Woodland Holiday Club near Barnstaple

NB - These sessions will also include paid-for places (bookable on our other booking page here: https://bookwhen.com/hakefordwoods) so the maximum number of children each day will 16.

We provide time spent in nature, cooking and eating together around a campfire, learning bushcraft skills, exploring the woods and discovering the plants and animals that live here, playing lots of games and making friends. We will make dens, use tools and utensils, create art and craft using natural materials, make props for role playing, climb trees, play in the mud kitchen and the river. Above all, we want the children to have fun and so we take the lead from them as to which way an activity will go. We want to nurture imaginative play, curiosity about the world and their creative impulses so that the children go home feeling fulfilled and self confident and wanting to get back to nature for more. Connecting with nature improves the wellbeing of the participants and helps them to understand the great value of the natural world.

If using Google Maps, please write in Hakeford Woods (make sure you put the 's' on - very important or you'll find yourself in a farmyard!) You will find yourself driving under a high viaduct at Chelfham Mill, straight on until the road bends to the left, just after the bend, opposite a big house there are 2 entrances together on the right; the one on the right is a borehole company and the one on the left is Hakeford Woods. Drive down the unmade track until you reach the car park. Please walk your child to the gate to meet our leaders and meet us there again to pick up. A contact number will be provided nearer the time so you can message us during the day in case of emergency.

Your child will need clothes appropriate to the weather ie. sturdy and waterproof. They should have a full water bottle although top ups are available. They should wear long sleeves and trousers even in the summer. It is a good idea to bring a full set of spare clothes and shoes as the children will probably play in the shallow river. We occasionally have biting insects so insect repellent is recommended. If it is sunny, sunscreen and a hat are also a good idea. No phones or other personal items please except if needed for medical reasons.