We’re delighted to welcome children and young people, along with their teachers and support staff, onto the land to learn with us.
Woodoaks is a working farm, constantly changing and rich with opportunities for learning. Our education programme has grown from the needs of our community, shaped by a clear vision: connecting people to food, farming, and nature.
Our sessions follow the rhythms of the farm. Children take part in real, hands-on experiences – exploring how food is grown, how ecosystems work, and how we can care for the land.
They also meet members of our community – volunteers with a passion for woodwork, beekeeping, horse care, composting, and more – who share their knowledge and enthusiasm, bringing learning to life.
From early years through to A Level and teacher development, Woodoaks Farm Education continues to grow. We’re genuinely excited about what’s ahead and the opportunities this space creates for schools, teachers, and communities to connect with the land.
We can’t wait to welcome you onto the farm.
Woodoaks Farm Education is led by Claire, Education & Learning Officer and Forest School Leader.
“I believe in the power of the outdoors to build confidence, connection, and resilience in children – and that every child deserves early, positive experiences in nature.”
Our education programme has been developed with input from a wide network of educators, professionals, and community members, who have generously shared their time, experience, and expertise.
This includes:
We also work closely with local primary and secondary schools, building the programme together through shared ideas, feedback, and collaboration. We’re grateful to Maple Cross JMI, Shepherds, Croxley Danes, The Reach, Chessbrook, and Colnbrook for their guidance and support.
This is a genuinely collaborative programme, built with the schools and community around it. Recently we were honoured to receive a High Sheriff Award, recognising the impact of our work with children, schools, and the wider community.
“It feels like Woodoaks is at the heart of the Maple Cross community.” Katie Saxon, Maple Cross JMI
With thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund
We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting the development of our education programme and the build of our Education and Community Hub.
From 2027, we look forward to welcoming groups into a warm, dry space with improved facilities.
From early years visits to A Level fieldwork, teacher development, and community programmes, we offer a growing range of opportunities to connect with the land.
Whether it’s a first visit or part of a longer-term relationship, we create experiences that are practical, inclusive, and memorable.
What Teachers Say:
“Possibly the best trip ever.” Lucy Roberts, Christ Church School
“Educational, inspiring, memorable.” Shelley Irvine, Alfriston School
“We need more of this.” Irina Manea, Colnbrook School
“This is the most fun day of my LIFE!!” Child, Year 4, Yorke Meade School
Bring your pupils onto the farm for hands-on, curriculum-linked outdoor learning, where they explore and learn through real experience.
We offer a limited number of funded trips each year, and Spring / Summer 2026 is now fully booked.
Bookings for September–December 2026 will open in May. Register your interest to be the among the first to hear – priority schools will be contacted first.
Explore Primary School Visits
Bring your students onto the farm for an ecology-focused fieldwork session led by experienced science educators, where they collect real data, use fieldwork equipment, and apply classroom learning in a living environment.
Register Interest for A-Level Fieldwork
Use Woodoaks Farm as your classroom.
Our self-led visits give schools the freedom to explore the farm in their own way.
Access a range of habitats including fields, hedgerows, woodland, and growing spaces, with optional activity ideas to guide your visit.
Register Interest for Self-Led Visits
Join us at the farm for practical CPD sessions, building confidence in outdoor learning while connecting, sharing ideas, and learning alongside other teachers.
Sessions: 7 July 2026 and 15 September 2026.
Book a CPD Session
Bring your pupils together with other schools for shared days on the farm.
These events create space for schools to come together – exploring real topics around food, farming, and nature, sharing ideas, and taking action.
It’s a chance for children to work beyond their own school – to collaborate, learn from others, and begin to see themselves as part of something bigger.
Register Interest for a School Event
Are you an ex-teacher, TA, or someone who enjoys working with children and the outdoors?
Join our volunteer team supporting school visits on the farm – noticing, exploring, and discovering how the natural world works. Spend time outdoors, share your skills, and be part of a warm and welcoming community.
Join Our Volunteer Team
We’ve answered some of the most common questions below – if there’s anything else you’d like to ask, please get in touch.
Our school visits are designed for primary-aged children (Early Years, KS1, and KS2), and are inclusive of a wide range of abilities and needs.
We also offer A Level Biology fieldwork sessions for secondary students.
We are continuing to develop opportunities for other age groups. Sign up to our emails to hear about them first.
We offer a limited number of funded visits for schools who may not otherwise have access to experiences like this.
Our primary school visits are £12.50 per pupil.
Other sessions are priced depending on the type of programme.
To check availability or book a visit, please register your interest or get in touch for current pricing.
Across the farm – in our 500-year-old Black Barn, and out in the fields, hedgerows, woodland, compost area, and community orchard, depending on your chosen activities.
We offer a limited number of funded visits for schools who may not otherwise have access to experiences like this.
Our primary school visits are £12.50 per pupil.
Other sessions are priced depending on the type of programme.
To check availability or book a visit, please register your interest or get in touch for current pricing.
Across the farm – in our 500-year-old Black Barn, and out in the fields, hedgerows, woodland, compost area, and community orchard, depending on your chosen activities.
Our Primary School visits are 2-hour guided sessions.
Other programmes, including A Level fieldwork, vary in length – please get in touch to find out more.
For Primary School vists we currently accommodate groups of up to 30 pupils, with smaller groups also welcome.
As our Black Barn Education and Community Hub develops, we are working towards welcoming larger groups in the future.
Yes – our sessions support learning across science, geography, and sustainability. Through hands-on experiences, children build confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Yes – we aim to make all visits accessible, inclusive, and SEND-friendly. Sessions offer a calm, structured environment with flexibility for children to take part at their own pace.
Activities can be adapted to support a range of needs, including movement, sensory engagement, and opportunities to step back where needed.
Please contact us in advance so we can plan appropriate support for your group.
We are also developing programmes to support pupils with SEMH needs – register your interest to hear more.
Yes – Woodoaks Farm holds appropriate public liability insurance. Details can be provided on request.
All sessions are led by experienced staff and supported by volunteers. Safeguarding procedures are in place, and regular volunteers are DBS checked to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
Yes – our risk assessments and relevant policies are available on request.
Schools are expected to complete th
School staff remain responsible for behaviour and supervision throughout the visit. Woodoaks staff lead the learning and support the group.
Woodoaks is a public, working farm. As part of this real environment, there may be:
Children are supported to understand and navigate these safely as part of their visit.
We may see animals such as cattle or sheep in fields. Activities are planned to ensure safe, respectful distances are maintained.
Please inform us in advance of any allergies or medical needs so we can plan appropriately.
We may take photos for use in promoting our education programme. We will always follow your school’s photo permission guidance – please let us know in advance if any children should not be photographed.
Yes – we aim to make all visits accessible, inclusive, and SEND-friendly. Sessions offer a calm, structured environment with flexibility for children to take part at their own pace.
Activities can be adapted to support a range of needs, including movement, sensory engagement, and opportunities to step back where needed.
Please contact us in advance so we can plan appropriate support for your group.
We are also developing programmes to support pupils with SEMH needs – register your interest to hear more.
Children should come dressed for outdoor learning and changing weather. This may include waterproofs, warm layers, and sturdy footwear.
The farm is an exposed site, so in hot weather children should also bring sun protection such as hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Facilities are currently simple, with toilets and handwashing available on site.
School staff are responsible for accompanying children to the toilets and handwashing areas.
We are developing our indoor space and look forward to welcoming groups into the Education and Community Hub at the Black Barn in 2027!
Groups can eat:
in the Black Barn, or
outside in a suitable picnic area
We’ll confirm arrangements ahead of your visit.
The Tea Shack on site is often open for drinks and light refreshments. Please check their website for current opening times.
Parking is available for coaches and cars. Where possible, we encourage car sharing or walking.
We’ll meet you in the car park under the Creative Juices sign and welcome you onto the farm.
Sessions take place in all weather. We adapt activities to keep children safe and comfortable.
In extreme conditions, visits may need to be rearranged – we will always discuss this with you.
