Outdoor education activities at The Kingswood Trust focus on learning with nature. Children of all ages, their parents and carers and those who support them can learn together, enjoying the benefits of hands on learning in the fresh air. From the voluntary sector to corporate organisations, everyone can benefit from learning with nature. There are also plenty of varied opportunities to make a positive contribution to the work of our charitable trust. Our outdoor education activities enable learning about and through the environment and create lasting, happy memories.

The Kingswood began as a holiday camp in 1923 to provide holidays for ‘poor’ children. The original buildings were World War I Nissan huts with stretchers for beds. Around the time of World War II brick-built dormitories were erected and stretchers were replaced by beds. Air Raid Shelters were built for emergency use and the camp continued. Shortly after World War II, the holiday camp was purchased by the Local Education Authority to house an open-air School for “delicate” children. Many of these children suffered from breathing problems, were under nourished with poor development and their families were in social need.

The open-air school had a significant impact for many years due to outdoor lessons and the medical and educational support at the school. The children made huge progress out of the city in this countryside environment. The school was inspected and applauded for its great work and in 1958 and it was decided to build new accommodation on land next door. The original buildings were left untouched then until 1973, when it was transformed into an environmental residential centre for schools to learn in the great outdoors. Kingswood Trust became an independent charity in 2014 and has continued to successfully develop its outdoor education activities that connect children and the community to the natural world.

We believe that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development whatever their age, ability or circumstances. Our mission is to provide high quality outdoor day and residential experiences in a safe environment that will support improved outcomes for children and the wider community.