrammesExpand
    • Forest School
    • Adult Forest School
    • Holiday Sessions
    • Parent & Child Sessions
  • Contact
Alaria logo

Adult Forest School

A calm, welcoming space to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover a sense of balance.

View Upcoming Sessions

A space to simply be

Our Adult Forest School sessions offer a calm, welcoming space where you can step away from the pace and pressures of everyday life – whether that looks like quiet reflection, gentle activity, conversation, or simply time to sit and notice what’s around you.

In small, carefully held groups, you are welcome exactly as you are. There is no expectation to perform, achieve, or be a certain way. Instead, we create a relaxed and inclusive environment where people can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and experience a genuine sense of ease and belonging.

You might spend time around the fire, try simple skills like whittling or firelighting, walk through the woods, or rest in a hammock. These moments can help bring a sense of calm, clarity and balance – often in a way that feels natural rather than effortful.

Table of Contents

  1. A space to simply be
  2. Table of Contents
  3. What a session might look like
  4. Practical details
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
    1. Do I need any experience to attend?
    2. What if I don’t know anyone?
    3. Do I have to join in with everything?
    4. Is this therapy?
    5. What should I wear?
    6. What happens in a session?
  6. Book your Adult Forest School session

What a session might look like

No two sessions are exactly the same. Some people arrive wanting to talk, others simply want to be in a calm space and see what unfolds.

You might find yourself whittling a small piece of wood, learning to safely light and tend a fire using flint & steel, cooking something simple over the flames, or quietly crafting with natural materials. There may be moments of conversation, laughter, reflection, or simply sitting together in comfortable silence.

The rhythm of doing something with your hands, being outdoors, and sharing space with others often allows things to settle and shift in a natural way – without pressure or expectation.

Child feeds chickens in forest school workshop, nature-based therapeutic play for wellbeing and small-group learning.
Brewing
Forest school outdoor learning: children chase giant bubbles by a lake, nature-based play for wellbeing in a small group.
Crafting
Child at forest school mud kitchen mixing water and soil on tree stump—nature-based play for wellbeing, small-group learning.
Gathering

Practical details

  • Small group sessions (maximum of 10 adults)
  • Open to anyone aged 16+
  • Held outdoors at our beautiful site beside Glengavel Reservoir
  • Sessions run periodically, usually on Thursday mornings

We keep our groups small to create a calm, supportive atmosphere where everyone has space to settle in and feel comfortable.

Sessions can be cancelled with at least 48 hours’ notice for a full refund. If we need to cancel due to adverse weather, a full refund will be offered with as much notice as possible.

Aerial photo of Glengavel Reservoir, site of Alaria CIC Therapeutic Forest School

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any experience to attend?

Not at all. Sessions are open to everyone, whether you feel completely at home outdoors or are just starting to explore it.

What if I don’t know anyone?

Many people come on their own. The sessions are gently facilitated so connection happens naturally, without pressure. You may not really wish to do any talking, and that’s absolutely fine too.

Do I have to join in with everything?

No. You’re free to engage in whatever feels right for you on the day – whether that’s joining in, observing, or simply enjoying being in the space.

Is this therapy?

No – this isn’t formal therapy. However, many people find that spending time in nature, in a supportive environment, can feel grounding and restorative.

What should I wear?

Dress for the outdoors and the weather – comfortable, warm layers and sturdy footwear are ideal.

What happens in a session?

Each session is a little different, shaped by the group, the season, and what people feel drawn to on the day.

You might spend time crafting with natural materials, building a simple den, or learning safe firelighting and bushcraft skills. Some people enjoy quietly whittling wood, toasting something over the fire, or simply sitting and watching the flames.

There’s also space to wander – around the paddock paths, through the young trees, or down towards the reservoir. You might spend time with the guinea pigs or chickens, pause by the frog pond, or just find a quiet spot to sit and take things in.

There’s no pressure to do anything in particular. Some people like to chat, others prefer quiet activity or reflection. The session gently unfolds, allowing you to engage in whatever way feels most comfortable.

Browse upcoming dates and book online

Book your Adult Forest School session

Stay connected with Alaria

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

  • Contact Us
  • FAQ
  • Volunteer
  • Safeguarding
  • Privacy Policy

© 2026 Alaria CIC

  • Home
  • About
  • Our Approach
  • Play Therapy
  • Therapeutic Forest School
  • Adult Forest School
  • Young Person Counselling
  • Parent Workshops
  • Training for Professionals
  • Volunteer
  • Contact