Muddy Education

Learning the Natural Way...

The Countryside Education Centre

at Holdenby

The Centre...

Operating out of The Countryside Education Centre in the stunning Holdenby village Muddy Education activities allow visitors exclusive access to this historical estate. Using the Village Hall as a base with toilets, handwashing facilities and an indoor classroom, groups can venture out and explore the woodlands, tracks, fields, hedgerows and historic ponds.

Our Activities...

Activities for all ages are firmly rooted in a practical and hands-on approach to learning. Children are encouraged to explore the natural world, to ask questions and discover the answers. Activities for schools, nurseries and pre-schools are based on the relevant curriculum and link with topics being explored in schools and settings.

Learning the natural way...

At Muddy Education children learn with their whole bodies: walking, jumping, searching, smelling and feeling, all the time absorbing the world around them. It's a full on sensory experience creating a real depth of understanding. Our activities produce muddy children with smiling faces and brains that are switched on to nature!

Why Us?

Owner and Centre Teacher Becki Pulford has 12 years experience of developing and delivering exciting outdoor learning experiences for children and adults of all ages.

As a qualified primary teacher and experienced lecturer at post-16 and degree level, Becki has a wealth of knowledge of curriculum demands and how these can be met in a practical context.

As a mum of two girls and a firm believer in the importance of natural outdoor play in children's development, she is also keen to get children outside, enjoying nature and having fun...

"Gardening" often becomes messy play at home too!

What to bring...

Our activities are outdoors, even in wet/cold weather so please bring clothes that will enable you and your child to take part. Waterproofs are a great option (for yourself as well) in wet weather, and even for drier Tree Tots sessions as we have water play available most weeks.

There is no shop in the village so please make sure that you have all food etc that you will need for your visit. For some of our larger events there is sometimes a refreshments stall available ~ this will be specified on the event details. There is drinking water available in the education centre, if you wish to refill water bottles.

We recommend long trousers and long sleeves, even on warm days, as it reduces the risk of stings and bites, particularly tick bites. It is usually shadier in the woods too, so an extra layer can be more useful than you might think.

Safety...

All of our activities are risk assessed and we have all necessary policies and procedures in place (these are available on request).

Safety guidance will be given at the start of each session as necessary and it is the responsibility of parents/carers to supervise children in their care and ensure that safety procedures are being followed. If staff feel that children are not safe at any time, this will be addressed with the child(ren) and parents/carers will be made aware.

There is a working farm in close proximity to the woodland areas and it is essential that visitors remain within designated areas for their own safety. There are also private grounds nearby, to which there is strictly no admittance.

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