Around 20 trainees took part in a workshop organised by Scottish National Heritage and the Forestry Commission to equip practitioners to take children from the age of three out into the countryside.
Forest Schools, which originated in Sweden in the 1950s, have been adopted in the UKfor a number of different groups, including the early years, mainstream schools, mothers with post-natal depression and children with challenging behaviour.
The Forest School leaders' course includes five days of initial training in basic principles, a two-day residential course and first aid. Candidates also have to run a Forest School for at least six sessions.
Young children at a Forest School might learn how to light a fire, make mud pies, build a shelter or bridge or take part in an art project of natural materials.
The idea is that children make regular visits to a local woodland site, ideally once a week all year round.
Sally York, education adviser for Forestry Commission Scotland, said, 'It's a technique of trying to boost the users' self- confidence and esteem, tied to physical activity.
'By going out on a regular basis, children have a real sense of belonging and it becomes their place,' she added.
Bonnie Maggio, awareness and involvement advisor at Scottish National Heritage, said, 'At one time everyone knew how to survive in the outdoors, but these days very few children or adults would have the basic skills to get by. Forest Schools allow children to get closer to nature than many of them have ever experienced, and teach them how to appreciate and look after the precious resource of the forest.
'It is a great chance to learn about wildlife, but it is also valuable for building self-confidence and personal growth, as well as having a lot of fun in the process.'
Forest School leaders choose part of the woodland in advance and make sure the area is safe. Because the adult-to-child ratio is high, young children are able to take part in activities that are often considered too risky, such as using small handsaws to cut wood.
Ms York said, 'It's about building up their level of confidence. You know when a child is ready for that sort of activity, where they are using the right sort of tools.'
For more information on Forest Schools see www.foresteducation.org.uk/forestschools.