Meet the Team
Emma
Hello!, My name is Emma and I have been a primary school teacher for over 20 years. During my teaching career I have been fortunate enough to work in a wide variety of schools both in England, Switzerland, and Norway.
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Canopy Forest School was established in 2021 but the dream was born over 15 years ago when I spent 4 years teaching in Norway. Working abroad taught me many things but above everything else it was the Scandinavian open air culture "friluftsliv" which really captured my imagination and changed my teaching pedagogy.
Since then my belief in the importance of taking teaching and learning outside has continued to be central to my work. It has led my practice as a teacher and as an outdoor learning coordinator. I have become skilled at developing links between outdoor learning and the curriculum and delivering teacher training.
In 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic my dream was finally given the space to grow and I had the chance to realign my stars. I enrolled on a level 3 Forest School Leadership course with "Archimedes Earth" and I have not looked back since.
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I am enthusiastic, creative and dedicated to connecting people with nature, helping them to develop practical, personal and interpersonal skills along the way.
Jo
Jo is a Primary School teacher with 10 years experience. She loves the outdoors and learning about nature. She enjoys wild swimming and walking and is interested in the healing power of nature. Jo has recently become a level 3 Forest School leader with Hampshire Wildlife Trust.
Carolyn
Carolyn has been a teaching assistant for over 20 years and in her last school, she had forest Friday each week and this highlighted for her the joy that learning outside can provide for both children and staff.
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She feels that the ethos and principals of Canopy Forest School are inspiring and she has already seen how much the children love the freedom of a 'no wall classroom'.
Carolyn, enjoys the outdoors and regularly walks and loves wild swimming in the sea, rivers and lakes.
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Carolyn is looking forward to learning alongside the children and is beginning her training as a Level 2 Forest School Assistant with Hampshire Wildlife Trust.
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Sarah
Hello, my name is Sarah . I’m an Outdoor Learning and Forest School Educator with 15 years of experience in education. I have worked for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Wessex Rivers Trust, where I developed a deep connection with nature and a passion for sharing it with others. I started my journey in an education as an LSA.
I specialise in delivering hands-on, environmental education to a wide range of people, from pre-schoolers to adults. Whether it’s guiding a group of children through their first nature adventure, leading school groups in hands-on nature based activities or helping adults reconnect with nature through wellbeing activities, I love finding ways to make learning meaningful and fun.
I am Level 3 Forest School Leadership qualified and love seeing children thrive and grow holistically during their Forest School sessions. It is very rewarding to observe children build their confidence at Forest School, especially those who struggle in the classroom.
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I am really interested in the benefits of nature connection for wellbeing. I set up and lead a nature-based wellbeing group for adults alongside a NHS Social Prescriber and GP, and I’ve worked with Winchester Youth Counselling to support teenagers through nature-focused wellbeing programmes.
Before entering the world of environmental education, I gained valuable experience as a fundraiser for Cancer Research, Greenpeace and VSO, which taught me the importance of communication and connecting with people to make a positive impact.
I strongly believe in Canopy’s ethos and am a passionate advocate for the outdoor education, nature connection and sustainable living. My goal is to inspire others to appreciate and care for the natural world, while also fostering a sense of wellbeing and community.
In my spare time, I enjoy long walks in nature, cycling, yoga and socialising with friends and family.
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In my spare time, I enjoy long walks in nature, cycling, yoga and socialising with friends and family
Rowena
Rowena studied Wildlife Ecology at university, because she is very passionately about protecting our natural world and resources. She also feels that engagement and community outreach are powerful conservation tools, both in terms of educating people and equipping them to take action for nature. Forest School is an amazing way to facilitate nature connection; it not only provides access to green spaces and education about the natural world, it also creates a safe space for people of all ages to explore, learn and grow, both as individuals and a community. Her favourite part of the process is watching children gain the confidence and resilience to approach new experiences and problem solving, with excitement and enthusiasm. She is currently a Level 2 Forest School Assistant, and will soon be undertaking her Level 3 qualification.
Mel
Hello, I’m Mel Sherrington, the newest member of Canopy Forest School! I’ve been leading Forest School sessions alongside classroom teaching for several years, and I’m deeply passionate about outdoor education. I believe every child deserves the chance to thrive and learn through hands-on experiences tailored to their individual interests.
Over the years, I’ve seen how long-term Forest School nurtures self-confidence, resilience, independence, and creativity. The freedom of outdoor learning encourages children to become curious, risk-aware explorers with a strong connection to the natural world.
Whether we’re building woodland habitats, racing bugs, or discovering “accidental maths” through natural play, I bring a wealth of ideas and resources to spark curiosity and wonder. Most of all, I believe children learn best when they’re having fun—so our sessions will be lively, muddy, and full of joy!
Beverley
Beverley is an experienced Forest School assistant who has worked for many years with the Outdoor Learning Company. She has been a learning support assistant in a range of settings, a Community Outreach Volunteer and a Youth Conservation assistant. Beverley is also a wellbeing and Yoga coach and runs “Earth School Yoga Movement” providing lessons for children and adults. We are really excited about welcoming Beverley to our Canopy Community and know that we will really enjoy the many skills and talents that she will bring to our sessions.
Our Qualifications and good practise requirements
Level 3 Qualified Forest School Leader
Qualified Teacher Status (PGCE)
MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behaviour Difficulties)
Certificate in Therapeutic Skills for Outdoor Leaders
Therapeutic Forest Approved Practitioner
Outdoor First Aid-SCQF Level 6
Level 2 in Food Safety and Safety for catering
Enhanced DBS
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Fire Warden Training
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Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead
Forest School Public Liability Insurance
Forest School Association Member
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Institute of Outdoor Learning Member
Contact us
If you have any questions, please email or fill out and submit a contact form.
For details of the locations of our sessions, please refer to the relevant booking page.
Our email address is