Adults build real, applied outdoor knowledge by recognising local species and understanding the role each one plays in the wider ecosystem.

Adults are taught safe fire-management, building practical competence, focus, and true self-esteem with outdoor skills.

Creating a basic shelter as a group helps participants strengthen problem-solving skills, clear communication, and shared achievement.

Through movement and steady reflection, adults begin to notice how their emotions shift, building a clearer sense of what calm, focus, and connection feel like in their own bodies. Most of us rarely give ourselves the time or space to do this. Our tasks create that opportunity and support awareness in a practical, grounded way.

Working safely with tools develops precision, attention, and a clear sense of practical capability for participants.

Respect for the site is built into every task, with participants learning to leave the area clean, tidy, and undisturbed. 

Guided tool-work with natural materials helps participants slow down, focus, and take satisfaction in producing something they’ve made themselves.

Working with the ponies teaches participants how to settle, read subtle cues, and build trust through calm, steady interaction.

Knot work develops solid outdoor capability, teaching participants how to create reliable ties and strengthening focus and precision.

Through still moments outdoors, breathing, noticing, listening, Participants begin to feel how nature steadies the mind.

Grooming the ponies encourages calm, focused interaction, helping participants build trust and a steady working connection.

Group tasks become spaces for connection, learning how to support, listen, and celebrate one another through action rather than instruction.

Participants develop foundational photography skills taught by a photographer with over 20 years’ experience, using the camera as a regulating focus to observe and record their time at Wild Mane, with space to upload their work to the secure online hubs.

Through the optional online hub, participants can access short tutorials, upload their photographs, and build a steady record of their learning, giving them a structured way to practise skills between sessions. Participants can even watch our badger sett and ponies though streaming.

Participants use trail cameras and focused observation to track the wildlife around our badger sett, developing a safe and respectful awareness of the animals in our local ecosystem.

Creative expression runs through every programme, from building outdoor structures and carving with tools to painting signs, writing for personal reflection or our blog, and working alongside visiting local artists to develop practical, hands-on skills.

Conversations at Wild Mane unfold naturally, led by the Participants themselves, giving them space to talk in their own time while we guide the discussion with calm, age-appropriate prompts that keep it safe, grounded, and meaningful.