Building fences, shelters and relationships

Alex • 7 December 2021

“Can you own too much bushcraft equipment?” we discussed (no we both agreed)...

At Running Deer our students are our focus. They will arrive at our gates feeling nervous and wondering what’s in store for them at this school in the woods. Often, they arrive with preconceptions of what ‘school’ is, with their own past experiences far from ideal. It’s our job to help them feel safe, settled and allow them space to grow at their own pace. 

 

Over the past 6 months I have been working with a new student, TM, who to put it mildly was born to be outdoors. He started with us quiet and shy, wary of new faces and of ‘school’ in general. But over a short time he has settled into life at Running Deer with ease. The woods will do that to you. The open spaces, leafy canopy and abundance of wildlife is both calming and exciting, and great for the mind and soul. 

 

Once settled, TM and I got to spend lots of time working together on projects up in Trelawny (Top) Camp where he felt most at ease. Starting small and building his confidence we’d make the fire every day and have a brew, chatting about all things; from bushcraft and wildlife to aircraft and geopolitics. “Can you own too much bushcraft equipment?” we discussed (no we both agreed), and is there a right way to light the fire… 

 

As we spent time together our projects grew in scope too. We introduced him to new staff, who brought with them new ideas and as TM grew so did Trelawny Camp. We made a new shelter for the winter, we fixed dry stone walls, we built dead hedges and fixed old ones. All the while I could see TM getting more competent with his abilities and building confidence in himself. 

 

And that, I believe, is the heart of Running Deer: building. Both things and people. Building them up when they are down, fixing what has been broken and helping them grow with support from those around them. 


by Geraldine 7 July 2025
Despite the biblical rain and almost the need for an arc, members of the local community came to support a charity fundraiser organised and ran by pupils of the school on Thursday 12th June 2025. Not only were there delicious freshly baked cakes, scones, cheesecakes and goodies for all to purchase and enjoy, but also glazed pottery and pupil made artists inks – with live demonstrations on the day. A huge £101.50 was raised with all proceeds from sales going to charities chosen by the pupils themselves. Charities chosen to support were Chagford Youth Club; NHS Royal Devon Hospital Exeter; Rape Crisis UK each gaining an equal share of £33.33. Credit and thanks go to the pupils and staff for the hard work put in leading up to and during the event, parents who were able to support in person or via cake donations and members of the local community for supporting the pupils with this important event. We are incredibly proud of our students and the mature and considerate citizenship demonstrated in the important event.
by Joanna Winterburn 12 June 2025
Summer Newsletter 2025
by Andy Nash 21 November 2022
Although Running Deer is based in woodland, and a lot of what we do is based around outdoor life and skills, that doesn’t mean we aren’t keeping up with modern technology.
by Gabriella 21 February 2022
February in the forest can be pretty bleak...
by Amber 21 February 2022
I look forward to the learning nature will bring me.
by Alex 3 February 2022
Who doesn't like to learn a new skill?
by Nick 28 January 2022
Trauma informed school status.
by Dave 9 December 2021
This is just the beginning as now we have mastered the basic idea there is no holding us back. 
by Evie 9 December 2021
Another successful day with the Running Deer.
by Darren 8 December 2021
P.S. don't forget to send all those Christmas cards.