A really WILD opportunity 

A chance for young people and children to get fully immersed in a truly wild experience in the woodlands and grounds of Embercombe. Through learning a range of ancient and more modern skills and disciplines, individuals will develop a better relationship with their natural environment.

The activities included in the Wildcraft programme offer children real challenges in dealing with the elements, danger, tool skills, self discipline, teamwork, leadership and much more.

Here are just some of the things participants will find themselves doing during this three to five day residential:

Foraging for wild food : ensures they really notice the world around them.

Eating wild animals:  allows them to view the food they eat in a new way.

Making rope out of plant fibres:  develops patience, perseverance and fine motor skills whilst giving them insight into plant fibre and its uses.

Firemaking:  a basic skill requiring lots of perseverance.

Learning knots:  an essential skill for outdoor life.

Sourcing, harvesting, preparing and learning to use a hunting stick: requires discipline and enables them to experience how to make something really useful out of something really wild.

Hunting and stalking: helps to develop sensory skills they probably never knew they had.

Building a communal shelter to sleep in for a night: an essential skill for a good nights rest, requiring teamwork and careful planning.

Woodcraft: learning how to effectively and safely use sharp tools. Encourages the children to feel capable and trusted.

Raft building and rowing on the lake: perfect teamwork required to ensure a dry trip.

Storytelling around the fire: a relaxing way to enjoy each others presence and tales from the imagination.

The last day of the course is spent digesting the whole experience by identifying the knowledge they have learnt, by exploring the emotional and sensory experiences they felt and by recognising the skills they have gained. The children prepare and perform a presentation for the teachers and Embercombe staff.

Most children don’t have the chance to experience these activities in their everyday life. The Wildcraft course is a wonderful way for children to truly see and experience how connected to and reliant upon our natural environment humans are.

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Prices: from £45 + VAT per child per night
Prices vary according to the size of your group and the groups requirements.
Prices include all sessions from 08:30 until 17:00 dinner at 18:00 followed by an evening activity until 20:00. All food, drink and accommodation are provided.

For more information about food, accommodation and facilites click here

Weather warning

Please note that all our activities carry on whatever the weather so do ensure your class have appropriate outdoor wear, rain or shine.

Wellies whatever the weather
If wet - full waterproofs 
If hot – sun cream and sun hats