THE FSA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2026 SCHEDULE IS HERE!
It’s getting very real now…
We’re so excited to welcome everyone booked for the FSA Conference 2026 for a weekend of learning, play, connection, conversation, community and celebration.
A huge thank you to our FSA Conference Sponsors- your generosity and support help make all of this possible for our delegates.
Here’s your first look at the schedule for Embers: The Power of Play.
WORKSHOPS, KEYNOTES & PANELS
Weekend delegates can choose three workshops across Saturday and Sunday, with an incredible programme of practitioners sharing skills, knowledge, research, creativity and play.
We’ll also welcome inspiring voices for keynotes and panel discussions exploring Why Play Matters and The Future Landscape of Play. More announcements coming soon!
CONNECTION & COMMUNITY
Coming alone or new to the conference? Join Friday’s Lone Traveller & New Delegate Meet-Up and find friendly faces from the start.
FSA Recognised Providers and Local Groups will also have opportunities to meet and connect.
New this year — The Ember Hive, our community hub! Home to the Wild Tea Community Café hosted by FSA Sussex, our FSA Spotlight Wall featuring Local Groups and FSA Endorsed Forest School Trainers, Research & Projects Hub and Event Control.
TRADITIONS OLD & NEW
• Opening & Closing Ceremonies with Chris Salisbury & Elena Harris
• Stories by Fire & Moonlight with Chris — PJs and hot chocolate encouraged!
• Share Your Talent — sign up through our Conference Navigator
• Join Mary Maclachlan on Sat and Sun am for Early morning warrior yoga
• Matt’s Legendary Quiz followed by the Kettlehawk Ceilidh
• The Metre Market — 25 minutes. One metre. Barter, swap and trade. Start foraging, making and crafting!
The FSA Conference Raffle is BACK with fantastic prizes from @coventryoutdoors, @muddyfacesuk and @tentsile.
Thanks to Mark Clarke @the_forest_school_show, all FSA Conference delegates also have FREE access to The Forest School Show Saturday & Sunday..
And remember — everything on the schedule is optional.
This is your conference. Join in, dip out, connect, play or simply enjoy being in the woods. Our priority is an inspiring, meaningful and joyful weekend — make it your own.
Join Us
This conference is more than an event — it is a gathering of a community that believes in the importance of play, connection and nature-based learning.
Come and be part of something special.
For more information and support about the conference please contact Mimi FSA Conference Coordinator
michelle.eastell@googlemail.com
Comments from previous FSA conferences
I really missed the conference last year so very excited to be coming along this year. The Power of Play feels like exactly the conversation our sector needs right now. The programme is packed with thought-provoking workshops and inspiring speakers. Choosing just a few workshops is going to be incredibly difficult
I am very excited about the theme this year. It feels just the kind of conversation our sector needs right now. The programme is packed with thought-provoking workshops and inspiring speakers. Choosing just a few workshops is going to be incredibly difficult!
I really like the idea of Community Craft Café especially when other atreas get noisier it will be good to have a place I can go to to craft and conenct with others. very excited
What a great weekend, meeting Forest Schoolers and building on friendships from the last Conference. I learnt so many new ideas too, thanks FSA!”
As a Forest School Leader I feel energised in my practice, and proud to be part of such a visionary movement! Everyone I spoke to had an inspirational story to tell.
A fantastic weekend. Lots of new friends made. Lots of lovely food. The weather was fantastic. Thank you FSA and FSA Essex. I definitely want to be there next year