Directors

Froo Signore
Director | Strategy development Executive Working Group

Sarah Lawfull
Director | National Conference Director Representative
Together as a professional body of passionate learners we are providing a ‘grassroots’ voice for children, young people, families and outdoor educators within an increasingly ‘formal’ education system. Forest School offers a version of brave leadership much needed in our world today.

Geoff Mason
Director | Secretary | Research Portfolio

Sara Collins
Director | Deputy Chair | Marketing & Social Media Portfolio

Lily Horseman
Director | Chair | Guidance and Bulletin Portfolio

Louise Ambrose
Director | Local Groups Portfolio

Jon Cree
Director | Acting Treasurer | National & International Portfolio

Lewis Ames
Director |
I currently am one of two directors of Children of the Forest (est. 2015) and Devon Forest Kindergarten (est. 2018) Children of the Forest operates the Ofsted registered kindergarten, toddler groups, home education groups and school projects. Children of the forest hosts around 100 visitors at our private woodland each week. I am also a host of ‘The Forest School Podcast’ which discusses research, interviews and contemporary issues as they relate to Forest School. I’ve been espousing the values of the FSA through ‘the Forest School Podcast’ in order to promote the FSA as a resource as well as to support and advise the community of leaders worldwide.
This summer I will also be embarking on my first cohort of level 3 students through OCNWM and am looking forward to exploring my new role as a trainer. My passion for Forest school and its community has already led me to speak in many public settings about forest school education and how it can benefit children. I am very excited to take up the responsibilities of a Director and to work alongside existing director and the wider FS community to develop our ethos, resources and ethos.

Matt Harder
Director |
I’m a teacher in a state primary school, where I have been running the Forest School and outdoor learning programmes for 10 years. I currently teach 3 days a week, leaving the other days to fill with my own freelance Forest School and Bushcraft provision for a range of other schools, colleges and family groups. I work with children aged 2 to 92, sharing my passion of ancient skills, woodland preservation and management, outdoor cooking and messy play in our often overlooked natural environment.

Jo Phillips
Director |
When I look back I was always going to find myself working in the natural environment. A childhood in Kenya and it’s beautiful wildlife and wide open spaces was always going to leave a lasting impression.
I feel that children who have the opportunity to experience good quality Forest School have a similar opportunity, regardless of where they grow up. With the support of Forest School leaders who are able to facilitate these experiences, long lasting impressions can be made on young lives. Professionally I am keen to find ways that enable adults to give children in their care the permission they need to be able to play, explore and learn in the natural environment. To feel able to dispel the myths that surround risk, and enthusiastic about highlighting the benefits of risky play.
Being self-employed my work days and tasks are varied but always with the environment at its core whether it be training or consultancy. I am proud to be a volunteer Green Flag Judge for Keep Britain Tidy which keeps me on my toes with regards to the management of Green spaces and, of course, share information with regards to Forest School.