• EVERYTHING TICKWOOD
    • THE FARM
    • WILDLIFE
  • OPEN AIR TEACHING
    • FOREST SCHOOL
    • GARDENS
    • COMMERCIAL KITCHEN
  • TICKWOOD HOLIDAYS
    • LLAMA CABIN
  • CONTACT
  • Menu
  • EVERYTHING TICKWOOD
    • THE FARM
    • WILDLIFE
  • OPEN AIR TEACHING
    • FOREST SCHOOL
    • GARDENS
    • COMMERCIAL KITCHEN
  • TICKWOOD HOLIDAYS
    • LLAMA CABIN
  • CONTACT

Open Air Teaching

Forest School at Tickwood

There are dedicated sites for children to participate in Forest School activities; each with its own wooden structure which can shelter a class in all weather, a fire circle and compost loo. Wheelchair-accessible and eco-friendly matting cover much of forest paths allowing those with physical disabilities to move freely. Adventure playground equipment that has been designed to suit children of all abilities – such as a rope bridge and climbing equipment – is spread throughout the site. In addition, Tickwood is home to the UK’s highest zip wire for wheelchair users. All these elements have been selected to offer children the opportunity to not only play, but to also challenge themselves both physically and mentally.

Copy extract taken from Severndale Specialist Academy Forest School -Policy Document 

The woodlands at Tickwood consist of a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna. The children see new born lambs and calves in the fields as well as the occasional wild deer. Wood peckers, buzzards and robins often fly past the children as they busily participate with Forest School activities. Along the Woodland Walk children observe the seasonal changes; from the changing colours of autumn leaves and the wealthy crop of blackberries, to the frosted grass and bare branches of the winter and the green carpet of the dogs tooth mercury covering the forest floor and leaf laden branches of the Summer.

There are currently six Forest School sites at Tickwood, one is specifically allocated to our pupils who have profound and multiple learning difficulties and the other sites are used by students who are aged from four to sixteen years old. The sessions are led by a team of specially trained Forest School leaders who provide the students with a varied range of activities from hunting for mini beasts, cooking on an open fire to using simple tools and many activities in-between. Forest School has impacted upon our students in many ways; it has developed their independence and confidence which supports their ability to communicate, interact with one another and to develop their own ideas. It also helps the students to become conscientious members of our community through learning how to care for their environment, making them aware of their own safety through self-risk assessment and being responsible for their own belongings and equipment.

Aim

We aim to give children an understanding of the ethos of a Forest School experience. This approach enables children to be independent, self-motivated, courageous, considerate and will set them up for life long learning. Forest School particularly supports the development of self-esteem and self-confidence. There are many important issues to be considered here and we aim to remain true to the Forest School ethos and approach.

Environmental Considerations

Forest School has environmental awareness at the heart of its ethos. Wherever possible environmentally friendly products and recyclable materials should be used when appropriate. Good practice should be modelled by adults showing children that the world in which we live should be cared for. Involving children in site checks and planning environmental games will help to support this.

Health and Safety Considerations

The Forest School programme will support young children to develop responsibility for themselves and others. It will encourage early risk management strategies that will ensure that young children start to consider the impact of their actions on themselves and on others.

Come and join us at Tickwood – help us to develop more
so that we can provide even greater opportunities to shine.

shine@tickwood.co.uk

Tickwood Care Farm
Much Wenlock, Shropshire TF13 6NZ
01952 882394
shine@tickwood.co.uk

Tickwood Care Farm is a registered charity (No.1153036) providing opportunities for disadvantaged children and young adults.
Tickwood Care Farm is hereafter referred to as Tickwood.

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© Tickwood Care Farm 2025

Any request for use of any material as stated for any individual, company, charity or organisation deemed relevant by the Trustees of Tickwood must be made in writing to the Trustees of Tickwood and the granting of such a request must be received in writing from the Trustees of Tickwood.

All articles and or imagery, including stills photography, videos, soundtracks and music created by third party individuals in conjunction with contributing individuals, donor companies and or organisations have been approved by contributing individuals, donor companies and or organisations before being published and therefore understood to be correct at the time of being published on line and or in hard copy.

Responsibility for any misinformation contained within approved articles supported by contributing individuals, donor companies and or organisations cannot be accepted by Tickwood or its agents.
Any opinions expressed in any such information are not necessarily accepted or endorsed by Tickwood.
©Tickwood Care Farm 2018
Shine@tickwood.co.uk

Links

Giftaid
www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid

‘All-In’ Shropshire Short Breaks
https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/the-send-local-offer/social-care/short-breaks/all-in-programme/

Sevendale Specialist Academy
www.severndaleschool.org