Image: Batterham Smith Architects

Planning permission has been granted for an ambitious redevelopment of Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre near Marlborough. The Centre which is owned and operated by Community First, is a beloved site for outdoor learning and adventure.

Originally built as a primary school in 1904, the school closed in 1968 and reopened as an outdoor centre operated by Wiltshire Council. In March 2018 it was announced that Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre would close. Following the announcement, a group of local people launched a successful campaign to save the Centre. Over 16,000 signatures were collected as part of a petition.

Community First purchased the Centre from Wiltshire Council in 2019 and is now moving forward with the approved plans which were developed in partnership with Batterham Smith Architects. The ambitious redevelopment project will feature upgraded accommodation, improved accessibility, enhanced activity spaces and environmentally conscious design to support year-round use and long-term sustainability.

Community First Chief Executive Lynn Gibson said:

“This is a major step forward for our charity and for the future of outdoor education locally. We are grateful to our Trustees for their vision and support throughout this process, and to Batterham Smith Architects for helping us shape these exciting plans for Oxenwood.”

Oxenwood has long been a cherished destination for young people, schools and community groups, offering activities such as archery, climbing, bushcraft, and outdoor learning. The redevelopment will ensure that future generations of learners, adventurers and explorers can benefit from the opportunities offered by the Centre.

Lynn added:

“We are encouraging individuals, businesses, schools and organisations to come forward and explore ways they can support this amazing project through our fundraising campaign The Oxenwood Appeal. Whether through donations, sponsorships or collaborative partnerships, there are many meaningful opportunities to get involved and secure the legacy of Oxenwood for the future. If Oxenwood has a special place in your heart, we want to hear from you.”

To learn more about the redevelopment or express interest in supporting the fundraising campaign, please email info@oxenwood.org.uk.

More information about The Oxenwood Appeal will be available on our website soon: www.oxenwood.org.uk

The post Planning Permission Granted for Ambitious Redevelopment of Oxenwood Centre first appeared on Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre.

Oxenwood Holiday Clubs offer a full day of activities (9.30am - 4pm) at Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre. Our clubs are a great choice for kids who love being outside, having fun and being active. Holiday Clubs at Oxenwood are led by our friendly, experienced and qualified Outdoor Education Instructors.

This summer, we have weekly holiday clubs on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer holidays with a range of activities on offer, including:

• Mountain biking (including advanced mountain biking)
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Canoeing
• Survival and bushcraft
• Knight School (6th August)

Children can select one activity per day and family sessions are also available.

Price: £35 per child, per day.

Please bring a water bottle, sun hat, sun cream and a packed lunch. Children taking part in water-based activities may also need a change of clothes.

More information about Summer Holiday Clubs can be found in the leaflet below (click to view), and information about each of the activities can be found on our Oxenwood Holiday Clubs page.

Bookings

Due to positive feedback received by parents, carers and young people who attended our Easter and May Holiday Clubs, spaces at our Summer Holiday Clubs are already booking up and there are a limited number of places each day.

Please reserve your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

You can send us an email info@oxenwood.org.uk or complete a booking enquiry form. Once our team has confirmed we have availability, we will send you a link to complete an online booking form to confirm your booking.

The post Summer Holiday Clubs at Oxenwood first appeared on Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre.

Our holiday clubs offer more than just childcare. They’re thoughtfully designed to help your child learn new skills, make friends and enjoy the outdoors.

Our Holiday Club activities promote physical activity, social development and self-esteem. You can feel confident knowing your child is having fun, staying active, and spending valuable time outside!

This upcoming May half-term you can book for an individual activity day or multiple activity days during the week. Activity days are non-residential and attendees must travel to and from the centre each day.

May Holiday Club Timetable

Introduction to Mountain Biking

Develop your off-road bike skills with tuition from our Mountain Biking Instructors. Discover a range of riding and bike handling skills that will help you take on the challenges of riding off-road.

Learn how bikes work and how to set up and maintain your bike, what to take with you when venturing out and simple bike first aid to help you deal with mechanical issues out on the trail. Explore our local countryside, unlock your fitness, make new friends and have FUN!

For those aged 8-16 years, who can ride a bike but would like to develop their skills.

Advanced Mountain Biking

A day specially for those who have previously attended our Introduction to Mountain Biking days.

A chance to hone your skills previously learnt and to test your stamina on this all-day trek out in our local countryside.

For ages 8 years and above. Participants must have attended our Introduction to Mountain Biking day.

Canoeing

Fancy being the captain of your own ship, or canoe, at least? Well, why not come aboard and navigate the waterways of the Kennet & Avon Canal. Learn effective paddling techniques from our instructors, master how to control and manoeuvre your canoe, use your newfound skills as we journey along the canal and spend the day exploring the Wiltshire countryside by Canoe. For ages 8 years and above, no previous experience necessary. This day is based entirely on the Kennet & Avon Canal, starting at Oakhill Lock near Froxfield, Wiltshire.

Family bookings also available, please enquire for details.

Stand-up Paddle Boarding

Ever fancied walking on water? Why not come and discover the next best thing, stand-up paddle boarding! This half-term we are offering the opportunity to come and try out this increasingly popular activity. Learn from our instructors the right techniques for how move and control your board, how to stand up and stay upright! explore our local countryside from the water. For ages 8 years and above, no previous experience necessary. This day is based entirely on the Kennet & Avon canal, starting at Oakhill Lock near Froxfield, Wiltshire.

Family bookings also available, please enquire for details.

£35 per day, per person (9.30am – 4pm)

Please bring a packed lunch, a water bottle, a sun hat and suncream. Children taking part in paddle boarding and canoeing may also need a change of clothes.

The post Exciting Opportunities for Adventure this May Half Term with Holiday Clubs at Oxenwood first appeared on Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre.

Our holiday clubs are more than just school breaks – they offer a chance for your child to learn new skills, meet new friends and thrive in the outdoor environment.

We believe in teamwork, reflected in our activities. From enhancing physical fitness to developing social skills and building self-confidence, we provide a safe, inclusive, active and fun environment for kids to explore their potential.

Easter Timetable

This Easter we are offering the following school holiday timetable.

Multi-Adventure

An action-packed day. Have a go at archery, climbing, rifle shooting, bushcraft skills and orienteering. For those aged 8+ years who love being active and outdoors. No previous experience necessary.

Mountain Biking

Develop your off-road bike skills with tuition from our Mountain Biking Instructors. Discover a range of riding and bike handling skills that will help you take on the challenges of riding off-road. Learn how bikes work and how to set up and maintain your bike, what to take with you when venturing out and simple bike first aid to help you deal with mechanical issues out on the trail. Explore our local countryside, unlock your fitness, make new friends and have FUN! For those aged 10-16 years, who can ride a bike but would like to develop their skills.

Survival and Bushcraft

Want to know how to stay alive when the wilderness bites back, how to thrive in the face of adversity, or be able to light a BBQ? This is session is for you! Discover a range of bushcraft and survival skills. Learn how to create shelter, make fire, find and make water safe and how to assess an emergency survival situation. For those aged 8+ years who love being outdoors, no previous experience necessary.

Target Zone

Ever wanted to be a crack shot with a rifle, fancy yourself as Robin Hood? Here’s your chance! Discover your inner marksmanship skills with archery, air rifle and BB replicas shooting. Have fun in our laser tag battle zone. Learn safe handling skills and personal discipline, explore various aiming and shooting techniques and see if you will become our champion shooter. For those aged 8+ years, no previous experience necessary.

More Information

Prices are £35 per person, per day - 9.30am - 4pm at Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre, Marlborough, SN8 3NQ.

Please bring a packed lunch and a water bottle.

Booking essential, please email info@oxenwood.org.uk or make an enquiry via our booking enquiry form.

The post Easter School Holiday Clubs at Oxenwood first appeared on Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre.

At Oxenwood, we’re all about transforming school holidays into opportunities for your child to discover, grow, and have adventures like never before.

Our Half Term Camps are more than just school breaks – They are chances for your child to learn, meet new friends and thrive in the outdoor environment.

We believe in teamwork, reflected in our activities. From enhancing physical fitness to developing social skills and building self-confidence, we provide a safe, inclusive, active and fun environment for kids to explore their potential.

This half term your youngsters can book for an individual course or multiple courses throughout the week. please note courses are non-residential and attendees must travel to and from the centre each day, for those who wish to use their own mountain bikes these can be stored at the centre overnight if required but at owners own risk.

Mountain Biking (including how to repair punctures, basic maintenance and safety checks), learn and improve riding skills and techniques and journeys that will introduce a sense of freedom delivered by our fully trained Mountain Bike Instructors.

Mountain Biking dates:

17th - 21st of February.

Age range:

8 - 12 years old.

Bushcraft and survival, learning how to master the following skills:

Use of various tools and knives in a safe and professional setting

Make shelter with both sourced materials and only natural materials

Fire starting with a number of different tools and techniques

Identifying different water sources and collection, sterilising and purification

Food gathering, preparing and eating

Bushcraft Dates:

17th - 21st February.

Age Range:

7 - 12 years old.

for further information on pricing and booking please email Enquiries@oxenwoodcentre.com

The post February half term clubs! – boredom busting clubs to ensure smiles all round! first appeared on Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre.

It’s where they find solace, build confidence, and gain essential life skills through a diverse range of programmes like Outdoor Adventurer, Bushcraft and Survival, and Discover History. These activities are crafted to inspire, engage, and meet the varied needs of the young people we serve, especially those facing significant challenges. 

However, the Centre now finds itself at a pivotal moment.

The facilities are in urgent need of refurbishment to maintain safety and modernity, ensuring Oxenwood remains a welcoming and supportive environment for future generations.

We envision a revitalised space where all young people, regardless of background or life situation, can connect with nature and nurture skills in environmental stewardship, resilience, and adventure. 

 As we look to preserve and enhance this special place, we’d love to hear your thoughts on our plans.

We invite you to join us at our open evening on 29th January 2025 (5.30-7pm) at Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre (SN8 3NQ), to discuss our vision for Oxenwood’s future and how we can work together to secure it. 

We would also welcome comments on our proposed plans (please see individual images below or download the PDF document) by email: info@oxenwood.org.uk

Oxenwood Plans

The post Open Evening on 29th January 2025 – Invitation to shape the future of Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre first appeared on Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre.

Oxenwood and Linkenholt Centres provide a valuable learning experience for vulnerable children and young people. The Centres can support young people who may struggle to access mainstream education, including those who face social and academic exclusion. Under the leadership of our trained and experienced Outdoor Education Instructors, we foster a nurturing and positive environment where young people feel safe, heard and valued.

Our Centres offer a place to unwind, connect with nature and experience the many positive benefits of adventure and outdoor education.

Our curriculum focuses on social, emotional, and physical development whilst emphasising the development of essential skills including resilience, motivation, self-control, confidence, and independence. Our commitment to high-quality experiences ensures that schools, clubs, and groups can access our day activities, and we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young learners. Young people aged 7-16 years can be referred to us if:

• They lack engagement in school
• Have underdeveloped life-skills
• Have low attendance and attainment
• Experience poor mental well-being and self-esteem issues
• Have anxiety
• Have a pattern of negative relationships with adults and peers
• Lack of pro-social behaviours

Alternative Provision – Our Programmes

Our programme provision is flexible and considers the individual needs of each young person participating. Examples of our programme provision includes:

Bushcraft and Survival

Covering emergency survival skills, navigation and signalling help, shelter building, campfire skills, water collection and purification, campfire cooking and emergency first aid.

Discover History

For young people interested in history, we offer a range of exciting and interactive sessions. Subjects include stone age life, ancient Britons, romans, Saxons and Vikings, knights and castles.

Outdoor Adventure

For those with a passion for outdoor pursuits and adventure activities. Sessions may include climbing, mountain biking, hiking and navigation.

The post Alternative Provision at Oxenwood and Linkenholt – New Offer for Wiltshire Schools first appeared on Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre.

What to look forward to

Join us for the 2025 season as part of our close-knit team of professional instructors, where you'll play a key role in teaching, mentoring, and guiding the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts—all while ensuring everyone has a great time!

We’re seeking passionate individuals who can inspire others through exciting adventures. Your attitude and personality are just as important as your skills, as we want team members who will collaborate effectively, enhance the overall experience at our centre, and bring the unique talents that freelancers are known for. If you're just starting your journey as an instructor, we'd love to hear from you, we’re always eager to support new talent in building a freelance career.

Qualifications that we are looking for and require prior to joining the team

Essential

• Enhanced DBS (preferably on update service)
• In date First Aid Course (16 hours)

One or more of the following

• Paddle UK - Paddle sport Leader/Coach/Instructor
• Rock Climbing Instructor RCI/CWI award
• Mountain bike Instructor (MIAS 1 or 2)
• Walking qualification (LL/HML/ML)
• Archery GB Instructor
• National Smallbore Rifle Association YPS
• Knowledge of team development and initiative exercises
• Bushcraft qualification / experience

What we offer you

We understand that variety is what draws many to freelance work, but we also recognise the challenges that come with constant travel. Our Deputy Centre Manager, a former freelancer, is committed to ensuring you have a positive experience with us. We aim to offer block days of work whenever possible, full access to the centre's amenities during your downtime, and meals provided by our head chef, Lesley. Plus, we have a dedicated space for freelance staff to park while on site.

The paid role of our freelance team is £150 per day (09:00 – 17:00)

Next steps

If the thought of joining the team appeals to you, please send an expression of interest email to our Deputy Centre Manager Mo at Dmaloney@Oxenwoodcentre.com with a brief description of qualifications held and any questions you may have, we can then schedule a call to discuss the onboarding process.

The post Freelance Instructors for 2025 Season first appeared on Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre.

Looking for an unforgettable summer for your children? Our Outdoor Education Holiday Club offers a range of thrilling activities that blend fun and learning in the great outdoors. Perfect for children eager to explore new skills and make lasting memories!  Each day is priced at just £35.

Clubs - Dates and Further Details

Survival Skills

Dates: 5th, 8th and 19th August 2024

• Shelter Building - Learn to construct sturdy shelters using natural materials.
• Campfire Skills - Master the art of building and maintaining a campfire safely.
• Water Purification - Discover methods to purify water for safe drinking.

Adventure Day

Date: 7th August

• Archery - Enhance your skills with bow and arrow.
• Rifles - Engage in safe and fun rifle shooting activities.
• Climbing - Challenge yourself with rock climbing adventures.
• Orienteering - Navigate through the wilderness with expert orienteering techniques.

Knight School

Date: 7th August

Step back in time and experience the life of a medieval knight! Our Knight School is packed with exciting, hands-on activities that bring history to life.

• Armour and Weapons - Learn about the armour and weapons used by knights.
• Sword Fighting Techniques - Try your hand at authentic sword fighting techniques.
• Knightly Challenges - Participate in thrilling knightly challenges and games.

All Oxenwood/Linkenholt Summer Holiday Clubs are priced at £35 per day, per child and based at our Outdoor Education Centres at Oxenwood (near Marlborough, Wiltshire) and Linkenholt (near Andover, Hampshire).

For more information and to reserve a space, please contact: info@oxenwood.org.uk.

Please note - spaces for our Summer Holiday Clubs are limited so please book early!

The post Summer Holiday Clubs at Oxenwood and Linkenholt first appeared on Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre.

Package Highlights

Guided Autumn Nature Walks
Immerse yourself in the stunning colours of autumn foliage as our knowledgeable guides lead you through scenic trails, pointing out local flora and fauna along the way.

Winter Survival Workshop
Learn essential winter survival skills such as building shelters, starting fires, and navigating in wintery conditions. Our experienced instructors will equip you with the knowledge needed to thrive in the winter wilderness.

Evening Campfires
Gather around the crackling fire as the sun sets and share stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the warmth of good company. It’s the perfect way to end a day of outdoor adventure.

Seasonal Crafts and Activities
Get creative with autumn-themed crafts and activities suitable for all ages. From leaf rubbing to pumpkin decorating, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Availability and Group Size

Available from September to March. One day or 2-day residentials available. Suitable for specialist groups, school groups, and corporate retreats. Customised packages available for larger groups. Contact us for specific dates and availability.

Book your Autumn-Winter Adventure today!

Call: 01380 732806

Email: info@oxenwood.org.uk

Submit a booking enquiry form.

The post Oxenwood Autumn/Winter Adventure Offer first appeared on Oxenwood Outdoor Education Centre.