Our Team
John Tyrrell
John is the founder and lead practitioner in Tree Ring Forest. He has worked in outdoor education and event management for over 16 years. He has worked extensively as an instructor, trainer and teacher in adventure centres, third level college and a special needs school.
He is a qualified Forest School leader and has completed the NCFE Level 4 Advanced Bushcraft Qualification in the UK.
John worked in outdoor education with adults and children on land and water for many years before setting up an event management company. In this sector he worked as a team building facilitator, both designing and delivering programmes for many companies.
The move from corporate event management to forest school has been hugely rewarding and John has applied the same attention to detail in setting up Tree Ring Forest as he did to running corporate events.
His new clients are just as important as the senior management teams he used to work with in Google; they’re just a little bit smaller.
Qualifications & Training
• BA Hons in Outdoor Education & Leisure, GMIT
• BTEC L5 HND in Outdoor Adventure Management
• Level 3 Forest School Leader (Circle of Life, ITC, UK)
• NCFE Level 4 Advanced Bushcraft Certificate UK
• Bushcraft and Wilderness Skills Certificate GMIT, Mayo
• REC 3 First Aid Qualified
• Leave No Trace Trainer (LNT)
• Garda Vetted
• Child Safeguarding (Tusla) (Scouting Ireland) (CYC) (ISA)
• Mountain Skills completed & Mountain Leader 1 & 2 trained
• Stand Up Paddle Board Instructor (ASI)
• Sailing, Windsurfing, Powerboat Instructor (ISA)
• VHF License (ISA)
• SafeTALK suicide alert training completed
• Member of the Teacher’s Council Of Ireland
Nathan Reardon – Forest School Leader
Nathan Reardon brings over a decade of experience in youth work and alternative education, with a strong focus on outdoor learning and adventure-based development. Having taught in both Scotland and England, he moved to Ireland 11 years ago, where he has continued to share his passion for nature, learning, and empowering young people through outdoor experiences.
Nathan is a qualified instructor in climbing, mountain biking, archery, and paddlesports, and is currently completing his Level 6 Forest School Leader qualification. His sessions are full of energy, creativity, and opportunities for young people to challenge themselves while building confidence and a deep connection to the natural world.
With training in both first aid and catering, Nathan ensures that every forest school day is not only safe, but also welcoming, nourishing, and often filled with delicious campfire cooking. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening, foraging, walking his dog, and cooking seasonal, wild-inspired meals.
Nathan believes the outdoors is one of the most powerful and inclusive classrooms—and is passionate about helping every child find their place within it.
Andrew Kidd – Forest School Leader
Andy is a Forest School Leader and father of four, blending family life with over 20 years of bushcraft experience.
He’s passionate about giving children and adults the chance to explore nature, build resilience, and have fun with outdoor learning.
Through activities like den-building, fire-lighting, tool use, foraging, and wildlife discovery, Andrew helps groups develop practical skills, creativity, and teamwork while fostering respect for the environment.
He believes time outdoors not only boosts wellbeing but inspires a lifelong love of nature and sustainable living.
Helena Watt – Forest School Leader
Helena is an artist and forest school practitioner living in Wicklow. She studied Fine Art at Falmouth University, and has since travelled the world drawing and playing her violin!
She began working with children as a nanny, and then completed a Forest school course in Wales. Before she moved to Ireland she developed a creative learning program for an arts charity in Wales, running a wide variety of art workshops for children and adults.
Helena’s practice is rooted in a reverie of nature, anthropology and a fascination with ancient mythology and folklore.
Our Mission
At Tree Ring Forest our vision is quite simple. We want to create a safe, peaceful place where children and adults can immerse themselves in nature.
Where learning happens naturally and without pressure or prejudice through the facilitation of Forest School sessions, Bushcraft Courses and total immersion in outdoor living and the natural world.