Hello! 

My name is Hayley and I founded Child in the Wild Forest School. I am a qualified Level 3 Forest School Leader and outdoor first aider. I have always adored nature and studied animal conservation/management at college, I then continued to university and earned a BSc honours degree in Animal behaviour and welfare, with a focus on wildlife conservation. I ran a home-based wild hedgehog rescue for almost 6 years, and have extensive volunteer experience working outdoors and with wildlife both in the UK and abroad. I have also voluntarily worked with young people at a local youth centre. My favourite trip was when I volunteered in South Africa for 5 weeks which included working with primary school aged children. We taught them about the importance of conservation, and took them out on game drives to show them the amazing wildlife on their doorstep, that many of them had never seen before! I'll never forget the joy on their faces. I completely fell in love with the wild animals we were studying too, it was a truly life-changing experience. It was after that trip that I realised that personally enjoying nature was one thing, but to show, share and experience all that nature has to offer with others, especially children, was beyond better!

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When I became a mum to my 2 children (who are now 4 and 5 years old - doesn't time fly?!), I became really fascinated and passionate about early years and outdoor learning. As a family we spend a lot of time outside, especially mucking about in the woods! One-day I had a 'lightbulb moment' about how to combine my passion for our wild world with my interest in child development and outdoor learning - I decided to become a Forest School Leader and start my own business! So after almost a full year in the planning, 5 courses, endless research, lots of networking and Crowdfunding, (and I even had to finally learn how to drive!), I opened the 'doors' of Child in the Wild Forest School on May 10th 2023. I'm so thankful to be here over a year later, having met hundreds of wonderful wildlings! I hope that I will get to know you too, out in our beautiful woodland site, surrounded by the endless wonder of our wild world! Hayley x