Friday Forest Families
Friday Forest Families
Outdoor learning activities and the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised Forest and Outdoor Learning Award.
Dates: Fridays 23 October – 18 December 2026
Duration: 9 weeks
Time: 1:30pm – 4pm
Funding: Free for eligible parents and carers
Eligibility:
Participants must:
- Be a parent or carer of at least one child under 18 living at home
- Have an individual income of less than £33,000
- Be living in Scotland full time
Location: Newbattle Abbey College Woodland Campus
Application Deadline: Please apply by 10am on Monday 28 September. We will let you know by Friday 9 October whether you have been offered a place.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Friday Forest Families is a free 9-week outdoor learning programme for parents and carers and their children.
Set in the beautiful woodlands at Newbattle Abbey College, the programme gives you the opportunity to spend time outdoors with your family while building your own confidence, skills and experience.
You will take part in practical forest and outdoor learning activities, develop skills in working with and supporting others, and work towards a nationally recognised Forest and Outdoor Learning Award (FOLA) at a level appropriate to you.
Your children can come with you and take part in activities alongside you, making this an opportunity for the whole family to learn, explore and enjoy the outdoors together.
Who is the course for?
Friday Forest Families is designed for parents and carers who would like to:
- Build their confidence and learn new skills
- Gain a recognised qualification
- Develop practical and leadership skills
- Explore future opportunities in learning, volunteering or employment
- Spend positive time outdoors with their children
- Meet other families and learn in a friendly and supportive environment
You don't need any previous qualifications or experience of outdoor learning.
SCQF:
You will work towards a Forest and Outdoor Learning Award at a level that's right for you.
How will I study?
You will attend Newbattle Abbey College every Friday afternoon from 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm for nine weeks.
The programme has been designed to fit around Midlothian's Friday school hours, giving families time to travel to Newbattle after school finishes.
Most learning will take place outdoors in our woodland campus. Sessions will be practical, informal and supportive, with opportunities to learn through experience rather than sitting in a traditional classroom.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment will be practical and based around the activities you undertake during the programme.
You will be supported to gather evidence of your learning and work towards a nationally recognised Forest and Outdoor Learning Award. There are no formal exams.