Woodlandwise Forest School CIC is delighted yo be able to providd s series of free family woodland play sessions where you can enjoy your local Community woodland together- learn about the wildlife on your doorsstep by engaging in some fun play and activities- connecting with the woodland habitat anc each other. Learn about the woodland ecosystem and the important role your young people can have as future custodiansof our wild spaces. Play together and grow together as a family. 

Castle Woods Free  Family Nature Play Sessions

Jill Lee

We had a lovely afternoon at the family woodland play session in Rhu. The children were engaged, entertained and challenged by the wonderful leaders. I managed to spend some time in a very comfy hammock watching and listening which was exactly what I needed. We will definitely be going again. 

Gayle  Turnbull

Fantastic morning in Castle Woods. Our daughter had a great time climbing, searching for bugs and playing with the other kids. Really well run and was a wonderful experience! Can't wait to do it again! Thank you!

Debbie Elwood

Our time with Woodlandwise is something we look forward to! As a family we really feel the benefit of spending time together in nature and Lynne and Helen make this so easy for us by providing a relaxed environment with lots of activities to choose from. The boys have developed so many skills and I have loved seeing their confidence grow with each session. You’ve given the boys skills that they’ll use later in life and not just an ‘in the moment’ experience. Thank you for all that you do! 😊

Woodlandwise Forest School CIC is delighted yo be able to providd s series of free family woodland play sessions where you can enjoy your local Community woo...

Please let us know about any medical conditions or allergies of any member of your group

Please let us know the number attending in your group and the age of children

**Forces and Me Forest School – Holiday Sessions for Forces Families**

**Location:** Duchess wood, Helensburgh and McAuley Burn Oak Wood, Garelochhead\
**Who it’s for:** Children with a parent currently serving in the armed forces and who are Primary aged or S1

- **Sunday 5th October- Helensburgh**

- **Sunday 19th October- Garelochhead**

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Join us for some Autumn woodland adventure, discovery and connection at our *Forces and Me Forest School* sessions – specially designed for children from armed forces families.

These fun and supportive sessions give children the chance to unwind, explore nature and build confidence in a calm, nurturing outdoor setting. Through typical forest school activities like den building, fire lighting, nature crafts, tool use, games, and team challenges, participants develop practical skills, resilience, and strong peer bonds.

Each day is tailored to the age group attending, with a focus on creativity, cooperation and wellbeing.

Led by experienced forest school practitioners- Helen & Lynne, these sessions offer a space to relax, make new friends, and enjoy the benefits of nature – especially important for children navigating the unique challenges of military family life.

**Free to attend – limited spaces available. Booking essential. Only for those families of active serving armed force personnel.**

Forces and Me Forest School

Lucy Bentley

Grace absolutely loved her time at forest school, she was talking about it for the rest of the day asking to go back. Thank you for putting this on such a great experience 

Sommer Edgcumbe-Allan

My son and his friend had an amazing time at the Forrest school, they keep asking when the next one is! 

**Forces and Me Forest School – Holiday Sessions for Forces Families**

**Location:** Duchess wood, Helensburgh\
**Who it’s for:** Children with a parent cur...

Please provide the Name and Date of birth of your child

Please provide any information you feel we should know ahead of the session- medical, allergies, learning style

A series of wellbeing sessions designed for women- come as you are and take what you need. No experience required and all resources provided free.

As Woodlandwise, we hope to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive space for women in our local woodlands. It’s a place to escape the stress of everyday life, feel less isolated, and boost your confidence by learning new skills and reconnecting with nature.

We offer activities like bushcraft skills, campfire cooking, mindfulness, forest bathing, and other therapeutic experiences. This is more than just learning practical things; it’s about creating friendships, building a sense of belonging, and empowering women to thrive in their communities.

We understand that life’s changes—like moving to a new place, having children, becoming a caregiver, or navigating menopause—can sometimes leave women feeling out of touch or overlooked. By bringing women of all ages and backgrounds together, we aim to create a supportive circle where you can share stories, wisdom, and laughter, all while building your own support network.

**Who is this for?**

We welcome all women and those who identify as female, embracing diversity in all its forms. Our project values:

- **Age:** Women of all ages are encouraged to join and connect.
- **Disability:** We work hard to make our activities accessible and adaptable for everyone.
- **Gender identity:** If you identify as female, you are welcome.
- **Marriage and partnership:** We respect all relationship choices.
- **Pregnancy and motherhood:** Whether you're struggling pre-pregnancy, post-pregnancy, or anywhere in between, we’re here to support you.
- **Race and ethnicity:** We warmly welcome women from all ethnic backgrounds, including refugees and asylum seekers.
- **Religion or beliefs:** While we respect all beliefs, this isn’t a space for broader religious discussions.
- **Sexual orientation:** Everyone is valued and respected here.

We’re committed to making this experience free of charge, ensuring that no one is excluded due to financial barriers. Plus, our chosen locations are easily accessible without needing a car.

**What can you expect to gain?**

Here are the three big ways this project can make a difference:

1. **Connection:** We know isolation can make it hard to feel confident or hopeful. That’s why we’ve created a space where you can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with, learn skills like cooking on a campfire or using tools, and just enjoy being part of something special. It’s amazing what happens when women come together—ideas flow, conversations spark, and life-changing moments can happen.
2. **Resilience:** Life can be tough—juggling work, family, and personal challenges can be overwhelming. By learning new skills, forming new friendships, and stepping out of your comfort zone, you’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had. That newfound energy can ripple out into your home, your community, and beyond.
3. **Inclusion:** We’re all about welcoming women from all walks of life to share this experience in the woods. Whatever your background, abilities, or stage of life, we’ll meet you where you are, making sure everyone feels valued, included, and celebrated.

**Why it matters**

Spending time in nature has proven benefits for mental health and well-being. But this is more than just a walk in the woods—it’s about being part of a group that supports and uplifts you. Whether you’re recovering from life’s challenges, managing anxiety, or simply looking for a new spark, this project offers a safe, encouraging space to grow and connect.

**How we’ll measure success**

We’ll ask participants to complete a “Well-being Wheel” at the start, middle, and end of the program to track progress in areas like confidence and overall well-being. But we’ll also keep things informal, paying close attention to how relationships grow and evolve throughout the project.

**Who’s running the show?**

The Woodlandwise Forest School CIC team includes two experienced leaders who’ll guide the sessions. Each programme will run for 12 weeks with up to 12 women at a time, across different locations, so travel and transport won’t be a problem.

We’re excited to create a space where you can relax, recharge, and rediscover your strength. Let’s grow together in the woods!

Woodlandwise Forest School - Woodlandwise Wellbeing for Women- Arrochar

A series of  wellbeing sessions designed for women- come as you are and take what you need. No experience required and all resources provided free.

Woodlandwise Wellbeing for Women- Arrochar

Please provide your name an date of birth

Please let us know of any medical, allergy or dietary information we should be aware of

Please provide name and number for your emergency contact

'Amidst the chaos of our modern world, the wilderness remains an ancient and wise therapist, offering solace, clarity, and renewal to the hearts and minds that seek its heeling embrace. In nature we find respite, the wisdom to mend, the courage to grow, and the strength to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us. Wilderness therapeutic interventions are a beacon of hope, guiding us back to the roots of our humanity, where healing and transformation flourish.'
Debbie Debonnaire 2023

If you have ever felt the need to 'step off' and find some much needed time to answer the many questions you find yourself overlooking, then this course is for you.
If you have ever wondered about your direction in life- is it the best one for you? Does it truly reflect who you are? Will it take you where you are meant to be? Are you facing a fork or crossroads and are unsure which path to take, or even why?
This course is designed to help you to look into the 'Wilderness Mirror' and find your own answers to the questions that you have. 

This course will equip you with a certain level of bush craft and campfire skill, leading to increased sense of personal accomplishment and a new confidence to get out there for yourself. You will face challenges, but you will overcome them, with your new found tribe supporting you all the way!

This course  will provide you with the insight and tools to create your own intention statement, defining who you are and what journey you are on at the outset, and the chance to re-define this by the closing ceremony at the end of your time with us. 

This course is offered at the incredible introductory offer of  £70 for a 20 hour, in person, guided, therapeutic wilderness experience. 

Places are very limited as the course will run with only  8 participants. Due to the nature of the therapeutic work undertaken over the course of the 8 weeks, a  smaller tribe works best.

'Amidst the chaos of our modern world, the wilderness remains an ancient and wise therapist, offering solace, clarity, and renewal to the hearts and minds th...

The Therapeutic Wilderness

🌿 **Think Like a Tree: Nature-Inspired Change for a More Meaningful Life** 🌿\
**19–21 September 2025 | 10am–4.00pm daily**\
**Balloch Castle Country Park, Loch Lomond**\
Facilitated by Helen Hazlett

Are you seeking time for reflection, clarity or meaningful change? Step into the calm of the trees and explore a fresh, nature-inspired approach to personal growth and wellbeing.

Set on the stunning banks of Loch Lomond, this three-day programme will guide you through a practical design cycle based on patterns and principles found in nature. You’ll learn tools to help you make positive shifts in any area of life – from work and relationships to health and personal fulfilment. Whether you’re seeking big life changes or simply want to feel more grounded and content, this course offers you the space and structure to move forward with purpose.

You’ll leave with your own personalised design, a rich toolkit of resources, and new ways of seeing the world – rooted in the wisdom of the natural world.

🌀 What’s included:

- 3 full days of facilitated sessions in a beautiful outdoor setting

- A structured process for meaningful change

- All course materials and resources

- Optional activities to do at home

💚 Who it’s for:\
Anyone looking to deepen their connection with nature and themselves or make changes for their own personal development.

You can find out more about think Like a Tree and it’s creator, Sarah Spencer, at thinklikeatree.co.uk, or by clicking on the link below.

[Home - Think like a Tree](https://thinklikeatree.co.uk/)

Please note: we are unable to offer refunds, but we will do our best to transfer your booking in case of illness or unforeseen circumstances.

✨ Book your place now and join us for an inspiring journey of reflection and transformation in one of Scotland’s most beautiful settings.

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Helen Hazlett.

Woodlandwise Forest School - Think Like a Tree 3 Day Workshop

This three day journey, set amidst the beautiful landscape of Balloch Castle Country park, will help you to attune with nature and design solutions for life.

Think Like a Tree 3 Day Workshop

please provide information about dietary, allergy and medical information we should be aware of

Please provide name, relationship to you and phone number of your emergency contact

Please provide your name, phone number and email address

Please provide 3 words that describe your 'best hopes' for  taking this course.

Woodlandwise Wellbeing for Women- Garelochhead

Geri Sinclair

It is so peaceful to sit in nature and meet lovely new people while doing some activities. And just be ! A joy.

Lisa Cosgrove

A wonderful relaxed facilitated time for me to be me 😊. 
Great being outdoors in a friendly, calm and welcoming group trying new activities with no pressure or expectation. Helen and Lynne are awesome. 
I would totally recommend taking part. 

Jayne  Morgan 

I’ve very much enjoyed these woodland sessions.  I’ve had fun learning new skills and meeting new people in the friendly supportive environment Lynne and Helen have created and have recommended the experience to friends.

Lynn Keys

Its was lovely and relaxing and I enjoyed thev activities.

Woodlandwise Wellbeing for Women- Rosneath

Sharon Wilson

Had a lovely time meeting eveeyone and learning new outdoor skills I can share with my children. Thankyou 🙂💐

Woodlandwise Holiday Camps

Charlee Gillon

I had a lots of fun again and can't wait to come to the next one. Thank you Helen and Lynne.

Sarah Barlow

My wee girl had a forest school birthday party today and it was amazing!! All of the kids had the best time, all of the parents have fed back how amazing it was too and most importantly my wee girl loved it. We've done all of the forest school offerings, holiday camp, family sessions and I did the women's sessions myself and everything is always brilliant.  Highly recommend. 

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