Launching on 3 September, The Place Independent School will be running an exciting and unique Bush Craft School at Belvoir Castle's Engine Yard.

Focusing on a 'back-to-nature' approach, the sessions will provide children and families with the tools they need to survive in the wilderness, from learning how to build fires and dens, to joining a woodland safari and making tools from nature. 

This experience will be available once a month at the Engine Yard for the public to book and enjoy free of charge. The first session on the 3rd September will run as a taster session, with unlimited numbers and no booking required. All sessions afterwards can be booked on a first come first served basis. 

The Place will also be at the Engine Yard once a month, offering advice to all parents, carers and families who may need support on a wide range of issues. This will include advice on children's eating, sleeping, behaviour, routines, schooling, ADHD, Autism and more. The Wellbeing Clinics will run on the 16th September, 21st October, 18th November and 16th December on a drop in basis. 

Based in the Vale of Belvoir, The Place Independent School offers bespoke education and support for children with complex trauma, mental health, behaviour, and attachment needs. To support them in this valuable work, Belvoir Castle are also enabling the school to run its own Bush Craft sessions for its students from the castle grounds. 

Danny Smith, Outdoor Education Lead at The Place said, "We are delighted to be using the Belvoir estate to run our Bush Craft sessions for children at The Place. Outdoor learning has so many fantastic benefits for children, from improving their development and mental wellbeing, to helping build their understanding of the world around them, so it's brilliant to be delivering this type of learning in such a beautiful and historic place." 

Emma Manners, the Duchess of Rutland and CEO of Belvoir Castle said, "It has been wonderful to learn about the fantastic work of The Place Independent School, and the invaluable support they provide to so many children with additional needs. We are so pleased to be supporting the school in its vital work, and I look forward seeing the sessions in action." 

Bushcraft sessions will be taking place on:

• 7 October 
• 4 November
• 2 December

To book onto the Bush Craft Sessions at the Engine Yard, please email Daniel Smith at [email protected].