Our story

Hi, I'm George Strachan, ​the founder of Winding Path Forest School. It was founded on a simple belief: children develop resilience and emotional strength when given meaningful time outdoors, with challenge, trust and support.

 

I grew up in a large, outdoorsy family, camping under the stars, swimming in rivers and exploring woodland spaces.

 

Spending time outdoors remains at the heart of family life. Whether we're exploring local woodland, camping, paddling in rivers or simply enjoying time together outside, nature continues to provide adventure, connection and countless opportunities to learn. Many of the values that underpin Winding Path Forest School have grown from these shared family experiences and a desire to help other families create their own meaningful memories outdoors.

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Professionally, my background is rooted in school and community sport, including playing rugby before moving fully into education. I currently work within primary schools as an Outdoor Enrichment Lead and PE Specialist, where I have seen first-hand the powerful impact outdoor learning has on confidence, regulation and engagement, particularly following the pandemic.

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Winding Path Forest School brings together that lived experience and professional expertise.

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My qualifications and experience

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✓  Level 3 Forest School Leader

✓  Level 3 Bushcraft

✓  Certified Outdoor Mental Health Practitioner

✓  Level 3 Teaching Assistant

✓  Paediatric and Mental Health First Aider

✓  Extensive experience across primary and secondary settings

✓  Specialist in SEMH-informed outdoor provision

✓  Experience developing peer leadership opportunities for older pupils to support younger learners

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We're based in Nottinghamshire, primarily working with schools and families across the county. ​We're a family-based business with an aim of getting more people outdoors.

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Sessions are:

✓  Trauma-aware and strengths-based

✓  Rooted in risk–benefit practice

✓  Designed to build resilience and self-belief
 

Children are trusted with responsibility, supported through challenge, and encouraged to recognise their own capability.