Learn at The Big Wood Estate
Connecting children with nature through experience
Learning at the Big Wood Estate happens outdoors,
through doing, observing, questioning, and reflecting.
We work with diverse groups — from schools and colleges to scout groups and adult learners — tailoring each experience to the people involved, the landscape, and the season.
What Learning Looks like Here
Learning days at The Big Wood Estate are:
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Practical and hands-on — learning happens through doing, observing, and exploring
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Responsive — shaped around the group, their age, interests, and learning focus
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Cross-disciplinary — subjects and skills naturally overlap in a real landscape
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Calm and supportive — space for curiosity, teamwork, confidence-building, and reflection
Activities might include woodland and wetland exploration, soil and carbon learning, wildlife observation, understanding seasonal change, or simply developing confidence and cooperation outdoors.
Curriculum-Linked, Group-Led
Visits can be tailored to support a wide range of learning frameworks, including the National Curriculum where relevant.
Learning may draw on areas such as:
- Science
- Geography
- PSHE & wellbeing
- History
- Outdoor and experiential learning
We work closely with group leaders and educators to understand learning aims in advance, then shape the day so outcomes are met naturally through experience, exploration, and discussion — rather than instruction-heavy sessions.
Our Educational Approach
Our learning programmes are shaped by years of working with land, young people, and communities, and by our involvement in the development of The Harmony Project, which places wellbeing, nature connection, and systems thinking at the heart of education.
At The Big Wood Estate, learning encourages:
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Observation over instruction
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Relationship over extraction
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Curiosity over certainty
We believe people learn best when they feel safe, engaged, and connected — to each other, to place, and to the wider living world.
Practical Information for Schools
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Suitable for: Primary-aged groups (adaptable for older students and other groups)
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Group sizes: Flexible — please enquire
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Location: Ardenrun Farm, Lingfield, Surrey
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Facilities: Outdoor learning spaces, with an indoor classroom base available
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Toilets: On-site toilet facilities available — let us know if you have specific requirements
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Risk assessments: Available on request
Funded Visits
We offer a limited number of fully funded school visits each year for schools that may not otherwise be able to access outdoor learning opportunities.
If cost is a barrier, we’re always happy to have a conversation.
We also work with colleges, youth groups, and adult learners — please contact us to discuss your needs.
Enquire About a School Visit
Let’s Shape a Day That Fits Your Class
Every school, class and cohort is different.
We’re always glad to talk through ideas, answer questions, or help you explore whether Big Wood is the right fit for your pupils.