A man who received an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood has established a forest school provision where he supports young people who have found mainstream education challenging or are being home educated.
Drawing on two decades of experience in education, alongside insights from managing his own diagnosis, he has been able to help youngsters who have concealed their difficulties, with numerous children benefiting from his forest school programmes in Stroud.
Craig Johnson, 39, from Stroud, launched his Wild Kids Forest School CIC in 2024.
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He completed his BA Honours in Education and Learning degree in 2022, and began his level three Forest School leadership qualification around the same period, finishing it in 2023.
Craig was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 35. He says he can empathise with children and parents regarding the challenges they encounter that others might not comprehend, particularly having lived with his undiagnosed condition for such an extended period.
He said: “I opened my Wild Kids Forest School in 2024 after I finished my degree and my forest school leadership training.
“In previous years I had been working at a youth club. In my role as a youth leader I was tasked with looking after activities which were child led. They decided they wanted to be outside doing activities in nature. I was leading a forest school without knowing.
“I fell in love with forest school as it suits my needs, loving being with nature which helps my ADHD and as someone who loves being an educator, this benefits the children.”
Craig has seen lots of youngsters coming to him who have been labelled as disruptive and they have deemed themselves as being the naughty child, however he is able to help these children unmask the identities they had been given.
He said: “I work with young people who have been excluded from school and others who are home educated and for some school did not work for them.
“It is the young lads especially which can be labelled as having anger issues and naughty. Many times It is their ADHD bringing on the impulsivity and strong emotions and strong sense of justice.
“Children with those behaviours in schools, if they challenge things which are wrong and they look to do something about it, they are labelled as outspoken or backchatting
“This can happen in other groups like scouts or in mainstream settings and people are unable to manage their behaviour.
“As I understand where they are coming from and see past the behaviours, I can see their true potential and bring them out of themselves.
“Some of these children have created thick masks for themselves. They end up assuming the role of being a ‘naughty child’.
“It happens when the ADHD child gets older and they continue to have more negative input from their peers. It results in low self esteem and they identify as the naughty child and this then becomes their mask. Especially the boys, and I have to help them get that mask off however it takes time and they can be vulnerable again until they realise they are okay.
“Building relationships within the forest school model helps to build positive relationships by being outdoors and there is little sensory overload in the outdoors.
“It is practical, outdoorsy and hands on. We do whittling, building tree houses, and so much more.
“One of the children created some working out equipment from logs and sticks. It about the letting of steam by running around and getting the fresh air.
“One lad said he is able to feel and be himself and it is something they really value, being able to be their ‘authentic selves’.
“Being ADHD I would not suit an office job. I have a passion for education. I think I have always thought of myself as an educator and I love facts.
“Since being diagnosed I have learned to adapt my ADHD tendencies. As a result of this I have improved relationships with family and friends.
There are around 60 young people who go to groups which are based in Slade Bank Woods, near Stroud and the new Wallbridge Fields CIC to deliver forest school.
Craig said: “I take referrals from schools for pupils who are doing flexi learning
“It is different case by case. One child had found it difficult to go to any provision and he came to my group and after six months his confidence improved so much and he is able to access other provisions.
“I love nature and always have since and child and loved playing out as a child. This is kind of like my special interest. My work is my hobby and it is very fulfilling.
“If anyone would like to reach out please do.”
