Voltaire’s Wood, near Nailsworth, is inviting schools, youth organisations and community groups to step outside the classroom and into 120 acres of ancient woodland with the launch of Woodwise, a fully funded outdoor learning programme supported by DEFRA’s Countryside Stewardship scheme (VED1).
The visits are designed to ‘use the land as a classroom,’ providing pupils and group members with a practical, hands-on opportunity to understand the vital links between farming, conservation, food production, and woodland management.
Whether you are exploring the soil or the canopy across 120 acres of ancient woodland, the new programme promotes health and wellbeing while delivering core curriculum concepts in a safe, real-world environment.
“Woodwise is about connection,” said Clair Cartwright, Woodland Manager for Voltaire’s Wood. “Connection to nature, to learning, and to wellbeing. By immersing young people and groups in a working woodland, we help them understand our biodiversity and why caring for the land matters.”
Voltaire’s Wood welcomes any organised group looking to “use the land as a classroom.” While the core programme is designed for schools, both primary and secondary, to cover science and geography curriculums, the VED1 funding from DEFRA allows us to support a much wider range of visitors including environment and society focussed organisations.
We actively encourage bookings from:
- Primary and secondary schools, to cover science and geography curriculums.
- Youth Organisations: Scouts, Guides, and nature clubs seeking practical conservation experience or badge work.
- Wellbeing & Care Groups: We support “Care Farming” principles, offering a therapeutic environment for visitors with special educational needs (SEN) or those seeking mental health benefits from nature.
- Home Educator Networks: Organised groups of home-schooling families are welcome (subject to minimum group numbers).
Thanks to VED1 funding, all eligible visits are fully subsidised, with a limited number available each year. Groups may book multiple visits or return at different times of year to experience the changing seasons.
Sessions run on weekdays during term time, with morning and afternoon options, and only one group is hosted at a time to ensure safety and high-quality learning. Each visit includes guided arrival into the woods, access to sheltered areas, toilets, hand-washing facilities, and seating.
The Woods are situated just off the B4014 Avening Road, between Nailsworth and Avening. While the woodland terrain is naturally uneven and wild, Voltaire’s Wood works closely with group leaders to accommodate access needs where possible.
Organisations interested in booking a Woodwise session are encouraged to enquire early. Eligible groups will receive a booking calendar and further details upon application.
For enquiries, more information and booking please visit www.voltaireswood.com/woodwise
