Visiting or Camping Information

If you are an Autistic person or Autism group who would like to visit the wood please email autismwoodlandproject@gmail.com

Autistic people are welcome to visit the wood. There is no charge to visit or to camp. If you want to get back to nature and enjoy some wild camping you can do so by arrangement.

Groups - We are hoping to encourage new groups to visit the wood by trying to be as flexible as possible in accommodating the  dates that suit them. Please can groups who want to visit the wood email with any date that they would like to visit and we will aim to fit in with their dates. We generally have 2 - 4 group visits to the wood each year. Weather permitting we have a camp fire and we have occasional drumming workshops with percussionist Laurence for people who are interested.

Camping - We can lend people a tent if they do not have one of their own. There is a large fishing tent with two waterproof layers or a 3 x 3m single layer tent. We also set up a camp kitchen (see picture below) with a stove, washing up bowl, pan, kettle and water that people can use. This makes it easier for people with no camping gear to visit. There is a compost toilet, a tarp for wet weather and a fire pit for camp fires. Some people who camp bring their own camping equipment and others borrow camping equipment. This year we have been working to improve the camping experience and have had more people camp than previous years.

The pictures lower down the page give an idea of what the toilet and camping area look like.

What to bring when visiting

• Warm clothes

• Waterproofs, as Devon can be unpredictably rainy.

• Insect repellent. Devon is a Tick area so insect repellant is important. Deet free repellents such as Mosiguard and Incognito are quite good. It is always interesting to learn of any new ones people are aware of. There are less insects in Autumn and winter.

• Walking boots - in the colder wetter months walking boots or stout shoes are useful.

• Food and plenty of water. Its important to stay well fed and hydrated. If you are camping you will need large water containers.

• For the Winter Solstice Celebration you will need to layer up. Thermals, gloves, wooly hat and a couple of layers with a coat and waterproofs over the top (the waterproofs stop windchill). Bringing lights and candles in jars to light up the paths is also very welcome as the wood is quite dark at night. If you are camping you will need a 5 season sleeping bag and a hot water bottle. Bring a flask and a blanket for sitting around the fire. There will be a sheltered area by the fire in case of rain.

What to bring when camping (based on peoples experiences of staying in the wood)

• An insulated coffee mug with a lid & spoon

• 1 medium sized saucepan

• A set of cutlery

•  A tub for storing food to eat later in the day

•  A metal biscuit tin for keeping bread, biscuits & nuts safe from wildlife

•  2 Flannels for easy washing using minimal water

•  Insect repellent e.g Incognito or Modiguard

•  Tweezers

•  First Aid kit if you have one

•  Anti Diarrhoea pills

•  Lighter

•  String

•  Candles and candle jar

•  Head torch

•  Battery bank for phone

•  Waterproofs

•  Fleece

•  Hooded top

•  Toilet roll

• 25l water containers of water if you are driving. Note - a person uses approximately 25l of water every 2 - 3 days and you need to bring sufficient water for your needs.

• A flask for keeping water warm

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping mat

• Swiss Army knife

• Thermals, when required

• Woolly hat

• Gloves

• Walking boots or walking shoes in the summer

• Gaiters can be useful at wetter times of the year

• Water container for daytime use

• Old Newspaper

• An old bag to sit on if the seats are wet

• If working in the wood, work gloves and goggles to protect you from branches.