Prospectus
and Licence to Deliver the 'Elders in the Woods' Programme
The Certificate in Green Dementia Care is the first of its kind in the UK. This fully accredited course equips Forest School Leaders and Care home Support Workers with the knowledge and skills to deliver Nature based dementia interventions.
Upon completion of The Certificate in Green Dementia Care you will gain a license to deliver our Elders of the Woods sessions at Care homes or in the Community, supporting the Mental health of individuals with dementia.
Our programme is led by an interdisciplinary team with expertise in dementia care, mental health support and nature-based therapeutic interventions. Our presenters include a Clinical Psychologist, Researcher, Speech Therapist and Forest School Leaders with specialist training in dementia care.
Throughout this course you’ll find out more about dementia and its impact on mental health, as well as the well researched benefits of green dementia care. You’ll learn how to deliver nature based interventions to support the mental health of individuals with dementia, including our own Elders of the Woods programme.
As the only accredited program in Green Dementia Care in the UK, this course sets you apart professionally. You’ll be among the first certified facilitators in the UK, positioning you at the forefront of this field.
The Certificate in Green Dementia Care is made up of 4 modules. Modules 1-3 are delivered by online learning and Module 4 can be completed in person or online. More information on our course content can be found below:
Understanding Dementia and Green Dementia Care
In Module 1 you will find out more about dementia and its impact on individuals and families. This module introduces the principles of green dementia care and how connecting with nature supports well-being for individuals with dementia.
In our live webinar, you’ll hear about the evidence for Green Dementia care from a University Researcher.
Supporting Mental Health and Well-being of Individuals with Dementia
In Module 2, you will join our Clinical Psychologist to discover how to support the mental health and well-being of those with dementia. In this module we focus on creating dementia-friendly environments and practical techniques to reduce anxiety for individuals with dementia.
Nature Connection Interventions for Dementia
In Module 3 you will learn techniques to connect individuals who have dementia with nature. You’ll find out how to deliver nature connection support and sensory based activities to enhance wellbeing. Finally, you’ll learn about nature based reminiscence therapy activities and how these can support individuals mental health and wellbeing.
In our live webinar, ‘Supporting Motor Skills in Green Dementia Care’, you’ll find out more about motor skills challenges for individuals with dementia from a Specialist Occupational Therapist. You’ll learn new strategies to adapt activities during Green Dementia Care interventions.
Delivering the Elders of the Woods Programme
In Module 4 you will learn how to lead Elders of the Woods sessions, combing nature-based activities, reminiscence, and sensory engagement with music, helping those with dementia connect with nature in meaningful ways.
You’ll receive training on specific activities that we have tried and tested in our Elders of the Woods Sessions here in Manchester. Upon completion, you’ll receive a license and manual to deliver Elders of the Woods sessions in Care homes and the Community.
For those who don’t have a Level 3 Forest School Qualification who are joining us in person, we train you in risk assessments and fire safety, so that you can expand the range of activities you deliver in your care home.
In our live webinar, you’ll find out how to support and deliver sessions to Carers of individuals with dementia.
When you enrol on The Certificate in Green Dementia Care, you’ll gain the following:
A Fully Accredited course, delivered by a multi-disciplinary mental health team, researchers and dementia specialist Forest School Leaders.
An Accredited Certificate in Green Dementia Care
An Accreditation Badge to show you are a Green Dementia Care Facilitator
A license and Manual to deliver The Elders of the Woods Programme
Although Green dementia care and it’s potential has been the subject of government reports and has been well researched in recent years by Universities across the World, guidance on how to deliver these interventions is sparse. The Certificate in Green Dementia Care is the first of its kind in the UK, equipping Forest School leaders and Dementia healthcare staff to deliver evidence based Green dementia Care.
This course is suitable for existing Level 3 Forest School Leaders, who want to expand the work they deliver and support older adults and those with dementia.
Alternatively, you may be a Support Worker, working in a care home, who wants to specialise in Green Dementia Care and deliver our Elders of the Woods programme in your own setting.
I have done lots of training over the years but TF is by far the best. I love the way the courses are so flexible and give different ways of learning. The short videos and activities are so useful and the fact that the content remains available to re access at any time."
Assessment for accreditation is via two short online multiple choice exams, covering core content.
Those who do not have a Level 3 Forest School qualification and want to gain insurance to use fires in their session will require an additional assessment in the safe use of small campfires. Please contact us for more information.
On completion, you will be able to deliver the Elders of the Woods Programme.
You will be able display this badge on your materials and share this achievement.
Delivered via our self-paced learning platform, you'll get started with Welcome Week on our course start date before beginning Module 1 and following our course timetable over 8 weeks, and longer if you prefer.
The core content is made up of short videos and a series of tasks on our online platform so that you can access them in your own time and with Guest Speakers and Course Mentor-led Study Sessions in the evening.
Starts on 15th September 2025
Costs £395 / £33 per month
You can choose to complete Module 4: Delivering the Elders of the Woods Programme on our blended learning day in Manchester.
You'll complete Modules 1-3 in the same way as the online cohort and you'll have access to Module 4 online that you can access at anytime to refresh any of the knowledge learned on the in-person day.
Starts on 15th September 2025
In-Person Day in Manchester (M45 7QJ) on Sunday 19th October 2025
Costs £425 / £35.50 per month