Second Nature

Second Nature now offers bushcraft in Snowdonia, and for adults and children. Come and develop your forest, field and wilderness skills. Book a place on a bat walk. Talk to the owls. Find out how to track animals. Discover the names of trees and birds. Throw a bushcraft birthday party. Take part in the John Muir Awards scheme with your family, school or youth group. And combine it all with a stay in the National Park.

It’s your world – enjoy it!

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In the company of your guide and teacher, Nicky Fish, your knowledge of wildlife and awareness of the natural world will evolve every step of the way.

For all courses and bookings, including schools, contact Nicky directly on 01690 760519 or 07906 582 624. Or complete and return the contact form today. Numbers are limited, so book early to make sure of your place.

This is the best kind of classroom.
No walls, just sky and trees.
From the smallest seed to the largest tree.
This is a forest and a learning place.

Ian Mcmillan

 

Now you can book a bushcraft birthday party in Snowdonia National Park. Nicky has worked with – and entertained – children for many years. She can guarantee that your wild child and their friends will leave the party with a goodie bag of bushcraft skills that will last a lifetime.

Birthday parties in Sussex enjoy private exclusive use of large woodland site at Stanmer Park, Brighton, with an experienced Second Nature host. There’s a fire pit area with log seating, rope swing, wildlife pond, compost toilet. Plus fun and games organised by Second Nature.

It’s a lovely space for children to explore freely, play, discover and have lots of fun in a safe outdoor environment. And so popular – and so easy – that parents book again and again.

Activities include: 

• Camouflage games
• Scavenger Hunt
• Den building challenge
• Fire Lighting
• Marshmallow Toasting
• Cooking on a real fire

Cost: £200 for 2 hr party / £250 for 2 1/2 hr party for up to 15 children (an additional £10 per child for 16-25)

The most stress-free chilled birthday party possible

Just to say a really big thank you for Maisie’s party. It couldn’t have been better. We all had a wonderful time.

Kersten Andlaw. Brighton

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We’ve just had our twins’ birthday party with Nicky for the second year running. Both were a massive success and their friends still talked about the party a year later! Nicky is a great organiser of games and activities in a beautiful woodland setting. She really captures the children’s imaginations and they have tons of fun in the open air. This is a birthday party to remember – highly recommended.

Johnny & Paul Johnson, Brighton

Book your bushcraft birthday party now to save the date!

Bat walks & owl prowls

At your accommodation in and around
Snowdonia National Park

Take a gentle stroll in an early evening bat walk and discover the amazing nocturnal creatures around your holiday cottage or campsite. Learn to use a bat detector, hear echo location in action, identify bats and find out how to help these special mammals back home with tips for your garden. Listen and call Tawny Owls and if lucky, get up close and personal!

Price: £15 per adult / £10 per child

To book, call Nicky directly on 07906 582624

WEATHER WARNING: This event may be rearranged if too wet.

NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT ONCE TICKETS ARE PURCHASED, REFUNDS CANNOT BE GIVEN FOR CANCELLATIONS WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE EVENT.

You can stay in Snowdonia near Second Nature at every level of comfort and convenience. From a fully furnished cottage, to a yurt – or even in your own tent.

Benar cottages (walking distance)

Second Nature is based a short walk from the beautiful Benar cottages, in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. These award-winning self-catering homes from home have everything you need for a relaxing holiday.

Benar Bach (Little Benar) sleeps 2 in luxurious seclusion

Bwthyn Rhosyn (Rose Cottage) sleeps 4 beautifully

Bwthyn Meillion (Clover Cottage) sleeps 4 perfectly

Y Llaethdy (The Dairy) sleeps 4 comfortably

Bryn Tirion (a couple of miles away)

Another option is Bryn Tirion – a 19th Century cottage overlooking Penmachno, a couple of miles from Second Nature. The cottage sleeps up to four and dogs are welcome.

Nearby campsites

If you prefer to stay in Snowdonia under canvas, there are several campsites not far from Second Nature, including:

Rynys Farm

Dolgam

Llyn Gwynant

Please check the websites (linked) for current restrictions due to the Covid-19 situation.

Second Nature can work with your school to develop its grounds while undertaking the prestigious John Muir Award. (Activities that may also work with the Green Trees School Award and Green Flag Eco Awards.)

The John Muir Award is an environmental scheme that supports and encourages people of all backgrounds to connect with, enjoy, and care for wild places. 

Three levels of achievement

• Discovery Award
• Explorer Award
• Conserver Award

Four challenges for each level

• DISCOVER a wild place
• EXPLORE its wildness
• CONSERVE it, taking personal responsibility
• SHARE your experiences

Participation can be as a Family, School Group, College, youth organisation, club or outdoor centre. But participants must be able to understand why and how they are doing the activity, so it is recommended for Key Stage 2 and upwards.

The scheme offers an ideal structure to support pupils and teachers in their engagement with the National Curriculum, and is effective with children and young people who have additional support needs. 

Minimum time commitments range from four days for the Discovery level to six months at the Conserver Award. But the most important aspect is to show enthusiasm and commitment with your involvement with the process. This develops a passion and enjoyment of wild places that lasts a lifetime. 

For further information, contact Nicky at Second Nature or visit the John Muir Awards website.

It is not enough for people to be in sympathy with the plight of the natural world, but that they must become ‘active conservationists’, as campaigners, as practical project workers, as scientists, as artists, as writers.

John Muir