WHY MENDIP
We are one of the biggest and most respected outdoor activity providers in the South West, backed by the Activities Industry Mutual (£5million PL and £10million EL) and inspected and approved by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and the Institute for Outdoor Learning. We are proud of our quality badge for Learning Outside the Classroom and approved by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. View our accreditations, risk assessments and licenses here.
All our activities are designed to educate outside the classroom and inspire children to try more, do more and achieve more - regardless of academic or physical ability.
All-year-round outdoor education: We believe the sooner young people can get outdoors, the better. That’s why we are open all year-round, come rain or shine.
Proper, unique adventures with qualified instructors: Our instructors are vastly experienced and qualified. They tailor every single session to the group to ensure your students undergo safe, proper and beneficial adventures.
Accommodation, catering and transport: Two canvas tented villages, a residential bunkhouse, a dedicated catering team and a fleet of minibuses.
Our own 250-acre site: Our private site, just outside Bristol 5 minutes from the M5, features target sports ranges, a snowsports slope, an ancient woodland, a private rocksports quarry and an onsite cave. Our watersports site is a short drive away.
A rich successful history: Nearly four decades ago, our very first client was a school and we haven’t looked back since!
WHY OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Getting outdoors and active is crucial for young people. Outdoor learning provides opportunities and experiences that cannot be achieved in any other educational context.
“Learning outside the classroom contributed significantly to raising standards and improving pupils’ personal, social and emotional development” (Ofsted, 2008).
Outdoor education allows young people to;
Expand comfort zones and build resilience:
Outdoor adventure allows young people to expand their comfort zone, build resilience, and grow confidence.
Look after their wellbeing and mental health:
We care deeply about the wellbeing of all young people who come to visit us and promote a positive attitude towards mental health.
Develop environmental awareness: Spending time outdoors allows for a better understanding, knowledge and connection with nature.
Create stronger relationships: Students build and develop better relationships and communities with their peers and their teachers.
Engage with learning outside the classroom:
Learning outside the classroom can assist in curriculum-focused activities, independent learning, team working, creativity and important life skills.
OUR ACTIVITIES
We can provide a diverse and exciting range of adventurous outdoor activities and unique learning environments within our 250-acre woodland site and water sport venue.
- Abseiling
- Archery
- Archery Active
- Axe throwing
- Bushcraft
- Canoeing
- Crate stack challenge
- Climbing
- Frisbee Golf
- Field Archery (new for 2021)
- Kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Mission Impossible
- Orienteering
- Raft building
- Rifle shooting
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Tobogganing
RESIDENTIALS
We offer indoor accommodation, tented villages, fully catered packages & transport in our fleet of minibuses. A multi-activity outdoor programme, more than a school trip.
ACTIVITY DAYS
From curriculum-focused day outdoors to enrichment days, and from school-based adventures to end of term treats, we have a wide range of day activities on offer.
DofE
Our tried and tested expedition training framework is available for Bronze, Silver, and Gold DofE students. Qualified trainers and assessors.
SKI SCHOOL
Our 250-metre dry ski slope is the perfect place to learn to ski, build on existing skills, or prepare for a ski trip. We offer Skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing.
SCHOOL ADVENTURES
At the moment, due to Covid-19, we know that travel isn't always possible. However, outdoor learning is still important. Bring adventure into the school grounds and we'll come to you!
We have an exciting range of Covid-secure activities including targetsports, bushcraft and survival, environmental studies, team building, and navigation. We have mobile archery, axe throwing, and Archery Active ranges, mobile frisbee golf courses, and orienteering kits. We can take the students on proper adventures, navigating to local landmarks, learning about risk management and planning skills along the way.
All of our activities are fully risk assessed (download risk assessments here) and comply with all current government guidance.
We can work with you to link the activities to your curriculum topics and learning objectives, as well as deliver an action-packed day of adventure.
