The Bracken Outdoors Podcast
The podcast for outdoor professionals where we deconstruct the skills, attitudes and knowledge you need to help you earn a living in the great outdoors. Join us as we interview Forest School Leaders, discuss bushcraft philosophy, dive into nature as therapy, and dissect business structures. Hosted by Bracken Van Ryssen of Bracken Outdoors.com
The Bracken Outdoors Podcast
Episode 153 - Roz Kennedy on Journeying to Forest School
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In this episode of the Bracken Outdoors Podcast, I sit down with Roz Kennedy from Wavy Woods Forest School to talk about the path into outdoor work, and what it actually looks like to build something from the ground up.
Roz shares her journey from a global career in corporate learning and development into forest school, and some of the key moments that shaped that shift. We get into the realities of starting a new forest school business, working with partners, and finding your feet in those early stages.
We also explore how different cultural perspectives shape the way we view outdoor learning, and how that shows up in settings like daycare and early years provision. There’s a useful conversation around societal attitudes to risk, play, and time outside — and how those influence both parents and practitioners.
Along the way, we touch on networking, making connections, and the role that relationships play when you’re trying to get something new off the ground.
This is a practical, honest conversation for anyone working in forest school, outdoor education, or considering a move in that direction.
Find Roz / Wavy Woods:
www.wavywoods.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/wavywoodsschool/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572575055650
The Bracken Outdoors Podcast is designed for Woodland Leaders from bushcraft instructors to Forest School practitioners, helping you build a life in the great outdoors. With weekly short episodes on all aspects of life as a freelance Woodland Leader, from business tips and advice to philosophy of outdoor education, as well as monthly deep dives into larger topics or interviews with inspirational professionals and leaders in the outdoor education space.
Take the struggle out of setting up tarps with the Essential Tarps and Knots Course for Forest School Leaders, find out more at: https://brackenoutdoors.com/essentialtarps
Free Resources:
+ How to choose a tarp guide
+ Forest School Activity Ideas PDF
+ The complete guide to setting your rates as an outdoor leader
To find out more about my mission to help people Belong Outside, head to https://brackenoutdoors.com/