About Us
Our Clients
Maddi firmly believes that Forest School is not just for children – it is for everyone, regardless of age. There is something truly magical about being outdoors in the fresh air, surrounded by nature.
You will often find Maddi and her children exploring Clockhouse Park, Bedfont Lakes, Virginia Water Lake, Bushy Park, and Bracknell Forest. They enjoy searching for natural treasures like pinecones, acorns, and conkers, which are later incorporated into her Forest School sessions.
Today, Maddi is proud to be a freelance Forest School Leader, working with schools, nurseries, care homes, forest schools and holiday clubs across Surrey. She also looks forward to expanding her team of Forest School Leaders and Assistants in the near future.
A couple of years ago, Maddi’s love for the outdoors led her to the stay-and-play sessions at Bushy Tail Tribe Forest School in Lyne, Surrey, which she absolutely loved attending with her children. She enjoyed it so much that she was lucky enough to be taken on as a Forest School Assistant at Tessa’s wonderful Forest School. During this time, she gained invaluable knowledge and experience, which motivated her to pursue her Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification.
Alongside collecting natural materials, Maddi and her team also use items like thick glass jars, paper, card, tissue paper, feathers, and more in their activities. If you’re ever clearing out and have any of these items (or others you think may be useful), please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your donations will help make her sessions even more creative and engaging.
Along with her Level 3 Forest School Leader qualification Maddi holds certifications in Pediatric & Outdoor First Aid, Safeguarding, Prevent awareness, Food Safety and a Level 3 Education and Training. She has an Enhanced DBS check. Additionally, she and her staff are fully insured with Birnbeck Insurance.
Maddi Burgess – Owner
Maddi lives in Ashford, Surrey, with her husband and three daughters. She has a passion for the outdoors and is a strong advocate for the Forest School ethos, particularly its
learner-centred approach. Maddi has always made sure her young children have had the
opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, integrating it into their everyday lives.
When she had her own children, she rediscovered a world she had almost forgotten – a world that often fades as we grow older, especially in the midst of modern distractions, like electronic devices. Through her children’s eyes, Maddi found herself reconnecting with the wonders of nature, enjoying the simplicity and creativity it fosters. She is constantly amazed by how children, when given the chance, can create their own games and use their imagination to explore the world around them.
Jacqui Thake - Volunteer Forest School Assistant
Jacqui spent nearly 50 years as a journalist. On retirement, she enjoyed attending Forest School sessions with her granddaughters so much that she decided to become a Volunteer Forest School Assistant. She fully supports children being in an outdoor environment, using their imagination, learning important life skills and building resilience and a deeper connection with nature. She enjoys walking, swimming, reading, gardening, volunteering and socialising.
Jacqui is has a certificate in Safeguarding, is First Aid trained & Compassionate Neighbour trained (Princess Alice Hospice). She also has an Enhanced DBS check.
Nathan Witt - Forest School Assistant
Nathan has been working alongside Maddi in Forest School sessions for quite some time now. He is an invaluable support, ensuring that children have access to the right opportunities and experiences, while providing assistance when needed. As a Teaching & Learning Assistant, he has gained valuable experience in supporting and inspiring children’s learning and development. We were thrilled when he agreed to join us as a Forest School Assistant at our holiday clubs. Nathan holds certificates in food safety, allergens, safeguarding & child protection, and prevent, and he also has an Enhanced DBS check.
Lara Thake - Forest School Assistant
After 15 years as a property manager, Lara has stepped away to embrace a new chapter. She has three young nieces that she loves to spend time with and has always felt most at home outdoors—walking, cycling, or exploring new places—so it was only fitting that she volunteered helping Maddi in her Forest School sessions. Now, as a Forest School Assistant she spends her days helping children connect with nature, learn through adventure, and embrace the environment. When she’s not outdoors, she’s lost in a book or working on her own stories, giving herself the space to explore writing and see where it takes her.
She also has an Enhanced DBS check.
TBC - Forest School Assistant
Content coming soon….