MIKE HARRISON
About Mike Harrison
Founder – Green Trees Forest Schools
Michael Harrison’s journey is one of transformation — from the front line to the forest, from military discipline to youth empowerment.
A former British Army instructor with operational tours in Afghanistan, Michael developed a deep understanding of leadership, resilience, and calm under pressure. As a qualified All-Arms Skill at Arms Instructor and Fieldcraft specialist, he gained extensive experience teaching safety, teamwork, and practical survival — skills that now underpin his approach to education and wellbeing.
After leaving the forces, Michael channelled his passion for the outdoors into a new mission: helping young people build confidence, connection, and purpose through nature.
He is a Level 3-qualified Forest School Leader and certified Bushcraft & Survival Instructor, with additional training in Paediatric First Aid, Food Hygiene, and Outdoor Safety & Risk Assessment.
Growing up among the rugged landscapes of Cornwall gave him a lifelong respect for the natural world, which he now shares through Green Trees Forest Schools — a community-focused organisation recognised in Parliament for its impact on youth resilience and knife-crime prevention.
Michael has taught in both primary and secondary SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) settings, where he combines outdoor learning and history education to help disengaged pupils rediscover confidence and curiosity. His trauma-informed, hands-on approach has supported some of the most vulnerable young people in Wiltshire and Swindon.
Through his flagship programme, Roots to Resilience, Michael uses bushcraft and survival training to teach emotional regulation, teamwork, and self-discipline. His work reframes knives as tools, not weapons, empowering young people to take pride in safe, responsible skill use rather than fear or fascination.
Outside the woodland, Michael contributed to local and government-backed initiatives tackling youth violence and served as a youth leader with Highworth Community Church.
His story is one of service, strength, and hope — proof that with the right tools, every young person can grow stronger roots and a brighter future.
Key Qualifications
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Level 3 Forest School Leader (AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group)
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Qualified Bushcraft & Survival Instructor
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Specialist Instructor in Safe Handling and Tool Use (British Army)
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Mountain Leader (Summer)
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Certified Mountain Bike Trail Leader
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Approved Duke of Edinburgh Award Assessor
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Fieldcraft, Navigation & Outdoor Expeditions Instructor
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Experienced in Leadership, Mentoring & Resilience Training (former SNCO , Royal Regiment of Artillery)
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CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management & Leadership (Ofqual regulated)
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Paediatric First Aid & Level 2 Food Safety certified
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Expert in Outdoor Safety, Risk Assessment & Experiential Teaching
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Enhanced DBS Check
Pleased to have been mentioned in Parliament.
Will Stone (Swindon North) (Lab)
"We know about the importance of the educational benefits, but does the hon. Member agree that outdoor education can be used to tackle knife crime in urban areas? Will he join me in thanking Mike Harrison, who owns Green Trees forest school in Swindon, for his hard work on that?"
Tim Farron
"I am happy to join the hon. Gentleman in thanking Mike. Yes, the societal outcomes are huge beyond the classroom. The increased love of learning, better engagement and greater curiosity about the natural world are all part of delivering better outcomes for young people in general throughout their lives."