We're celebrating Marina Robb and Jon Cree's new book (May 2021) after a 4 year project!
Marina Robb (Bsc; PGCE; MA; Msc; Author) is Founder and Managing Director of Circle of Life Rediscovery Community Interest Company and The Outdoor Teacher Ltd, both leading organisations that aim to transform education and health through nature.
She is co-author of ‘Learning with Nature’, considered a must-have book for Forest School & Outdoor practitioners and ‘The Essential Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy’.
Marina has been the recipient of funding from Natural England, Mind and The National Lottery, amongst other grant makers for her outdoor work with disadvantaged teenagers, families and young people.
The flagship project ‘ The Woodland Project’ won the ITV People’s Project in 2017, supporting families and teenagers with disabilities and mental health issues. Marina is a senior practitioner for residential camps in Sussex woodlands, Forest School & training, nature-based training for adults, nature & health interventions, outdoor learning days and youth training programmes.
Marina has more than 30 years experience in outdoor learning and nature connection. She provides a deep understanding of effective nature education at all levels and for a range of diverse backgrounds.
Marina is a qualified teacher (PGCE) and since 1989 has studied Environmental Education (MA), Environmental Management (BSc) and Social Research (MSc). She is a leading Forest School endorsed trainer and practitioner (UK and International). Her aim is to share her knowledge and experience with teachers and others wishing to work outside the classroom.
She has pioneered nature programmes within the health sector, and has received funding from Natural England, Mind and The National Lottery, amongst other grant makers for her outdoor work with teenagers, families and young people with mental health issues, disabilities, dementia and early psychosis.
A complete guide to Forest School provision and Nature Pedagogy and has a foreword by David Sobel.
The book examines the models, methods, worldviews and values that underpin teaching in nature and provides ‘real-life’ examples from a variety of contexts, sample session plans and detailed guidance on using language, crafting and working with the natural world.
Topics include the history of nature education, our sensory system in nature, Forest School ethos and worldview and playing and crafting in the natural world.
Guiding practitioners through planning for a programme, including taking care of a woodland site and preparing all the essential policies and procedures for working with groups and nature, this book is written by dedicated Forest School and nature education experts and is essential reading for settings, schools, youth groups, families and anyone working with children and young people.
"This book is an inspired, timely, and great resource for those who want to help young children love and care for the Earth. The Guide to Forest School and Nature Pedagogy contains everything a leader will need to plan and creatively craft life-changing outdoor experiences for young children."Joseph Bharat Cornell, Author & founder of Sharing Nature Worldwide
"Jon and Marina offer readers a deep, deep dive into the ideas that have shaped their seven decades at the forefront of outdoor learning. Drawing on neuroscience, play theory, dark green ecology and behavioural psychology, the book blends insight, reflection, research and practical advice. The result is full of wisdom and compassion, grounded in a profoundly spiritual conception of our connections with each other and the biosphere."Tim Gill, Author & Play Activist
This book is a complete guide to Forest School provision and Nature Pedagogy and it examines the models, methods, worldviews and values that underpin teaching in nature. Jon Cree and Marina Robb show how a robust Nature Pedagogy can support learning, ...
Muddy Faces asked Marina a few questions about her favourite outdoor things...
"... is sitting under a fir tree on the street where I could see out, but no one could see in - it was a special place."
" Hard to say one - I love the woods and the sea!"
" Remember to stop and notice the moment as much as you can - and where possible smell the blossom."
Marina was also co-author of the book below:
Learning with Nature is full of fun activities and games to get your children outdoors, to explore, have fun, make things and learn about nature and help them grow up happy and healthy.
Authors
Celebrating some of our favourite outdoor-related books & their inspirational authors.
Forest School
Forest School is an incredible tool for wellbeing, development and outdoor play & learning, from Early Years & Primary schools, right through to adulthood. These pages answer the questions: -
• What is Forest School?
• What is the history of Forest School?
• What are the 6 Forest School principles?
• What is the ethos of Forest School?
• What happens at Forest School?
• What is the evidence for the benefits of Forest School?
• How are Forest School practitioners trained and what qualifications do they have?
• Most importantly - how can I get involved?!
You can also read or download the FREE Forest School Edition of The Outdoor Practitioner magazine here.
Methods & approaches
Being outside is the common denominator but organisations and projects have their own values and focus. In this section we've gathered links, research and info on key approaches including Forest School, John Muir and child-led play. Plus guides to evaluation of the hard to quantify.
Click the links to the left to explore
Read More about Methods & approaches
