Our free, open to all Wednesday Webinar this week was themed around FSA Affiliated Local Groups and brought together an interesting mix of people: current Local Group Reps and committee members, practitioners curious about setting up new groups, people training in Forest School, and others looking for more connection with practitioners in their area. People joined from across England and Scotland, and beyond! The session explored what Local Groups actually do, why they matter, and the practical steps involved in getting one started. A public recording will soon be available.
What came through in both the chat and the whiteboard activity was the value people place on community. Attendees spoke about support, sharing ideas, building confidence, learning new skills, visiting other people’s sites and seeing sessions in action. There was also interest in the practicalities of setting up a group, and we will soon publish guidance about how to go about this. Feedback at the end was warm, and we hope to support some attendees with the process of starting new Local Groups over the coming months and years.
You can find your nearest FSA Affiliated Local Group here or email applications@forestschoolassociation.org if you are interested in setting up a new group in your area.
