It is important that you trust your trainer when starting out on any new course, so here is a bit about me and how it all began!

Forged in Nature, the beginning of a new chapter.

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In 2025, Heather Coultard took the bold step of establishing Forged in Nature Outdoor Education and Forged in Nature Forest School CIC. After years of delivering Forest School programmes and training within wider organisations, Heather felt a growing pull to step out on her own and create something that truly reflected her ethos.

She wanted to build a training provider that didn’t just deliver qualifications, but also nurtured educators as whole people—celebrating their strengths, supporting their growth, and inspiring them to lead with authenticity.

Going solo meant Heather could shape a space where:

• Inclusivity is at the heart of outdoor education.
• Sustainability is embedded in every practice.
• Connection with nature is seen as a powerful tool for learning, wellbeing, and community.

With her background as a Level 4 Qualified Trainer with Cambium Sustainable Ltd., an MA in Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, and specialist training in Green Dementia Care, Heather brought together her expertise and passion to forge something new.

Forged in Nature Outdoor Education was born from the belief that educators, like the children they work with, thrive when challenged, supported, and inspired by the natural world. Heather’s journey to independence reflects her commitment to empowering others to flourish outdoors—whether they are training as practitioners, running their first Forest School sessions, or embedding sustainability into their educational setting. Not only taught—they are forged in nature.

Heather is a qualified outdoor first aider and a certified infant massage instructor (CIMI) with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM), as well as being a Mental Health First Aider with Mental Health First Aid England. DBS is available upon request.