FAQs

Find out some of the key information you need before you come to a session – if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please contact us.

How old are Bramblers children?

We suggest that prschool sessions are suitable for children aged 2-4, but please get in touch if you’d like to come along with younger or older children. There is no charge for babies under 1 year old accompanying an older sibling.

Summer specials and workshops will be advertised for a specific age group, depending on the activities involved.

What should we wear?

Forest School sessions run in all except the most extreme weather conditions. Children should come wearing clothes that they can get muddy and messy, and appropriate protective clothing – wellies and a waterproof coat and trousers in winter, and suncream and a hat in summer. We recommend long trousers all year round.

Will sessions run in extreme weather?

Bramblers sessions run in all weathers apart from extreme heat, electrical storms, or high winds, which may pose a serious danger due to falling tree branches. Sessions will be cancelled if:

  • a red heat warning is in place;
  • winds are forecast over 32mph (Beaufort scale: 7);
  • lightning storms are forecast during the duration of the session.

We aim to give 24 notice of session cancellations, but this may not be possible if weather conditions set in unexpectedly. Participants will be contacted by text and email in the case of cancellation.

Sessions will continue in wet weather, and a small shelter will be available when necessary.

Are snacks provided?

A snack and drink will be served at each session. All food served at Bramblers Forest School will be prepared in line with Food Standards Agency guidance. Rachel Huckvale holds the Food Standards Agency’s Food Allergy and Intolerance Training Certificate, and participants will be asked to identify their allergies and intolerances when booking. Please get in touch if you have any concerns.

Can I drop my child off?

For preschool sessions, all parents must remain on site. All preschool children must attend Forest School with an accompanying adult aged over 18, who is responsible for them at all times during the session.

For summer specials and workshops you may be able to drop your children off, depending on their age and the activities involved.

Where can I park?

Benson

There is no parking on site at Bertie West Field. Please park in the free public car park at the Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, OX10 6LZ. The Field is a five-minute walk from the car park – see the Locations page for a map.

Woodcote

Chambers Place is a private house. If you are coming by car, enter the property via the automatic gate – drive up to the gate and it will open away from you. You can park in the field on your left as you enter the property (signage will be in place). Parking is at your own risk and may be unavailable in very muddy conditions (there is also plenty of parking on nearby residential roads in Woodcote).

Are there toilets on site?

There are no toilet facilities at either our Benson or Woodcote sites. You may wish to bring a travel potty – one will be provided for emergencies.

What if I can’t attend a class?

Preschool sessions are booked on a termly basis. If you are unable to attend a particular session, please contact us with at least 48 hours notice, and we will refund your missed session.

For summer specials and workshops, we ask for at least one week’s notice if you are unable to attend, and we will refund your missed session accordingly.

What is the behaviour policy?

We are committed to ensureing that all participants are able to enjoy Bramblers sessions safely and happily. All participants are given a copy of the Bramblers ‘Purple Rules’ at each session, which summarise these expectations in a simple form – find out more on the ‘Purple Rules’ information page.