FAQ

If you don’t find the information you need here, please email info@forest-school-of-biodynamics.co.uk

Forest school ethos:

Forest School is a pedagogy based on hands-on, experiential learning and following your own natural curiosity, allowing the environment to inspire and instruct you. Research has also shown that simply being in nature reduces the impact of stress. Although there is a structure and a focus for each day, there is also a fluidity to the curriculum which is ultimately learner-led. Explorations are based on your own curiosity. Being outdoors, with the elements creates opportunities to challenge yourself, and to reflect on your experiences. This supports self-awareness, self-responsibility and self-regulation.

What to bring:

A small day pack will be useful, containing your own water bottle, notebook & pen and anything you need to be comfortable in the woods. I would suggest sturdy boots, season- appropriate clothing (layers are best as it can get toasty warm inside the Nest, and yet be quite chilly outside), waterproofs, a cushion or sheepskin to get comfy around the fire (there are cushions and blankets provided for use indoors), a torch, a hat and personal items/ toiletries. You might also like to bring snacks for yourself if you have something you particularly like.

Learning materials:

You’ll receive a pdf file of the schedule and handbook about a week before your course, which you can print out if you prefer a hard copy. I don’t share my slideshows in their entirety, but you may take photographs of any images that you like. Photographs and video footage may be taken with permission of the other participants. Audio recordings can be made of the guided meditations and lectures. Usually one person takes on this job on behalf of the group. No recording is permitted during sharing circles or session work. Naturally you are welcome to photograph/ record the nature and the forest around you whilst you are here. Some participants bring coloured pens, pencils or other art materials to record their experiences. A certificate of attendance will be emailed to you after the course.

Accommodation:

The courses are non-residential so you will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation.
Here’s a list we’ve compiled for you of local B&B / camping options. It’s also worth checking Airbnb as listings are always changing. South Devon is a popular tourist destination, especially during July and August, so it’s advisable to book well in advance.

Download the Accommodation list here (PDF)

Timing:

We will begin at 9am each day, finishing at 6pm on Friday/Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. Please arrive in good time to begin at 9am – myself and assistants will be at the venue from 8.30am. There may be an optional activity on the Saturday evening, such as a film or a guest speaker. Pizza can be arranged at additional cost!

Food:

All our food is vegetarian, with vegan or gluten free options on request. The food is locally sourced, organic where possible and lovingly prepared by our chef, Sara, who brings a freshly prepared lunch each day. Snacks and hot drinks are available throughout the day, sometimes from foraged ingredients. Drinking water is also available. If you have other dietary needs, please talk to us.

Local amenities:

The school is in a rural location, 2 miles from the town of Totnes, which is well served with shops and restaurants. Here’s a map of amenities in walking distance of the venue which we hope you’ll find useful:

Download the Local amenities map here (PDF)

Travel and transport links:

South Devon is well served by rail and road links. Here’s some information we’ve compiled:

Download the Transport links and map here (PDF)

The Forest School is housed at The Glade, which is situated in North Woods, on the edge of the Dartington Hall Estate, South Devon. To be specific it is in Parsonage Copse, which is sandwiched between the back of Woodland Yard and the back of the Old Postern at Schumacher College. The closest town is Totnes.You can find directions to the venue and a map here: http://thewoodland.co/directions/

Parking:

Parking is limited and cannot be guaranteed … nearest parking is at Woodland Yard or at The Old Postern, on the Dartington Hall estate. It’s a short walk (5 – 10 minutes) from either of those locations to the Glade.

Disabled access:

The venue is accessible by car, with rubber matting laid into the pathways and a wheelchair accessible composting toilet. Please let us know if you have any particular needs in terms of access or mobility.

Cancellation Policy:

Deposits: All deposits are non-refundable, except in the case that we cancel a course.
Postponement: Changing from one course to another will incur an admin fee of £20. However, if you change courses less than 8 weeks before the course starts, our cancellation policy applies.
The course to be rebooked within the year and only one transfer per deposit.
Cancellation: More than 8 weeks prior to course - refund of course fee minus deposit.
8 - 4 weeks prior to course - 50% refund of course fee minus deposit.
Less than 4 weeks prior to course - no refund, full amount payable.
If a course is cancelled from our side, a full refund will be given including your deposit, or you can transfer your booking to another course without incurring an admin fee.

FAQ