About

Laurel’s Wood CIC

Laurel's Wood CIC was created to give more children and families access to nature. What started as a simple idea, to create a safe woodland space for outdoor learning, has grown into a place where people can slow down, build confidence and feel part of something.

We are seeing increasing levels of anxiety and disconnection from the outdoors, particularly in children. We believe nature can play a powerful role in changing that. Through Forest School sessions, play and community programmes, we support wellbeing, confidence and connection to nature.

As a Community Interest Company, some of our activities generate income, which allows us to subsidise access, deliver community projects and continue developing the woodland. Laurel's Wood has been shaped by real experience of the difference nature can make to children and families.

  • Children playing in a mud kitchen

    Our Team

    The team at Laurel's Wood genuinely care about what they do, different skills, shared values, and a belief in what time outdoors can do for children, families and communities.

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  • A logo for the National Trust featuring a white oak leaf and acorn graphic on a green background, with the text 'National Trust' in white, set against a background of fallen autumn leaves.

    Our Friends

    The people and organisations behind Laurel's Wood have shaped everything we do, from funding and expertise to hands-on support. We're grateful to every one of them.

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Quotes from Teachers, Carers and Charity Staff

  • “One child who is looked after I was quite emotional watching him during the day as he turned into this brave, confident leader. On a normal school day, he cannot listen and forgets our rules but when on our trip to Laurel’s Wood he was a different person. He transformed into a true role model helping his friends and teachers enjoy the activities. He became a leader, an explorer.”

  • “All children I saw a change the ones who aren't confident in school dared to try new things and pushed out of their comfort zone. In addition, when coming back to the class the next day the children were all calm and amazed from the day and carried on the change of behaviour to within the classroom.”

  • “For our children, I felt like these activities were activities that they would have never had the chance to experience before and the confidence and joy they got from this will stay with them for a long time.”

  • “It was a great chill time for the children to explore the forest and play with the amazing space but also push their boundaries giving independence and allowing them to be creative explorers.”

  • “The children were so calm all day. They listened to instructions from the team, they kept themselves safe, they worked together, they explored, they showed independence, they were engaged, they gave everything a go, they learnt new skills and they had fun while doing it all.”

  • “City children change when brought into new, exciting venues like this one. They thrive! They need this more often. In fact, I would say it should be termly!”

  • “They loved it they all wanted to go back the next day, we have changed our outdoor classroom since going and a child has even said "It’s like we are back in the woods, it’s all magical.”

  • “The whole day all staff couldn't believe how amazing and were blown away by the woods and the team. Will definitely be back again! Thank you so much for giving this opportunity to our children who will never experience anything like this, and inspiring us within our own outdoor area.”

  • “I cannot say how brilliant our day was and the change in the children's behaviour in the outdoor environment everyone pushed their comfort zones, became leaders and fully embraced the day.”