Who we are
Northern Wildlings is an innovative organization dedicated to fostering growth, learning, and well-being in young people through the power of nature. We offer school-aged children a unique opportunity to learn and thrive in an outdoor setting, where the boundaries of traditional classrooms are replaced by the limitless possibilities of the natural world.
Bios
Our Lead instructor, Damian, has been teaching Bushcraft and survival skills for over 25 years. He’s worked behind the scenes on survival TV shows, military instruction for teams operating overseas, Lead instructor for ‘Under the Canopy Cornwall’
He has spent time in various environments building his skills from mountains to the Sahara Desert and is a Qualified Rock Climbing Instructor.
Our instructor Lewis has been a practitioner of Bushcraft and survival skills since being a young child.
He has been teaching now for around 5 years working with companies such as ‘Under the Canopy Cornwall’ and presenting the big gross eat tent at the Gone Wild Festival feeding bugs and insects to the brave ones!
Lewis is also a qualified parkour and gymnastics instructor and was one of the first qualified to teach parkour in the UK.
He has a range of skills such as target sports. Also an expert in foraging, plant, animal, and mushroom Identification
What we offer
• Educational Play: We engage young people in hands-on, nature-based activities that foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Our approach blends structured learning with the freedom to explore and discover, encouraging curiosity and self-confidence.
• Learning Through Play: We believe that play is an essential component of a child’s development. Our programs are designed to make learning enjoyable and meaningful by embedding educational experiences within playful activities. This method allows children to absorb knowledge naturally while developing essential life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.
• Interest-Led Learning: At Northern Wildlings, we recognize that every child’s interests are unique. Our approach allows children to take the lead in their learning journey by following their passions and curiosities. This interest-led model fosters deeper engagement, motivation, and a sense of ownership over their learning.
• Outdoor Therapy and Sensory Stimulation: Time in nature provides powerful therapeutic benefits for children, especially those with neurodiverse needs such as autism. Northern Wildlings offers a range of sensory experiences—like tactile play with natural materials, auditory stimulation from natural sounds, and visual discovery in the forest—that help calm, engage, and regulate young minds. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and supportive of children with different sensory profiles, promoting emotional regulation and stress relief.
• Autism Awareness and Support: We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for children on the autism spectrum. Our facilitators are trained to understand and support the unique needs of autistic children. Northern Wildlings offers a safe, sensory-friendly, and flexible approach, ensuring that every child feels comfortable, understood, and empowered to engage in outdoor activities at their own pace.
• Outdoor Adventures: Our programs are designed to help children reconnect with nature. Whether it’s through forest exploration, bushcraft, or team-based challenges, we provide experiences that build resilience, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
• Therapeutic Benefits: Time in nature is scientifically proven to reduce stress, increase focus, and promote emotional balance. Northern Wildlings offers a peaceful and supportive setting where young people can process their emotions, build coping mechanisms, and improve their mental health.
Why choose us
• Experienced Facilitators: Our team is made up of professionals with backgrounds in education, child development, and outdoor activities, ensuring each child’s experience is both safe and enriching.
• Inclusive and Therapeutic Environment: Our programs are designed to support children with varying sensory and emotional needs, providing autism awareness and tailored support.
• Tailored Programs: We recognize that every child is unique, and we offer a wide range of customizable programs to meet individual needs, whether therapeutic or educational.
• Nature’s Healing Power: By combining education with the proven therapeutic benefits of the outdoors, we provide an unparalleled environment for growth and self-discovery.
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