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Clapton Park Children's Centre

Forest School Training HFS & TGC Summer Cohort

30th April 2026

Hackney Forest School & TGC Partnership

 

Hackney Forest School and TGC have been delivering Forest School training in partnership for the past two years, creating opportunities for trainees to learn, explore and develop their practice right here on Hackney Marshes.

Over the two years, it has been fantastic to experience the Marshes through the changing seasons and see how the landscape provides a different learning environment throughout the year. In 2026, our training took place during the summer, bringing some particularly hot days and, at times, some very challenging conditions! 

Despite the heat, we had a fantastic cohort who embraced every challenge and threw themselves into the experience. Across the training, trainees explored practical Forest School skills including knot tying, shelter building, tool use and outdoor games, alongside developing their understanding of the wider Forest School approach.

We also delved into the history, ethos and benefits of Forest School, exploring what it means to be a Forest School practitioner and the role of the pedagogue in creating meaningful, child-led experiences outdoors.

There was plenty of learning, laughter, teamwork and muddy hands along the way—and, most importantly, lots of opportunities to experience Forest School rather than simply talk about it