Bright Bug Forest School is owned and operated by myself, Colleen Duggan and based in Berkhamsted Hertfordshire.

I am passionate about learning outdoors and bestowing this gift to future generations.

My forest school journey began many years ago in Canada, while as a young girl I spent endless hours outdoors, camping, hiking and experiencing nature in every weather imaginable. Camping in the heat of the summer or sleeping in a frozen quinzee hut (made of snow) were both equally satisfying and I learned many skills. Most importantly I learned resilience, team work and a lot about my own self. In addition I developed a life long appreciation for the environment.

As a young adult, I worked on conservation projects in Gros Morne National Park and helped set up and run a children's summer enviro-camp while gaining a degree in Environmental Studies at Carleton University in Ottawa. Other experiences such as volunteering for the Ottawa Riverkeepers and helping to develop awareness of local environmental projects have helped me gain further awareness and understanding of the importance of environmental education and helping others to become stewards of our environment.

After completing my degree, I taught English in South Korea and was able travel throughout Asia during these years. The world is an incredible place and I have been fortunate enough to experience the beauty of volcanoes, mountains and majestic forests. It was a dream come true and travelling has remained a part of my life ever since.

After moving to England in 2007, I qualified as primary school teacher and have since worked teaching at local schools around Hertfordshire. Teaching children has been a huge passion and the opportunities I have had while in the classroom have been amazing.

After over a decade teaching, I left the classroom to focus on my young family and began my own tutoring business which has been very successful. But the woods beckoned me to return to my true passion. Hence Bright Bugs Forest School was born.

I am a qualified and experienced Level 3 Forest School Practitioner and have both a Paediatric and a full 16-hour Forest School First Aid Certificate. I am so fortunate to be able to combine my love for the environment with my passion for teaching.