Welcome

Found Outdoors CIC is an outdoor education, arts and rewilding space set in 54 acres of woodland and meadows on the edge of Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.

"Connecting people of all ages with nature for the benefit of both."

three views of Townsend Woods

What's it all about?

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We are part rewilding and education project and part event space. Our approach is light touch with minimal intervention in the environment and prioritising nature. The project is run by us, Fiona and Rich, with a bit of help from our friends, and is almost entirely self funded to date.

The land consists of two large areas of woodland and two 6 acre meadows. We are currently developing our site facilities and creating spaces for small groups and low impact events. These include forest school, wellbeing sessions, forest bathing, yoga, bushcraft, pilates, artist retreats, bushcraft etc.

Through our management of the land we aim to improve the biodiversity, have a (small) positive impact on climate change, help reconnect people with nature and pass on everything we learn.

We work with schools, charities, youth and arts groups, universities and individual practitioners. If you've got a event, workshop or idea you'd like to make happen, we would love to hear from you. Just drop us a message on our contact page.

"We know changing our small piece of land isn’t going to change the world,
but if everyone does a bit, then together we can!"

Nature

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Our ethos is very much one of balance, so for us plants and animals are as important as people.

We are grateful to be working with some excellent environmental advisors to establish what plants and animals are residing on our site and best practice moving forward. Our aim is to protect the habitats that already exist, create a comprehensive management plan and increase biodiversity where possible. It's all about the science!

In common with most of the British Isles, the land here has been managed by humans for hundreds of years - a mixture of farming, park land and old tree plantations. It’s not wild in the true sense of an untouched natural ecosystem but it’s a special place that has been left pretty much to itself for several decades. Check out our Instagram to see photos of some of the animals who make their home here.

Biological Recording

We’re just starting our long term project to create more detailed surveys of the flora and fauna, and are excited to meet and work with new people. If this is your area of expertise, and are able to help, we would love to hear from you - please do get in touch.

People, Workshops and Events

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Reconnecting people with nature is at our core. A visit to Found Outdoors is meant feel as wild as possible. Access is available for pre-booked groups and we will be rotating available spaces to keep human impact at a minimum and allow the land to recover.

We aren't completely without modern convenience though. We have a wooden barn (built mainly from our own trees), several small low impact shelters, drinking water, compost toilets and fire pit areas. We can also supply hot drinks and packed lunches as required.

Booking a space/Plan an Event

Our spaces can be booked for anything from a one-to-one session (eg walking therapy), to a group of up to around 30 people for public or private activities.

If you want to know more and/or discuss booking a space for your group please get in touch to find out what we can offer. We'd love to hear from you.

contact us

Watch The Greensand Residency Film

On 6 July 2022 thirteen artists took part in the Greensand Residency at Found Outdoors in Wiltshire.
The aim of the day was to facilitate the participants in exploring their relationship with the more-than-human world and how that connection impacts arts practice. It was a testing ground for longer artist residencies at Found Outdoors.
The project was a collaboration between Claire Loder, artist and lecturer at Bath Spa University and Found Outdoors CIC. It is part of Bath Spa University’s Knowledge Exchange programme. The day was documented by filmmaker Sam Wilkins.

Wild Hearts Forest School

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We're delighted to offer forest school classes, activities and parties with Hannah's Wild Hearts Forest School in our main woodland. More info and bookings on our forest school page.

find out more

Some nature from around the project