Frequently Asked Questions & What to Expect

Everything you need to know before joining A Touch of the Wild’s forest school sessions in Devon.

General Questions

Do you go outside in all weathers?

Yes – we embrace the seasons! Unless the weather is unsafe (e.g. high winds, lightning), we adapt activities and use shelters to keep everyone warm, dry and comfortable.

Are your staff qualified?

All our team members are DBS-checked and trained in Paediatric First Aid. Many hold Forest School Level 3 qualifications and have years of early years or outdoor education experience.

Can we visit before booking?

Absolutely for Wildlings Forest Kindergarten, we offer free visits so you and your child can explore the woodland, meet our team, and get a feel for forest school life. For Wild Tots, you can book a paid taster session to experience the magic before committing to a term.Please note, Woodland Adventure Club and Birthday Parties do not offer pre-visits.

Wildlings Forest Kindergarten

What age is Wildlings for?

We welcome children from 2½ to 5 years old.

Do you accept Early Years Funding?

Yes, we accept Early Years Entitlement (15 & 30 hours) for 3 – 4-year-olds and eligible 2-year-old funding. A small Outdoor Resource Fund fee applies for funded places to support the upkeep of our woodland site and resources.

What’s a typical day like?

Every day is different, but often includes forest play, campfire snacks, nature crafts, storytelling, wildlife exploration and seasonal adventures.

Do you offer settling-in sessions?

Yes, we provide a free 60 minute one-to-one settling session before your child starts, so they can meet the team and explore the space with you.

Wild Tots

What ages can join Wild Tots?

Our toddler sessions are for children from newborn to 5 years old.

Do I need to stay with my child?

Yes – Wild Tots is a parent/carer-and-child group, so you’ll join in the fun together.

Can I bring a buggy?

Yes, though the path to our camp is woodland terrain, many parents find a sling or carrier easier.

Woodland Adventure Club

What ages can attend?

For children aged 5+, starting from the September after their 5th birthday.

What do you do at Woodland Adventure Club?

Activities can include campfire cooking, den building, bug hunting, bushcraft skills, rope swings, nature crafts, shelter building, fire lighting and woodland games.

Can my child with additional needs attend?

If your child has any additional needs, please contact us before booking so we can discuss how best to support them.

If your child normally has a learning/support mentor or 1:1 provision at school, they will need similar support during the A Touch of the Wild programme. The mentor must be suitably qualified and hold a valid DBS certificate.

To ensure your child’s safety, please make us aware of any additional needs during the booking process. If appropriate support is not arranged in advance, we may require you to provide a support mentor or collect your child from the session.

Birthday Parties

What’s included in a party?

Your own forest party space, two experienced leaders, themed activities, games, den building, campfire marshmallow toasting, and optional campfire cooking or crafts.

Do adults stay?

We provide two experienced forest school leaders to run the party. We ask that two adults remain with the birthday children throughout the party, usually their parents or carers.

To maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, one parent or carer per child under 7, or for children with additional needs, may also attend where their support is needed. Parents or carers of very young siblings may also stay if their supervision is required.

Please let us know in advance if additional adult supervision is needed so we can plan accordingly.

What party themes do you offer?

Dragons & Magic (4+) – dragon egg hunt, wand making, potion parlour
Fairy & Elf (4+) – teddy trail, crown making, clay fairy doors
Pirates (4+) – map reading, treasure hunt, coin digging, making swords/flags/telescopes
Campfire Cooking & Crafts (10+) – wild wood gathering, fire lighting, dreamcatchers (with food)
Survival & Camouflage (10+, max 12) – shelter building, natural fire lighting, campfire cooking (with food)

Health & Safety

How do you keep children safe?

We have detailed risk assessments, trained staff, safeguarding policies, and safe ratios for each age group. Activities are designed to offer supported risk-taking in a safe environment.

What if my child gets hurt?

Our staff are First Aid trained and carry first aid kits on site at all times, we will ask you to sign a declaration to give us permission to administer first aid before attending.

Do you have toilets?

Yes – we have composting toilets and hand washing facilities at camp.

What to Bring

For all sessions:

Booking & Fees

How do I book?

Wild Tots, Woodland Adventure Club and parties can be booked online via our booking system. Wildlings registration requires completing a form and paying a £30 enrolment fee.

What is your cancellation policy?

Full details are in our Terms & Conditions – some sessions can be rescheduled or refunded depending on notice given.

Location & Access

Where are you based?

We’re based at Grammarcombe Woods, Ashcombe Estate, near Exeter.

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Is there parking?

Yes – free parking is available

Still have a question?

We’re happy to help

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