Who we are
We are a group of fully trained Forest School and Outdoor Learning specialists who provide delivery, training and development in various types of Outdoor Education.
We are all passionate about the benefits of nature for children and young people. Our combined experience, along with case studies and research in the field has convinced us that engagement with nature is not only beneficial to all but is a fundamental right which children and young people must have in order to develop fully. The outdoors is the ultimate enabling environment. It’s full of open-ended resources for play and learning, changing weather conditions and seasons, challenge and risk as well as opportunities for understanding the world.
We have experience of working with children of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds. We have delivered projects with groups with various additional needs including ADHD, Downs Syndrome, Autism and physical disabilities. We all hold Level 3 Forest School Leaders qualifications as well as First Aid certificates, full insurance, and are all fully DBS certified.
Sam Goddard
Director - Rooted Forest School and Cambium Sustainable. Sam founded Rooted Forest School in 2009 and took over the director’s role at Cambium Sustainable in 2018. He has over 15 years’ experience working with young children, first as a childminder, then a Forest School Practitioner. Despite taking in more of a training and directors’ role in Rooted in the last few years, he still loves getting outdoors with the children and playing in the woods. He is passionate about the benefits Forest School and Outdoor Learning can bring to all children and adults. Sam's other interests are green woodwork, bushcraft and music, all of which he brings into his sessions.
Jo Dainty
Forest School and Outdoor Learning Co-ordinator. If you call to book Rooted for a party, event or school session; this is who you'll be talking to. Jo Dainty is passionate about providing Forest School for children and young people and has over 18 years experience of facilitating outdoor play with children in communities all over Herefordshire, Powys and West Wales. Thankfully the most requested Forest School activities are usually the same as her own favourites- squelching through mud, cooking on a campfire and building dens in the woods! Reliving her childhood? No way! Outdoor Play is SERIOUS BUSINESS!
Vik hinsley
Forest School Practitioner. Vik is a fan of anything creepy crawly and wriggly that can be found outdoors, she has a wealth of knowledge that she brings to all her sessions in an informal, creative and fun way. Having worked for the Wildlife Trust for the past 20 years as their longest standing community Playworker you are bound to have had a random conversation with her about the hairy legs of a moth if you’ve seen her out and about at one of their events!
Charlie Walker
Forest School Practitioner. Charlie has been with Rooted since 2017 and is a level 3 Early Years practitioner and Forest School leader with further qualifications in Safeguarding, Outdoor Food Hygiene and Paediatric First Aid. Following a passion for Outdoor Learning and Forest School Charlie delivers sessions full time. Charlie has experience working with all age groups through running nursery forest school and outdoor learning sessions, parent and toddler groups, after school clubs, holiday clubs and scouting. Charlie’s other interests include art, music and storytelling which she brings to her sessions.
Amy Newman
Forest School Practitioner. Amy is an arts practitioner as well as a Forest School leader and she is passionate about the beneficial impact Forest School can have on children, parents and everyone! She regularly sees how having fun learning outside can significantly raise self esteem. Amy makes sure all activities are tailored to suit specific needs and that activities positivity engage with natural unpredictable factors such as the British weather!