Here we are on @itvtynetees@itvnews this evening talking about our Alternative Education Provision 🌱💪
#alternativeeducation #alternativeprovision #SEND #trauma #childhoodtrauma
Every week we have a young person who chops so much wood for our site he even split the chopping block today! He's a great help to our leaders and thrives on being one of the young people we can rely on to supply our site with freshly chopped kindling. Thank you N! 👏🔥💪
Catching hailstones, making paracord key rings and bracelets (one for our Mick F and one for her brother) and wild garlic pesto and pasta 💚🌱
Emma helped O to self regulate and stay calm today through creativity and activities she enjoys. This is a valuable skill during a period of change and uncertainty 💚
#traumainformed #alternativeeducation #alternativeeducationprovision #forestschool #creativity
Another new starter at Alternative Education Provision today 😁 who spent the morning with Emma exploring the site and settling in to life at Birkheads Wild 🌱
We go at the pace of the young people here so its much slower, relaxed and informal with fewer demands than a school setting - helping re-regulate nervous systems and support trauma recovery.
This meant there was time for; games in the yurt, a bit of pond dipping, exploring the nearby woods, meeting and feeding the goats, picking and sniffing the herbs in our sensory garden, swinging on the slackline and planning for what he would like to cook next week. 🌱
Hopefully a Monday morning here will set A up to be able to manage the rest of the week in school 💚
#alternativeprovision #forestschool #learningoutsidetheclassroom #wellbeingsupport #youngpersonled
Shelter building 💪- K with Joelene on an unexpectedly cold Monday in May 😬
" On this task we have practiced safe use of an axe and pruning saw, had a go at some knots, used our problem solving skills along with plenty of critical thinking and creativity. 🪚
This young person always brings a great energy to his sessions and in turn I think he gains a lot from his Monday at Birkheads Wild. He also realised his den was the perfect spot to enjoy an end of the day pot noodle!"
#alternativeeducation #learningoutsidetheclassroom #shelterbuilding #bushcraft #lifeskills
On this lovely spring evening some young people enjoyed creating leather butterflies; designing and assembling them with ease at our under 11s 'Hazel group' last night.
Some tasted some rhubarb and all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves!
#forestschool #outdoorlearning
Dani's adventure today on a local walk with C 💚:
"C and I set out into HedleyHall Woods with curiosity and care, taking time to really notice the small wonders often missed.🌱
From delicate leaves to hidden wildlife, every step became a chance to learn more about the world around us and how we can better protect it.💚
One moment stood out in particular — standing among a sea of vibrant bluebells, he described it as a “Bluebell ocean.” It couldn’t have been more accurate. Waves of colour stretched beneath the trees, alive with movement, light, and life.💚
Experiences like this remind us how important it is to slow down, look closely, and value the natural spaces we have. By respecting wildlife, protecting habitats, and making mindful choices, we can help ensure these “oceans” continue to thrive. 🌿" #naturetherapy #natureconnection #learningoutsidetheclassroom #nature #wellbeingwalk
📢 Last call, last call…
To feel confident and empowered to help others (and yourself) for your epic line up of adventures!
Come and learn life saving skills from real life Mountain Rescue Medics!
📅 9-10th May
⛑️ Outdoor First Aid
🗺️ Birkheads Wild, near Beamish
DM us to secure your spot!
#firstaidtraining #outdoorfirstaid #firstaid #newcastle #adventure
Only 5 days left to vote for Birkheads Wild as Charity/Voluntary Organisation of the Year in the Gateshead Awards 2026.
Link in Bio - it only takes 2 minutes.
#charity #community #gatesheadawards2026 #goat #goated
Whether you work or play (or both!) in the great outdoors - you need this in your life! 🫶
📅 9th-10th May
⛑️ Outdoor First Aid
🗺️ At Birkheads Wild
#firstaid #outdoorfirstaid #northeast #learnfirstaid #getoutside
We are working with Gateshead artist @iambobzilla to create something really special this Spring 💚
Thanks to funding from the Burns Price Foundation we are creating a Sensory Space on site 💚
Bobzilla has been teaching us how to create spray paint art and inviting all the young people on site to join in and create part of it if they want to. 💚
The whole project is being led by one of our Young Leaders - 17 year old Grace 💚 It was her idea for a Sensory Space, she helped work up design ideas, apply for the funding, brief the artist and now we are getting to work on making it happen 💚💪
Grace is volunteering for us as part of her Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award and has had a very postive impact on our community in the work she s done so far 💚
#community #volunteering #sensoryroom #streetart #dofegold
