Getting in touch with the real world

Girl amongst flowers  Boy examing an insect with a magnifying glass  Girls listening to an instructor  Boy climbing an apple tree  Child reaching for apples
Smell See Listen Touch Taste

What is Treewise?

The Treewise Co-operative is made up of parents, conservation volunteers and professionals who have gained skills and experience in various approaches to environmental learning.

The Treewise ethos is based on the belief that a love of Nature grows from the freedom to explore the natural world in an unmediated way; to that end Treewise works to provide opportunities, skills and the inspiration for families and children to enjoy time outdoors so that being outside becomes part of everyday life.

Treewise workers have a variety of professional backgrounds including Arts and conservation and together they have gathered and devised activities directly linked to the natural world so that, rather like Nature itself, nothing exists in isolation.

Treewise is featured in the greenparent magazine Dec/Jan 2008/9 issue (www.thegreenparent.co.uk).

What We Do

Treewise is committed to Experiential Learning, this means we want you to be hands-on and learn through your natural capacity to imitate, experiment and solve problems. We work primarily outdoors because we have discovered that nature can be stimulating, relaxing and inspiring, in fact it seems to be an ideal learning environment for everyone. Our leaders are able to devise activities for your group in your own setting or you can bring your group to our one acre orchard. You can also hire our leaders along with an 18ft coppiced yurt and we will create an inspiring day of drop in workshops for your event or celebration.

Our fees start at £125 for a half day of hands-on environmental learning.

To talk to us about fees and hire of our site please telephone Kim Squirrell on 01308 420602

Schools

Boy sawing branchTreewise workers are available to work in schools, leading activities linked to the curriculum. Sessions can include environmental art, felt-making, willow work, gardening and sensory nature walks.

To talk over your ideas contact Kim on 01308 420602

All our leaders and volunteers have undergone a full CRB check.

Out of School

Treewise workers are keen to bring nature activities and outdoor play to families and children at weekends and during holidays. Our unique craft and sensory workshops visit various venues throughout the year and are available for hire for any occasion, from family celebrations to county shows. We also offer family days with The Wild Trees Club, activities include; firecraft, forest skills and nature walks. The orchard and yurt are occasionally available for workshops and events.

Contact Kim on 01308 427449 to discuss your requirements.

See the Earth Craft Tent at:
The Oak Fair
The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show
The Meplash Show
The Kingcombe Centre
Symondsbury Apple Day Tea


© 2010. All text and photographs on this website are the copyright of Treewise Co-operative Ltd
Treewise Co-operative Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. Company No 5868941

Website design by Logomotion

 

Treewise and You

Erecting a fence

Workers

Treewise is a not for profit limited company and a workers co-operative, this means the organisation is run democratically and all have the same opportunities and rewards.

We work to support the career development and well being of members through skill sharing and team working offering the necessary tools and framework to make community work a rewarding experience for all.

Workers who join us with a current art or craft practice are able to develop and deepen their skills through practical research into the origins of natural materials and training in a variety of sensory and creative approaches to environmental learning, while people already working as environmental leaders are able broaden their approach by exploring the power of creativity in arts and crafts

Volunteers

As a volunteer you have the opportunity to build up skills and work experience. Regular volunteering can progress to membership of the co-op and to creative opportunities and employment on treewise projects.

All Co-op members started out as volunteers and continue to donate some of their time to the organisation as a formal commitment.
To find out more; Telephone David on: 01308 420602

Vacancies

We are currently recruiting play leaders for the parent and toddler group and artists/craft workers for the Earth Craft Tent project. We also need volunteer office staff and orchard workers.

Willy Tuck's Orchard

YurtMost Treewise sessions take place at Willy Tuck's Orchard, a one acre re-planted cider orchard in Symondsbury, West Dorset, which is also home to the Symondsbury Apple Project. The orchard houses a 16ft yurt, a small willow dome, compost toilets and fire circle. The orchard can be visited by arrangement.