About Best Buds

Who are Best Buds?

Best Buds provides outdoor learning for primary and secondary schools and independent sessions on a weekly basis throughout the entire year. We work with children and young adults within a woodland setting. 

We follow the original Forest School methodology that was created in Scandinavia and adopted by Denmark in the 1980s for children to spend the majority of their time learning outdoors and enjoying every minute.

Currently, we work with schools within the Bradford and Leeds area for regular term time sessions, we have worked with local organisations such as sports clubs and independent outdoor clubs for one-off special events and special events for families.

All our activities are risk assessed and our equipment is regularly tested for safety.

We have many different types of outdoor sessions we can provide.  As every school or client is unique we don't sell off-the-shelf packages, instead, we'd meet and discuss your particular needs and tailor an exact package based on your requirements suiting budgets and timeframes.  

Our vision

At Best Buds, our goal is to foster friendships, encourage personal growth, and instil a love for the outdoors.

We follow the six principles of Forest School:
  • Forest School requires a long-term commitment to work with participants throughout all seasons, allowing for a gradual and evolving relationship between the group and the natural environment.
  • Forest School must take place in a natural setting, fostering the participant's relationship with nature and promoting environmental conservation.
  • We promote holistic development, positive mental health, friendship, confidence, independence, creativity, and interdependence.
  • Forest School provides opportunities for learners to take supported risks appropriate to their abilities and the environment.
  • The focus of Forest School is child-led play, development, and learning, with participants leading their own learning journey and practitioners serving as guides.
  • Our Forest School is led by either a trainee or a qualified Forest School practitioner and we continuously maintain and develop our professional practice.
Best Buds Forest School 227

Meet Rich Our Founder

In the past, Rich was the founder and managing director of a renowned digital marketing agency located in the vibrant city centre of Leeds. Despite loving his work, Rich had a passion for the great outdoors and a dream of setting up an outdoor education company.

With determination and hard work, Rich achieved his dream in 2020 by selling his successful business to pursue his passion. This led to the creation of Best Buds in 2021, where Rich dedicated himself to exploring the local woods, designing unique equipment, and using his three adventurous boys as chief testers.

Today, Rich is running regular and exciting outdoor education sessions for schools in Bradford and hosting one-of-a-kind events.

 

"I feel incredibly lucky I have been able to work with young people and adults doing something I am incredibly passionate about. 

In today's world of technology is it becoming increasingly difficult to get our kids off their devices and play outside.  Best Bud's mission is to offer something better than any iPhone or console could offer, playing out with your pals, having adventures and getting your hands dirty."

Rich Turnbull, Best Buds Boss

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a price list for your different sessions?

We don't advertise pre-packed sessions, we believe every client be that a school, club or family are unique and will have specific needs.

Our approach is to discuss what you are looking for and tailor a package exactly to your requirements and budget.

 

Where do you operate?

Currently, we only work within the Leeds and Bradford districts.  Our services are fully mobile so we can work in any suitable woodland or outdoor space.

 

How do we enquire about booking Best Buds?

The best way to get in touch is via email: contact@bestbudsoutdoors.com.  We aim to reply within 24 hours of receiving your enquiry.

 

Do you offer children's parties?

We don't currently have children's party packages you can purchase via the website however we are open to doing one-off party sessions on a tailor-made basis.  Please get in touch to find out more.

 

What professional certification does Best Buds have?

Our practitioners are either Level 3 qualified Forest School leaders or in training to become qualified.  All staff are DBS checked and have Level 3 Awards in Paediatric First Aid and Forest School First Aid.

We are fully insured and all staff have completed a child safeguarding course.

All certificates, policy documents and procedure documents can be provided on request.

 

Do you work with special needs children?

Definitely! We offer specially designed sessions and equipment that are specifically tailored to accommodate children with ADHD, autism, mobility challenges, visual or hearing impairments.