Wildling Woods

A welcoming woodland space where children learn, play, and build confidence through outdoor adventure.

Wildling Woods is an outdoor learning and play area where children are given the time, space, and freedom to explore the natural world.

Run by The Chillingham Wild Cattle Association, Wildling Woods is rooted in forest school principles and a deep belief in the importance of outdoor play for children’s wellbeing and development. Sessions take place in a beautiful woodland setting in Chillingham where muddy hands and curiosity are encouraged.

We have regular weekly sessions as well as special events throughout the year.

Click here to see what we have coming up

Why Outdoor Play Matters

Time spent outdoors has a powerful impact on children’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Being in nature allows children to move their bodies, manage risk, and develop independence in ways that indoor spaces often can’t provide.

At Wildling Woods, children are given the chance to build confidence, explore the natural world and learn new skills all while making new friends. This will provide them with skills and knowledge that will stay with them for life.

Who is Wildling Woods For?

Wildling Woods runs sessions for a range of ages, from toddlers taking their first steps into woodland play to older children ready to develop practical outdoor skills. 

Each session listing clearly explains the age range, format, and what to expect, so families can choose what feels right for them.

What to Wear

Wildling Woods runs throughout the year and in most weather conditions — rain, mud, and puddles are all part of the adventure. Children should come dressed for the outdoors in clothes that can get muddy, with waterproof layers and sturdy footwear.

We always provide clear guidance ahead of sessions and are happy to offer advice if you’re unsure what your child needs to wear.

🌱 Little Wildlings

Little Wildlings is our weekly early years woodland group, running on Tuesday mornings, created especially for our youngest adventurers.

• Ages: 18 months – 5 years

• Stay and Play (children attend with a parent or carer)

• What to expect: Free woodland play, sensory exploration, songs and stories, simple nature crafts, and gentle outdoor adventures, all led at a relaxed pace

Sessions are bookable in blocks, which fill very quickly. If you’d like to be notified when the next block becomes available, please email Ellie at [email protected]

🌳 Home-Educated Groups

Our home-educated groups run on Tuesday afternoons, offering home-educated children the opportunity to learn, play, and connect in a natural woodland setting.

• When: Tuesday afternoons

• Who for: Home-educated children

• What happens: Child-led woodland play, practical outdoor skills, nature crafts, teamwork activities, problem-solving, and imaginative play

• Working towards: Outdoor learning badges and certificates, giving children a sense of achievement and something tangible to take home

• Approach: Relaxed, supportive, and shaped by the interests of the group

Sessions focus on building confidence, independence, and social connections through hands-on experiences in nature, with plenty of time and space for children to explore at their own pace.

Sessions are bookable in blocks, which fill very quickly. If you’d like to be notified when the next block becomes available, please email Ellie at [email protected]

Woodland Birthday Parties

Wildling Woods woodland birthday parties offer a relaxed, nature-filled way to celebrate your child’s special day. Parties take place in the woods and are designed around outdoor play, exploration, and simple woodland activities, with plenty of space for children to run, climb, build, create, and imagine together.

Depending on the age of the children and the time of year, parties may include den building, nature crafts, campfire time, games, or storytelling. Sessions are led in a flexible, child-friendly way, allowing the group to shape the experience while we take care of the structure and safety. Woodland birthday parties are ideal for children who love being outdoors and parents looking for something a little different from the usual party venue.

Click here for more info on Birthday Parties

Accessibility Information for Wildling Woods

To reach Wildling Woods, there is a short but noticeable slope up from the Wild Cattle Pavilion. Most families manage it without any difficulty, but it’s helpful to be aware before booking. During some sessions we may also take short walks further afield as part of our activities.

If you or your child have any mobility considerations—big or small—please get in touch before your event. We’re very happy to chat it through and can provide photos of the access path so you can decide whether the site is right for you.

Your comfort and safety are really important to us, and we’ll do our best to make sure everyone feels welcome and supported.