Forest
Archery
A good session for all ages and abilities, our excellent outdoor range provides the opportunity to take part in this most ancient of skills, using modern equipment and under the guidance of experienced, highly qualified instructors. We are able to offer basic introductory sessions, or advanced skills coaching as required. A session will see your group go from novice to hitting the bullseye!
Effort: Minimal
All Terrain Biking
Takes you through the forest using pedal power! You will be off road using single tracks with the chance to learn some new skills. Rides can be tailored to your group’s level of experience and fitness. Participants must be confident riding a bike. In the interest of safety the instructor will make an assessment of competence and participants may have to be excluded from the activity if it is deemed to be unsafe for them to take part.
Effort: moderate- strenuous
Art Works
A chance to explore the natural environment through art using natural materials. Inspiration from the forest expressed in 2D or 3D, large scale group work or individual pieces; our tutor will help you to get the most out of the extraordinary beauty of our forest setting. Themes and techniques can be linked to the National Curriculum, or art can be used as a means of exploring spiritual ideas as part of your group worship or individual faith expression.
Physical effort = minimual. No prior art experience necessary
Bush Craft
This has proved to be one of the most popular activities. Your group will have the chance to look at how the forest can provide all you need to survive; what to eat, how to find water, how to build a shelter, and how to make a fire. It is a fantastic way for your group to discover more about our natural environment, understanding how we can interact with it and the importance of sustaining it. See our Environmental page for more information. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Effort: minimal-moderate
Navigation
Learn the basic skills of map reading in a fun competitive way, before going off into the forest. Here you will work together to find the markers on our larger offsite course. We can include some teambuilding elements within this activity to make it more challenging for older groups or those that have previous experience in navigation. Physical effort = minimal to moderate
Low Ropes
A team building challenge on a low–level course, utilizing team work and communication skills. The instructor will give the group several tasks which they have to achieve as they progress round the course. It is a great activity to participate in, and groups will learn a lot very quickly about how to work together in a fun, memorable way. This is a good activity for groups who are of mixed ability and age and who haven’t necessarily worked together before. It offers them the chance to interact, working with their strengths and weaknesses, thus having a positive effect on group confidence levels. Similar to team building the groups are encouraged to work through any issues that might arise throughout the activity themselves, although the instructor will step in if deemed necessary.
Effort: minimal-moderate
Team Building
These are a variety of short puzzles or games situated within the grounds of the Centre, which the groups work through in order to achieve set goals. It involves utilizing skills such as communication, planning, problem solving and teamwork. The skills that the group works on are decided at the beginning of the session by the participants; if needed the group is encouraged to work through any issues that might arise throughout the activity themselves.
Effort: minimal-moderate.
Bridge Building
This is a team building activity that takes place in forest surroundings fairly close to the Centre. It is a problem solving exercise which involves transporting the group from one ridge to the other, either side of a deep ditch in the ground, by setting up a rope bridge. Instructors will provide basic equipment and give helpful hints. Teamwork is required!
Effort: moderate
Forest Walks
Night Hike - A walk in the forest in the evening. In the summer months enjoy seeing the forest as the sun goes down, or in the winter walking through it in the dark!
Nature Walk - Working with the local branch of the RSPB we can offer guided walks in the local nature reserve at Parkent, with special interest in fauna, flora, insects, bugs and birds. The local community worker from the RSPB can be available on request and a donation will be asked for twards the work of the RSPB.
Adventure Walks - This activity offers you the chance to explore the forest and discover some of its history, whilst being guided by one of our instructors who will ensure you won’t get lost! This activity can be tailored to suit your needs, so if you are worried about distances or the ability of your group we will endeavor to take them on a route that will work for them.
Effort: Minimal-strenuous
Crate Stack
A real team challenge which involves balance at height (with safety ropes) and a very high level of co-operation. See how high you can go!
Physical effort: moderate