BOFS

Contact details:

Beni Wright, BSc Ecology (Hons) - Project Development Director.

5 Kimbolton Road, Pertenhall, Bedford, MK44 2BD

beni.wright@googlemail.com

robert.geaves@googlemail.com

Branching Out Forest School (BOFS) is a not-for-profit organisation.  It was formed as part of the National Forest School Initiative and is part of a Forest School cluster extending over Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.  We are also members of BTCV, the John Muir Trust and GLOBE.

We are working in local woodlands and green spaces in partnership with Bedfordshire County Council.  Such natural spaces can be set up to provide an informal classroom for young people to develop cognitive, emotional and social skills.  This is particularly important for those who find mainstream education challenging.

A Forest School programme is designed around the individual needs of the group of young people attending each session.  Although the sessions are facilitated by experienced Forest School leaders, the programme is based upon an ethos of involving the participants in a process of consultation and collaboration to determine the exact content of each session.

Essentially, our work within Branching Out Forest School:-

• Utilises current research of learning styles and behaviour management to achieve positive outcomes.
• Provides ways for meeting both the National Curriculum and Youth Service Curriculum learning objectives, whilst developing practical life skills and encouraging self initiated learning; this being observed and assessed.
• Is particularly successful in developing self-esteem and confidence, and motivating young people who, for a range of reasons, struggle in a formal classroom environment.
• Offers a dynamic and holistic approach to young peoples’ development; encouraging individuals to explore their potential and to develop transferable skills that will support them in their future lives. 
• Helps young people become more confident in their own natural and made environments, by providing them with a deeper understanding about environmental issues both locally and globally and through encouraging social responsibility.
• Offers opportunities for participants to attain certification through the John Muir Trust award scheme.
• Provides a range of safe, fun and enjoyable activities in some of Bedfordshire’s finest woodland – all activities and sites are risk assessed.
• Is run by experienced environmental educators trained to provide Forest School activities.  They are CRB checked, hold up-to-date outdoor first aid qualifications and are familiar with health and safety policy.
• Is covered by £5,000,000 public liability insurance