‘We were very lucky to be the first school ever to visit Stocks Wood when it opened a couple of years ago. We originally heard about it through word of mouth and when we went up to visit the outdoor centre we were met by Julian & Claire who shared their passion and commitment to educating the ‘whole child’ in the wonderful outdoor environment.

As a Reception teacher I had been looking for a forest school which was safe and able to meet the educational needs of a class of children which included physical special needs as well as educational.

The children embraced Stocks Wood and each individual child was challenged and had the opportunity to take (safe) risks through various activities e.g. building dens, climbing mud mountain, soft archery and pond dipping.

The children worked together, developed stronger relationships and developed a stronger belief in themselves.

The programme of work delivered was tailored to the topic we were learning in school through discussions with Julian & Claire.

I cannot recommend Stocks Wood Outdoor Centre strongly enough. We have already booked in to visit 3 times this year. The children thrive in this learning environment and we are very excited to go and visit in a few weeks.’ (Teacher, St. Michael’s, Dalston)

Friendly, enthusiastic,knowledgeable leaders in beautiful, well-resourced woodland venue! My Reception class had a fantastic time today! (J. Cartwright - Teacher, Wigton Infants)

Had a great trip today with our Reception class. The children had lots of fun learning and exploring. They experienced so much in one day. Lots of opportunities to try skills I wouldn’t think to let young children try but all done safely. The staff were soo good with they children. A big thank you Julian and Claire. (Teacher, Richmond Hill School)

Awesome spot run by lovely, caring and patient people. I was impressed with the flexible structure of the day that allowed my daughter freedom but with plenty to do. (Holiday Club Parent)

Had an fantastic time. This place is amazing, highly recommend it to everyone.(M. Sefton - Saturday Family Session Parent)

Such an incredible place! Thank you so much for giving my son the best birthday party, everyone loved their morning at forest school. Can’t wait to come back. You were both amazing with the children, so caring and friendly. Thank you (S. Whitaker - Birthday Party Parent)

Fabulous place. The staff are amazing, so friendly and caring. The activities and fun and so well organised. William can’t wait to come back in the summer holidays. (K. Whalen - Holiday Club Parent)

'What a gem of a place, Elijah and me went to the open day today.
Julian and Claire were wonderful hosts.
Endless enthusiasm and so open and friendly. Cannot recommend this place highly enough, and they've just got started!
Get your kids there and even learn a little yourselves!' (Parent)

'What an amazing place for children and adults. Teaching children valuable life lessons through forest play. Experienced teachers Julian and Claire were truly professional. My children would like to attend forest school full time. I highly recommend Stocks Wood and hope as many children as possible get to experience this magical place.' (Holiday Club Parent)

'Both of our children have loved forest school, it is a great antidote to the indoor classroom and privileges different kinds of intelligence and learning that are often under valued in traditional education but that we find are highly valuable to our children. The children get to concentrate in a non-pressured way, moving around and using all of themselves: heart, head and hand simultaneously.  This really suits some learners, and is also very good for kids who might be under confident or avoidant of the outdoors and of physical learning.  The social aspect alongside the respect of nature all adds to the child's emotional and ethical development, subtly encouraging their growth as responsible human beings.'  (Parents)

'At forest school I love bug hunting and having stories in the hut. I feel excited and happy even when it rains. My favourite thing to do is putting on a blind fold and being guided round the wood by my friends. It really made us laugh.' (Year Three girl)

'It is so good, there is a rope ladder and a hammock that we can use and a mud kitchen! We get to do lots of activities and play lots of games like Green man and 123 Where are you?
On the last day we get toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate ..... yummy.' (Year Two girl)

'It's like playtime in a forest, but you’re learning at the same time.' (Year Four girl)