Facilities for rural & agricultural educational visits

Surrey Hills and Rivers Limited is a provider of high-quality outdoor experiences to young people.  The ethos of the company is that an experience is made truly special not in fact by the nature of the activity, but by the environment in which it takes place.

Working in partnership with a mixed, organic farm near Haslemere, Surrey Hills and Rivers was awarded funding for:

• A double shower, toilet and hot water sink unit for visitors and associated staff.
• A refurbished net-covered polytunnel and a new plastic covered polytunnel for activities under shelter and on-site production of food
• Refurbishment of a disused calf box to create a utility area for staff and a project showcasing room and biodiversity classroom

Once these items were installed, a further application was made for installation of:

• an accessible toilet at the educational facility to promote access for all
• equipment to collect the rainwater off the polytunnels
• new planting boxes which will be used for growing produce which can then be prepared and eaten by visitors to the site
• tools for use in the garden area

UPDATE Autumn 2024

Some recent feedback from young people and families attending visits:

• “We loved absolutely everything about the camp!”
• “This is definitely one of the best holiday activities I’ve ever come across.”
• “Without outdoor clubs like this one, my son would spend too much time isolating himself in his bedroom.”
• “Being outdoors in nature helped to ‘reset’ her during the summer holidays.”
• “She said it was her favourite holiday camp that she has ever done.”

UPDATE Autumn 2023

Surrey Hills and Rivers Limited have delivered some fantastic results for people and nature with support from the Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes fund (FiPL).  The team welcomed Surrey CC Looked After children as well as Ukrainian refugee families to a programme of summer schools throughout 2023 to their rural site.  Visitors were able to benefit from the use of the educational facilities to gain an understanding and enjoy an activity based stay on a farm in the Surrey Hills.

A participant said “Connection with nature and the care of organisers permit us to have rest and recharge us”, with highlights including forest walks and feeding the animals.