Residential Programmes for Schools

Situated a short walk from the main site, our lake boasts an idyllic setting with a great location for building and racing rafts, constructed by each team using rope, wooden poles and buoyant barrels.

A perfect hands on construction challenge with very real consequences if it goes wrong!

Experienced instructors will show you the basics and let you loose on the lake in your creations, you are limited only by your imagination, and knot tying abilities.

Low Ropes is a circular team working challenge involving balancing on wires and obstacles close to the ground.

These course focuses on teamwork, problem-solving, and trust-building, rather than physical strength or endurance.

The objective is for the group to remain off the ground and they will need each other to achieve this. Additional tasks can be added to increase the level of focus and group coordination.

The setting in the forest adds natural elements and ambiance, enhancing the sense of adventure and connection with nature.

A High Ropes session at the New Forest Outdoor Centre offers a thrilling and adventurous experience for all participants. Set amongst the trees, the course consists of a range of obstacles suspended high above the ground, such as balance beams, high all aboard pole climb and crate stack. There are challenges at different heights.

The group are fully involved in all aspects of the activity, learning to fit safety equipment and manage the ropes for each other.

The cylindrical climbing tower has six main routes to the top enabling a number of people to climb at the same time.

We like to fully involve the group with the process of how to climb, teaching how to fit harnesses, tie knots and manage the safety ropes for each other. Trust and team work develop in the group as there is a collective effort helping people to climb.

We encourage a supportive atmosphere enabling individual children to challenge themselves appropriately.

Target sports includes Archery and Air Rifles in our purpose built ranges under the guidance of trained instructors. Participants learn and practice proper techniques for aiming, firing, and hitting targets placed at different distances. Coaching supports personal success and we find that children make progress quickly.

We are focused on safety with instructors ensuring that groups follow clear procedures. Friendly competitions or challenges to enhance their skills and enjoyment are often part of the experience.

Learn some skills for being in the woods comfortably. Make shelters that will keep you dry, learn to light fires with primitive fire starting techniques and cook something to eat over the fire.

Whilst in the woods we may think about foraging for food, navigation using natural landmarks, identifying flora and fauna and basic outdoor first aid. It’s usually hands-on, immersive, and teaches self-reliance in the wilderness.

We combine physical team working challenges with practical problem solving tasks to challenge the group in different ways. There is a large variety of tasks all hands on and interactive in nature.

The tasks can be delivered with a variety of rules and objectives enabling the instructors to work with each group differently. This means that we can be flexible in our approach, appropriately stretching groups and focusing each task to bring out different learning experiences.

Tasks are designed to be fun and engaging.

Navigate using a map and compass to find designated checkpoints scattered across the Manor Woods of the estate. Building the skills groups will learn to orientate a map with the features around them, use a compass, judge distances and navigate a route.

Working in teams and utilising their navigation skills groups will search for hidden markers.. It’s a challenging yet rewarding activity that combines physical exercise with problem-solving and teamwork.

Group ice breakers and games are used to energise and engage everyone at different times during a programme. Think fun, noisy and slightly chaotic!

The New Forest is perfect for exploring by bike. Miles of gravel paths and minor roads enable easy access across this stunning area. Even better, whilst there are hills, none of them are too long or too steep.

Mountain biking will involve some orienteering and the need to map your own route. There will be questions to answer, things to find and if you plan it well, a stop for an ice cream.

Distances covered will depend on the ambition of the group. Be prepared for a full and fun day out that can be paced appropriately for everyone’s enjoyment.