Useful Information

Answers to our FAQs

Once you have booked, we will send you details of:

  • What you will need for your day
  • How to reach us
  • Parking information
  • Our contact details. 
  • Parking is very limited on site and is on rough terrain. There is a small parking area which is based around 300m from the base camp.
  • There is also parking available at Bicknor Church (approx. 15 minute walk to OTTW).
  • If we deem the site to be too muddy/dangerous we will inform you and cancel the session. 
  • Out To The Woods CIC cannot take any responsibility for damage to vehicles parked on site. 

Our facilities include:

  • Compost toilet with ramp and hand rails
  • Access to hot water and cold drinking water
  • Handwash – we have tippy tap and hot water available in an Igloo handwash station
  • Benches for seating
  • First Aid kit/Burns kits
  • All staff and volunteers are DBS checked
  • Safeguarding policy in place

Toilets

Compost Toilets

Our visitors can use our compost toilets.

(There’s nothing pretty or fancy about our toilets – but they are private and work really well.)

AccessAble

We have an accessible compost toilet with ramp. 

We also have a pop a loo which some people prefer to use.

For nappy-changing we provide a comfortable changing mat, but we do ask that you take your nappies home with you and dispose of them appropriately.

We also offer a tippy tap handwashing station and use of anti-bacterial gel.

On your first session you will be met at the entrance by a member of OTTW and taken to basecamp.

For your next visit you will be able to make your own way. 

Cold/wet days:

  • Lots and lots of layers (these can always be taken off)
  • Long-sleeved tops
  • Trousers
  • Coat
  • Waterproofs
  • Welly boots/walking boots
  • Hat, snood and gloves
  • Lots of socks
  • We also recommend skins/thermals

Hot/warm days:

  • Sun hat
  • Lightweight long-sleeved top
  • Lightweight long trousers
  • Coat
  • Sun cream (to be applied before session)
  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproofs

Depending on the session, this will vary. You will be informed of the necessary equipment before the session.

  • Water bottle
  • Waterproofs
  • Layers (depending on weather conditions)
  • Healthy snack

Forest School will run in all weathers, unless it is deemed un-safe. Being out in all weathers can be a fantastic learning opportunity, it can be lots of fun and is a great experience.

If you cancel up to 14 days before the session you can either request a refund or rebook the session (depending on availability).
Unfortunately if you are unable to make the session at shorter notice, we will not be able to offer a refund, but we will try to offer another session/option.

In the event that you are dissatisfied with a session, please contact us to discuss the situation and we will do our best to rectify the issue/reach an agreeable outcome.

We ask that you refrain from posting on social media but urge you to talk to us directly instead.

In the event that you wish to discuss something with us whilst other children/parents are still on site, please be aware that we may ask you to wait to discuss the situation until the end of the session/all other children/parents have left.

We expect participants and observers to be respectful to our staff and aware of all others around. Aggressive or abusive behaviour or language will not be tolerated.

Please inform us of any known allergies by completing the booking form. If necessary we can then discuss the allergy further and put appropriate measures in place. You may be asked to complete another form if we require further information.

In a woodland environment there are constant changes and an element of risk. There is a heightened risk of coming into contact with flora and fauna that may induce or trigger an allergic reaction. However we have knowledge of local flora and fauna on site and follow NHS guidance when dealing with allergic reactions however minor or severe.

Part of Forest School is learning to risk assess. There is always an element of risk involved in Forest School activities (climbing, slipping, tripping etc.) however we aim to safely risk-assess situations thereby minimising the potential risk.

Yes!  We have a food preparation area and a lovely large fire pit on which to cook delicious chapatis, lentils, smores, soups, damper bread and much more. However, cooking depends on the session and age of attendees. We can cater for personal choices and allergies – please contact us to discuss this.

We are very proud that in October 2022 we achieved a food hygiene rate of 5, the highest rating you can get. 

We always aim to go ahead in nature, but occasionally it is necessary to cancel.

In the event of bad weather or other circumstances, we will get in touch with you to let you know your event is cancelled.

All participants and their parents will be made aware that the Woodland may only be used by them during forest school sessions and is not available for similar use outside these sessions.  There is a public path through Gorham wood but none through Admiral wood and only that specified public path can be used outside forest school sessions.