Dawlish Beach Day

Savannah • 21 May 2021

Outreach days at Running Deer School

One of my favourite things about working at Running Deer is being able to go on outreach  days with some of our students, so when I saw that I was going to be on an off site day with SW I was excited. 

When Thursday came around the weather wasn’t great at all; very wet and slightly windy so I was worried that it may impact the day. 

 

On route to collect SW myself and Anna had a chat about where to take him that would be beneficial for him and we decided that heading to the beach would be a great idea we find that he loves being around water. 

When he got into the car and we told him where we were going he seemed  keen to go exploring which of course added to our excitement too! 

 

On arrival at Dawlish SW was in a great mood despite the weather. We initially took a walk by the stream and looked at the ducks and the famous black swans of Dawlish and he was great at engaging in conversation with myself and Anna.


He was then really keen to get down on to the beach for a walk. As we got down on to the beach we instantly begun to look for some cool pebbles and shells but we didn’t quite expect to find what we did…


Firstly we found 2 washed up little fishies which unfortunately weren’t alive but SW held them for a while and named them Steve and Chris (haha) before putting them back in the sea. 


As we continued our walk we found several crab shells and cuttlefish along with lots of pretty pebbles and shells. Then… as we approached the end of the beach, Anna spotted what we believe to be either a washed up  lobster or a crayfish. It was sooo amazing. SW picked it up and began to explore all of the tiny details on the creature such as its patterns and texture and we even gave him a little photo shoot and named him Craig before giving him a little send off back into the sea. 


We then walked across to the other part of the beach to look in the tide pools where we managed to spot a few alive crabs in the rocks which SW was pleased about. 

 

This day proved that exploring the beach can be so much fun even in the wind and the rain. So don’t let the weather stop you….pack a warm jacket and an umbrella and see what cool things you can find!


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.