The Outdoor Woodland Learning School CIC (non profit) aims to enable everyone to have

an enjoyable and inspiring experience outdoors in the woods.

Outdoor Woodland Learning School (OWLS CIC) was formed in response to the need in schools and communities to enable children and young people to engage in a positive, challenging and exciting way with our natural environment in North East Scotland. This learning comes through participation in outdoor learning and in enabling young people to be involved in planning and evolving their own learning.

To achieve this we have a team of enthusiastic people all of whom love the outdoor environment as well as enjoying the challenge of working with young people and adults.

The OWLS Team

Heidi Neal – Director

Heidi is from Aberdeenshire and after a decade travelling the world chasing mountains and snow, she settled down to deliver Nature connection experiences in the Shire 19 years ago. Providing therapeutic outdoor experiences within the education sector became a focus a few years later.

A Trauma-Sensitive Body-Oriented Coach, Nature Connection Practitioner, Forest School Leader, iRest Yoga Nidra facilitator, and Therapeutic Mentor, Heidi is passionate about the power both Nature and community has to support healing, health and wellbeing.

Heidi loves to seek out a cacophony of Nature noise, and connect with the rhythms of the wild and says ‘I still pinch myself that I get to do this at work too. Being in places where we can slow down, find connection, and experience the restorative power of nature and community – there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing, nowhere else I’d rather be – except maybe curled up by the fire after a long day outdoors.’

Bela Spencer

I came to Forest School through home educating my youngest daughter. We went along to Little OWLS when she was two years old, and it captivated both of us. Our Forest School journey continued as we spent many hours in the woods, coming together with other home-educating families. I have always loved the outdoors, but being in community in nature holds a certain magic that truly nourishes me.

My background is in holistic therapies, bodywork, and meditation, spanning three decades of experience. This journey took me around the world, where I worked and lived in ashrams, retreats, and communities, studying under many esoteric teachers. I have worked with women and their families as a midwife, doula, Yogabirth practitioner, and baby massage and yoga teacher, facilitating a broad spectrum of care for both mothers and babies.

I love working with people and am deeply passionate about witnessing their growth. I believe in the powerful role nature plays in our recovery and connection processes, providing a nurturing space for transformation and healing. I feel grateful to be able to support these journeys.

Here at OWLS, I facilitate Little OWLS, OWLS parties, holiday clubs, our OWLS Home Education Club, and OWLS Women’s Woodcraft & Nature Connection sessions.

Soozy Lai

Soozy was brought up in the Granite City and found Forest Schools in her late twenties. Since then it’s been outdoors and play all the way – five years as a Play Development Worker with the Aberdeen Play Forum, a move to a small-holding in Huntly and the arrival of two young welly-stompers…

We all need nature for a multitude of fundamental reasons, from the provision of basic food, shelter and air to the fulfilment of less tangible, but no less vital, needs such as for mental health and wellbeing, as well as our sense of identity and belonging.

Soozy is proud to be part of the creative and dedicated OWLS team, which uses play and the outdoors to nurture children and young people, thus supporting them in developing the skills and inner strength they need to navigate through life.

OWLS Team

Karen Hudson

Claire Somerset

Claire spent many years volunteering outdoors at her children’s school before leaving her seriously scientific job to join the OWLS team.

Brought up roaming her local woodlands and beaches, she enjoys nothing better than being outside. When not running through the countryside, Claire is scuba diving off the Scottish coast.

Claire believes passionately in the mental, physical and emotional benefits of being outdoors, especially for children and adults.

How to Book

To confirm date availability just

click on the Book Now link.