Forest School South West Gathering 24-25 September 2016
Forest School South West Gathering 24-25 September 2016
Information and Booking Form
To save trees we recommend you complete this on your computer and email us, and keep a copy for your records. Please e-mail your completed form to as soon as you can, to confirm your place. Payment will be required at time of booking to secure space.
Booking deadline: 16 September 2016
Who can come
Spaces are limited and priority is given to people who are already qualified and practicing Forest School Leaders, and members of Forest School Association (who qualify for a discount). It's not suitable for people who are still training or thinking about it as there are other events around that would be better focused for them.However do ask if you have extra reasons for wanting to attend. Please let us know what qualification and experience you have to help us prioritise places.
The plan
Most of the plan will be worked out both in the weeks beforehand and at the event itself, using various participatory methods.On this form pleaselet us know what you can bring as a skill(s) or knowledge to share and what you’d really like to learn or discuss. We will probably have an online discussion in the weeks beforehand so keep an eye on the Facebook page and do request an add to the Forest School South West Group if you have a Facebook account, Information and discussion will be posted on the group’s website and for members on the South West group page of the FSA website
A meeting for FSA members will be held at some point over the weekend.
All weathers policy. The Gathering will take place in all weathers except extreme weathers (e.g. strong winds / torrential rain / snow), when we will cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Please make sure we have a mobile contact number for you.
Venue details–Hakeford Woods Forest School, Hakeford, Stoke Rivers, North Devon EX32 7LB
Hakeford Woods Forest School is situated in a quiet valley ten minutes from Barnstaple. The site is part of a larger area previously owned by the League Against Cruel Sports and kept as a wildlife refuge. Transformation to a Forest School site began in Summer 2015. There are some flat areas to pitch tents, although these are limited, but there are plenty of trees to swing from if you wish to hammock. There are compost toilets, and a bordering stream. There is no mains water on site, so we ask that where possible people bring water containers for the weekend. There will be a variety of shelters and wood for the fire. Mobile phone reception is very limited on site.
Transport, parking and car share. There is limited parking on site and people will need to car share. The nearest busand train stationsare inBarnstaple, 5 miles away where there are connections to bus and train networks. Lifts can be arranged to and from Barnstaple. More info about travel arrangements and directions will be sent later. If you can, please offer or request a lift. Do car share where possible please.
You need to bring. If you are staying over, please bring all you need... tent/hammock, water container if possible, sleeping bag, torch, washkit. We will be outside all weekend, so bring full waterproofs and layers to keep warm.
Food and Catering.We will provide food to make basic breakfasts, lunches and suppers over the weekend, which everyone can help with and assist camp manager - so we need to know when you will be on-site. If you have special dietary requirements or allergies, get in touch to discuss the best way we can deal with this. Cooking will be done on the camp fire and will be all our responsibilities, along with clearing up. Please bring any luxuries you can’t live without or treats you’d like to share! Alcohol policy is ‘in moderation’ and not at all when tools are to be used - in line with our Health and Safety policy.
Booking and Payment
Please email the booking form to nd send payment to the address below in order to secure your place. Payment requested is to cover venue costs, food and other essentials needed to run an event like this - and we hope it is affordable for most, we do not want anyone to be excluded because of cost. Do get in touch if this is a concern for you. Equally if you feel you can pay more that would be fabulous. Anything not spent on food (unlikely) will go into the Forest School South West account to help to subsidise future events.
Full accounts will be available to view after the event from FSASW treasurer.
Please sendyour payment to:
Stuart Young
48 Wrafton, Braunton, Devon, EX33 2DE
Please make cheques payable to Stuart Young
Personal information and Data Protection – In accordance with the DPA Act (1998) your details will be kept confidential and will not be shared unless with your permission.
Health & Safety– The site is risk assessed and public liability insuranceis held by the forest school leader running this event, and the venue.As a self-organising group, all participant-leaders are required to risk assess activities that they lead as part of the Gathering.The inherent risks of being outdoors are your liability. As a participant, youagree to abide by any safety policies as set out verbally and in writing by session leaders/organisers.
Payment Terms, cancellation & refunds - Payment is required in advance and full payment must be made to guarantee a place. If you cancel 14 days or more before the event then a 50% refund will be made, otherwise no refund can be made as we may not be able to fill the place.
Cancellation by us – We will use all reasonable endeavours to avoid changes of this nature but reserve the right to cancel and reschedule when this is unavoidable. In this event, we will offer you an alternative date or refund.
Materials and Equipment - Please bring what you need for skill-sharing. We will not be liable for any materials or equipment brought onto the premises by you. We will provide tools and equipment for all necessary functions of the site e.g. firewood