An initiative by Swanage outdoor company Land and Wave has made it possible for local school children to have a subsidised 24-hour camping adventure, just like the thousands from across the UK who head to the Dorset seaside town on a school trip.
While there’s always plenty of children enjoying all that Purbeck has to offer, it’s often school pupils from London or the home counties who get to experience the popular organised beach and countryside outdoor activities.
Nothing beats sitting round a fire on a camping trip for pupils from Stoborough CE primary school
Free and subsidised places
However in September 2025, groups of children from Sandford St Martin, St George’s, St Mark’s, Bovington, Stoborough and Swanage primary schools, were able to take part in the new community project.
Activities included jumbo paddle boarding, raft building, archery, bushcraft in Norden Woods and visiting Corfe Castle, as well as the experience of a night in a tent.
Thanks to support from a Farming in Protected Landscapes grant, secured by Land and Wave in partnership with Purbeck Valley Farm, children in receipt of free school meals were able to take part completely free of charge.
All other pupils in Years 4 and upwards, were offered a significantly subsidised price to ensure as many children as possible could experience the adventure.
The project was also backed by the hospitality business Kingston Country Courtyard which offered a discount on food for the trips, helping to keep the costs low for families, while Land and Wave provided free transport where possible.
Swanage primary school children were keen to learn more about jumbo paddle boarding
It was Rosie Tanner’s idea to try and give as many local children as possible the chance of a 24-hour outdoor adventure
“Connecting kids with nature”
Land and Wave director Rosie Tanner said:
“We’re so pleased with the commitment of local schools who saw the importance of getting children outside.
“We had a really short window to turn this idea around, and it’s heart-warming to know there are fantastic teachers and support workers shining a light on the importance of connecting kids with nature.
“Despite living in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, many children in Purbeck face economic barriers that prevent them from enjoying the landscape on their doorstep.
“This project aims to change that by giving young people a chance to experience the countryside in ways often reserved for visiting tourists.
“We’d like to do this again and offer it to more local schools and to secondary school children as well as primary but that will depend on funding.
“ I think it’s definitely been very worthwhile for the children – getting outdoors and undertaking the activities can be challenging but that helps foster resilience and teaches them to assess risks.
“Also I hope it installs a sense of place in our local landscape and shows them that they can live and work here, perhaps inspiring them to become outdoor instructors themselves when they are older!”
Stoborough pupils learning new skills
Swanage primary school children rising to the challenge!
“Change young people’s lives”
The scheme is part of Land and Wave’s commitment to the Purbeck Goes Wild network, which is dedicated to giving young people in Purbeck meaningful opportunities to connect with nature and the outdoors.
The network is made up of more than 30 local organisations including landowners, activity providers, community groups and charities.
Purbeck Goes Wild coordinator, Alex Brocklesby of the National Trust said
“This is exactly what Purbeck Goes Wild is all about – giving every child in school these opportunities. Rosie is proving what can be done when someone has a dream and there’s a strong community, like we have in Purbeck, helping to make that dream come true.
“Nature and outdoor experiences like this can change young people’s lives and even shape their career aspirations which will only become more important for Purbeck where nature is and will continue to be our greatest asset.”
One of the most important skills to learn – how to toast a marshmallow!
Further information
- More about Land and Wave
- More about Purbeck Goes Wild
