Outdoor Learning for Schools in Devon & Cornwall

Programme Formats

Forest School activity day: a single day in the woods for enrichment weeks, rewards or a first taste of outdoor learning. Weekly or termly Forest School: regular sessions across a half term or term, planned around your timetable.

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Survival skills programme: a more challenging option for older pupils. SEND and alternative provision: smaller groups and adapted activities, planned with your staff. School residentials: bell tent camping and campfire cooking in Devon and Cornwall.

Why Schools Choose South West Survival

Founded by Steven Kelly, a former 29 Commando soldier with 23 years’ British Army service and a TV survivalist seen on Naked and Afraid, South West Survival brings real field experience to outdoor education.

• DBS-checked instructors and appropriate insurance in place

• Qualified outdoor and bushcraft instruction

• Programmes tailored to different ages, abilities and SEND needs

• Teamwork, resilience, confidence and problem-solving built into every activity

• Hands-on outdoor education that gets pupils doing, not just listening

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages are residential trips suitable for?

Residentials can be planned for primary and secondary school groups. Tell us the year groups you are bringing and we will shape the activities to suit their age and experience.

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Can activities be adapted for SEND pupils?

Yes. Activities can be adapted for groups with additional educational needs. Let us know about your group's needs when you enquire so we can talk through what will work best.

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How is pupil health and SEND information handled?

Please keep the enquiry form to a brief summary of your group’s needs. Detailed health and medical information is collected separately once a booking is confirmed, through our health form, and is not included in enquiry emails.

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What activities can be included?

Activities can include shelter building, fire lighting and fire safety, bushcraft skills, campfire cooking, woodland navigation, nature exploration, whittling, woodland crafts and team challenges. Supervised archery and air rifle shooting can also be discussed as part of your package.

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Where do pupils sleep?

Pupils and staff sleep on site in bell tents. The exact site, sleeping arrangements and supervision plan are agreed with your school during planning.

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Are meals included?

Meals are cooked over the campfire, with pupils helping to prepare them. What is provided, and how dietary requirements are handled, is agreed with your school before the trip.

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Can schools request a customised programme?

Yes. Programmes can be tailored to your pupils' ages, abilities and learning goals. Tell us what you want the trip to achieve and we will build the activities around it.

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What should pupils bring?

A kit list is agreed with the school once dates and the package are confirmed. Pupils should expect to be outdoors in the woods, so warm layers, waterproofs and sturdy footwear are a sensible starting point.

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How do schools make an enquiry?

Complete the enquiry form below, call 07830 497130 or email southwestsurvival@outlook.com. We will get back to you to talk through dates, location and activities.