Welcome to ER Outdoors

We are passionate about experiential learning and about helping people feel connected to the world around them

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

You may have noticed that not a lot seems to have been happening at ER Outdoors over the last few years. Initially, this was the result of Covid restrictions. Later, more-or-less full-time caring responsibilities prevented courses from being run. When that came to an end last summer, a re-evaluation of the company felt necessary and this has resulted in some exciting new developments which we are now ready to share with you.

We are very pleased to announce that the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) is on the way to becoming the awarding body for Delivering Experiential in the Outdoors. This is a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) package designed to support and inspire outdoor learning providers. It comprises three modules created and/or developed by ER Outdoors for IOL over the last decade or so. These are Facilitating Experiential Learning in the Outdoors, Fostering a Connection and Reflective Practice for Outdoor Learning Providers.

To support the roll out of this package across the UK, we have begun to develop a Train the Trainer course. Six people are already embarked on the journey and we are now looking for other suitable candidates. If any of you are interested, please contact us by email at lunwroberts@gmail.com attaching a CV.


Description of the three modules:

(For more information choose 'Courses for Outdoor Providers' in the dropdown menu above)



FACILITATION

This is a two-day module aimed at introducing the main aspects of facilitating outdoor learning in a very practical, fun way with loads of opportunities to experiment. Especially useful for those applying for the IOL's Registered Practitioner (RP) or Accredited Practitioner (AP) Awards. Recognised as Continuous Professional Development for members of the Mountain Training Association. £120 per person.

March 18th and 19th. The Towers Active Learning Centre, Betws-Y-Coed, Conwy LL24 0DR (aimed at Outdoor Learning Providers)
May 13th and 14th. Nant Bwlch Yr Haearn Outdoor, near Llanrwst, Conwy LL27 0JB (aimed at Primary School Teachers)



FOSTERING A CONNECTION

This is a one-day course designed specifically for all outdoor learning providers by the IOL, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), ER Outdoors, and Nature's Work to help providers foster their clients' feelings of connection to their human and physical environment and their wish to care for the world around them. Practical, fun approach with opportunities to develop your own ideas and share resources. Especially useful for AP candidates. Recognised as CPD by the Mountain Training Association and the Association of Mountaineering Instructors. £60 per person.

March 20th. The Towers Active Learning Centre, Betws-Y-Coed, Conwy LL24 0DR (suitable for all)
May 12th. Nant Bwlch Yr Haearn Outdoor Educayion Centre, near Llanrwst, Conwy LL27 0JB (suitable for all)



REFLECTIVE PRACTICE for OUTDOOR LEARNING PROVIDERS

This is a two-hour workshop designed to make reflection an enjoyable developmental part of your life and work. Recognised as CPD by the Mountain Training Association and the Association of Mountaineering Instructors. £30 (free if booked with either Facilitation or Fostering a Connection modules).

March 19th 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The Towers Active Learning Centre, Betws-Y-Coed, LL24 0DR (suitable for all)
May 12th 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Nant Bwlch Yr Haearn Outdoor Education Centre, LL27 0JB (suitable for all)


FIELDWORK SUPPORT

Fieldwork Support We are back offering advice and support for teachers running Geography fieldwork courses in North Wales. We can tell you which accommodation options offer classroom facilities, where you can find an esker or an easily accessible river or the best sand dune transects to use... or anything else you need to know for your visit. We can also tell you who to contact for permission to visit particular sites and answer all the other niggling little questions that make fieldwork trips so hard to organise from a distance. In addition, we can provide extra members of staff with the right qualifications for leading groups in the mountains if you need them and we can even design and deliver the whole trip for you if you prefer. (Free initial consultaion up to 30 minutes work. £20 per hour after that).


Other Courses and Events

FREE TASTERS

These last 2 hours and are aimed at helping providers apply the theory behind good outdoor learning to their practice. Topics include 'Reflective Practice', 'Managing Challenging Behaviour' 'Developing a Facilitation Mind-Set' and 'Using the OEAP Environmental Learning Cards' (these cards were created by a number of authors (including Lun Roberts of ER Outdoors) for the Outdoor Education Advisors' Panel and are published by Harvey Maps).


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Comments from course participants

'It was a brilliant course. I'm looking forward to putting the things I've learnt into practice'  James (March 2017)

'This [Facilitating Experiential Learning in the Outdoors] course is just as important as doing your Single Pitch Award, probably more so' Ebbi (March 2017) 

'The course… allowed instructors of all levels to experiment with techniques in a safe environment.' Bettina, D of E Leader

'The group have a cohesiveness which wasn't there before the trip... and they're more enthusiastic about their subject too.' Mark, Geography Teacher

'Lun has a real talent for getting alongside each individual, helping them to identify and work towards their own learning objectives.' Heather, Management Training Consultant