When I undertook Forest School training 8 years ago, I knew I had found my way into something special.

You see, I had recently left the Royal Navy, moving over 400 miles back to my hometown as a newly single mum, and with all the change and uncertainty, my mental health had plummeted.

I wasn't 'outdoorsy', but I was persuaded by my mum to volunteer for a summer at an outdoor play project. Not only did it remind me of the joy of 'just playing', but for the first time, I felt first-hand how nature could have a positive impact on my mental health while helping me build my relationship with my own daughter as I tried to navigate this new life. 

I remember thinking that if this had helped me (as reluctant as I was initially) then there was the opportunity to help others use nature play to help others too. However,  I really didn't know anything about nature or even play so I was directed toward Forest School Training. 

I had so much to learn.

I didn't know the difference between an Oak and an Ash 🌳 🙈 and I was genuinely concerned that I was going to be WAY out of my depth on this course but there was an added bonus that I hadn't even considered.

I had found a whole new community of people who were all passionate about using nature to make a difference.

It was a kind group that not only didn't make me feel bad for knowing next to nothing about nature, but they supported me to find out more, and many of us are still in touch to this day supporting one another as our own projects continue to grow

It was during this training that the seed for OutLET was formed, and I'm forever grateful for where Forest School Training and that community have brought me.

As I was leaving the forces, I had no idea what my next move would be, but sometimes, the best paths appear where we least expect them.