FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
**PLEASE NOTE WE TAKE GROUP BOOKINGS ONLY**
WHAT TIME OF YEAR ARE YOU OPEN?
We are open throughout the year, however some of our activities are seasonal, such as our foraging course. Events run on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, depending on availability.
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WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
Hidden Valley Bushcraft's private woodland is set in Pensford, Bristol. The nearest postcode is BS39 4AQ. It is set within a hidden valley and cannot be seen from the road. To protect both the location and the secluded environment held within its boundaries, directions to find us will be sent to you once you have booked an activity. We also hope this adds to the woodland adventure!
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There is a short walk from the car to the woodland accessed via a public footpath, unfortunately due to the terrain this makes it unsuitable for those with walking difficulties. If you do have walking difficulties and would still like to take part in our woodland activities, please contact us and and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.
Our address is for postal correspondence only but is not too far from the woodland.
ARE THE ACTIVITIES SAFE?
Safety is paramount at all of our sessions and events, whether they are for children, adults or corporate teams. All activities are carried out in a controlled environment and are supervised by a bushcraft and or a Forest School leader. Risk assessments have been completed for all activities and the fire is managed responsibly at all times.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT’S RAINING?
We don’t let the rain stop us having fun. In fact, outdoor activities still provide enormous fun in the rain. We do have shelter systems in place if needed. We risk assess continuously and will stop, or postpone an activity if it is not safe to continue. In extreme weather conditions, if it is deemed the weather is likely to put guests in any potential danger, the activity will be rescheduled on a mutually convenient date. If you decide to cancel the event in poor weather after we have risk-assessed it as safe to go ahead, this will be treated as a cancellation and we will not be able to issue a refund. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE WOODS?
Activities are conducted outdoors in a woodland environment. We cannot guarantee that guests will stay clean, therefore we recommend wearing old or inexpensive clothes, wellies or old trainers and waterproofs. Sensible footwear is necessary as the ground is sometimes uneven. In hot weather, suncream, sunglasses and sun hats are advisable.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
We will provide all equipment required for the activities. However, for activities involving an overnight stay you will need to bring your own torch,sleeping bag, pillow and toiletries/baby wipes.
IS FOOD INCLUDED?
We provide both catered and non-catered options, which is dependent on the activity you have booked. This is specified in the activity description so please check the details thoroughly.
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WHAT FACILITIES DO YOU HAVE?
We have created a suitable teaching environment within our woodland, this includes shelter systems, a 14-foot table and a campfire circle. We also have a conservation cabin, fresh running water for hand washing and composting style toilet.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MY MEDICAL/DIETARY NEEDS AND WHY DO PARTICIPANTS NEED TO SIGN A CONSENT FORM?
We ask all participants complete a form so we are aware of allergies and medical conditions. Consent for under-18s must be provided by a parent or legal guardian. Our activities involve a degree of physical fitness and we often provide refreshments throughout your activity/event. We therefore need to ensure that we look after you during your visit to us.
Medical/dietary forms must be returned seven days in advance so that we can take into account any dietary requirements or medical conditions. These will be sent to you with your booking confirmation.
Parental responsibility for all children remains with the host parent/guardian.
IS THERE A BOOKING FEE?
There is no booking fee, but we do ask for a small deposit. Details of this will be sent to you with other important information.
HOW DO I PAY?
You can pay by cash, cheque or BACS. Details of this will be sent to you upon confirmation of booking.
HOW LONG WILL YOU KEEP THE DATE AVAILABLE?
We will hold a available date open for 48 hours after your enquiry to give you time confirm the date of the activity. After this time, we cannot guarantee that the date will be available if it has not been secured with a deposit.
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WHAT ARE THE BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS?
Full details of our booking terms and conditions, including making your balance payment, cancellation, health and safety and more are available to read in full here