Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development

16/10/2026

What if every child had the chance to learn beyond the classroom walls?

Today, Parliament is considering legislation that could make outdoor learning a regular part of every child's education.

For many children, some of their most memorable lessons don't happen at a desk. They happen when they're exploring, problem-solving, taking on new challenges and discovering what they're capable of outdoors.

The Outdoor Education Bill could help ensure that all young people, regardless of background or postcode, have access to those opportunities throughout their school years.

If you're a parent, carer, teacher or outdoor learning advocate, now is the time to speak up. Contact your local MP and councillors and tell them why outdoor learning matters to the children and young people in your community.

Together, we can help ensure that future generations have greater opportunities to learn, grow and succeed outdoors.

You can find their details and write to them at writetothem.com. ⌨ 🙂

🌿 Share this post and help spread the word.

08/10/2026

🌲❄️ Planning a winter group adventure? ❄️🌲

Organising a youth group or school trip this winter?

Our Winter Woodland packages offer flexible group accommodation at Henley Fort and High Ashurst, making it easy to plan an affordable and memorable seasonal getaway.
https://direc.to/pzLh

✨ Flexible group accommodation
🌿 Beautiful woodland settings
💷 Great value for groups
🔥 Perfect for winter adventures, retreats and outdoor experiences

Take the stress out of organising your winter trip and give your group a chance to escape, explore and enjoy the great outdoors.

📩 Get in touch to find out more about our Winter Woodland packages!

08/10/2026

🍂 Autumn has arrived at High Ashurst 🍂

Nestled within the Surrey Hills National Landscape, High Ashurst in Dorking is one of the loveliest places we know to watch the seasons change. The woodland is beginning to glow with autumn colour, the mornings have a crisp freshness, and the low autumn sun makes the whole site shine.

We've enjoyed a glorious spell of sunshine this week and couldn't resist sharing a few photos. It's a wonderful place to visit, and we feel incredibly lucky to call it our workplace too.

Whether you're:

🏫 A school leader looking for outdoor learning experiences that bring the curriculum to life
🤝 A community group planning a residential getaway with a difference
🧑‍🧒 A parent searching for ways to make the most of the new two-week October half-term
..we'd love to welcome you to High Ashurst.

This really is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit. To find out more or discuss your visit, get in touch today:

👉 https://www.surreyoutdoorlearning.uk/

🍁

07/10/2026

🌿 SAVE THE DATE! 🌿

We’re delighted to announce that SOLD’s much-loved ‘Beyond the Classroom Conference’ is back! 🎉

📅 Friday 23 April 2027

Yes, we’re back for our favourite day of the year — a chance to spend a (hopefully sunny! ☀️) day with our amazing community of outdoor learning teachers, sharing ideas, inspiration and good practice.

More information about the conference will be coming later so watch this space…

Surrey Wildlife Trust Council for Learning Outside the Classroom

24/09/2026

Love the outdoors?
Make it your job and swap the 9–5 for the Surrey Hills.

Our Skills Bootcamp is fully funded outdoor training for anyone over 19, no experience needed.

What's involved?
Six weeks of hands-on training with SOLD instructors. You'll gain real National Governing Body qualifications, including British Canoeing and outdoor first aid awards, while building skills in paddling, navigation, bush craft and leadership.

Finish the Bootcamp and you're offered an interview with SOLD. Plus, it's all free.

Skills Bootcamps starting 8 February and 19 March 2027.
Places are limited to small groups, so get in early.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=RbVh2UwQ0E6Fgh9XDwWVzZ-vTKXm2F9KqLeWjj4h33JUOTFQSENZTTJURTVPUE9LR0U4QUFJVVdFOC4u

22/09/2026

🍂 20% OFF October Half Term Adventures at High Ashurst! 🍂

Looking for an unforgettable half term? Give your child the chance to get outdoors, try new activities and make lasting memories at The Adventure Zone.

From 19 to 30 October, children aged 6 to 13 can enjoy action-packed adventure days led by our expert instructors, including:

🏹 Archery
🧗 Climbing
🔥 Bushcraft
🤾 Team Challenges
🛖 Den Building

With 10 full days of outdoor fun to choose from, the only question is... how much adventure can you fit into one day?

🎉 Save 20% when you book using code: OCTTAZ26

📅 Available on Adventure Zone bookings from 19-30 October.

🔗 Book now: https://bit.ly/4ydQnle

*Exclusions apply. TAZ Pro Mountain Biking (2 day course) is excluded from this promotion.

16/09/2026

Need something different for the half-term holidays?

Give your child a day away from screens and out on the River Wey! They'll spend the day paddling open canoes, helping crew our canal boat Angel Blue, and taking part in exciting hands-on activities as they navigate through the heart of Guildford.

A great opportunity to build confidence, make new friends and enjoy the outdoors in a safe, supervised environment.

📅 Half-term activity
👧🧒 Ages 8 to 13 years
🕤 9.30am to 4.15pm
💷 £50 per child

Book now and let their next adventure begin!
https://sold.cinolla.com/henley-fort/course/river-explorer-canal-boat-and-canoeing

10/09/2026

🌲 Thinking about a career in the outdoors?

Whether you're already passionate about outdoor adventure, looking for a career with more purpose, or simply wondering if a change of direction could be right for you, we'd love to meet you.

Join us at our upcoming Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development Recruitment Open Day and discover what it's really like to work in some of Surrey's most beautiful outdoor settings.

Meet the team, hear about the roles we offer, ask questions, and find out how your skills and experience could help inspire young people through outdoor learning and adventure.

No matter where you are in your career journey, this is your chance to explore opportunities, learn more about the sector, and see where a career in the outdoors could take you.

📍 Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD),The Coach House, Headley Lane, Mickleham, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6DQ
📅 Sunday 1 November 2026
⏰ Doors open 10am

Ready to take the first step towards a career that's anything but ordinary?

Book your place
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/h3qvwvsVNw

07/09/2026

Five days away from home, a kitchen to call your own, and a Gold DofE residential requirement sorted in one go.

Our Cooking and Outdoor Activities residential runs from 26 to 30 October 2026 at Thames Young Mariners in Richmond, and it's built around real skills rather than a single recipe card. Participants work through knife skills, roux and sauces, food hygiene practice, and menu planning, then put it all together cooking everything from weeknight staples to pizza cooked over an open flame outdoors. A Level 1 Food Hygiene course is included, along with a fair few sweet treats along the way, think flapjacks, gingerbread, sponge cakes and brownies.

Cooking isn't the whole week, though. Each day includes an outdoor activity to break things up and build the kind of teamwork DofE residentials are all about, from the low ropes challenge course to archery, orienteering, climbing and woodland skills.

Everything's included: food, equipment and accommodation. If you're after a Gold residential that leaves participants with skills they'll actually use afterwards, this is worth a look.

Find out more and book: https://bit.ly/4h1bGPM

04/09/2026