Last updated: 20 November 2024
Next review: 20 November 2025
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Formerly known as the Suntrap Forest Centre, The Hive is an innovative environmental education service set in 7 acres of woodland and thriving habitats in Epping Forest.
It inspires young people and adults to tackle climate change, through a deeper understanding and connection with the natural world. Building on their legacy of over 50 years of engaging people in protecting the natural world for future generations.
The Hive offers educational outdoor activities for schools, families, adults and community groups.
Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme
Waltham Forest runs a holiday activity and food programme for 5 to 16 year-olds who are in receipt of benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM). Whether they are into arts and crafts, drama, sports outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone to get involved in!
These holiday clubs are completely free and include a daily meal during the summer holidays, but booking is essential on all activities to guarantee a space for your child. Eligible participants will receive a letter from their school with a unique code to be used for bookings.
To ensure all eligible children have access to our programme, your child is able to book up to 10 sessions during the Winter holidays from 23 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, at no cost to you. If your child/children can no longer attend the activity please ensure it is cancelled via the booking system or letting the provider know. If the child/children do not attend 2 booked sessions, all remaining booked sessions for the summer will be cancelled.
Call 020 8496 4788 or email WFholidayactivityprogramme@walthamforest.gov.uk for more information.
Eco Adventure
The Hive is running and hosting an Eco Adventure as part of the HAF programme in Waltham Forest.
Enjoy a range of outdoor, nature-based activities such as practical conservation and bushcraft skills!
Based at the beautiful centre in Epping Forest and led by experienced Environmental Education Officers here at The Hive.
If you need support with transport, please email on thehive@walthamforest.gov.uk to book one of the spaces on the electric minibus to and from Chingford station - limited spaces available, pick up at 9:30, drop off at 14:30
- Taking place on Friday 20 December 2024
- From 10am to 2:30pm
- Suitable for children aged 11 to 16
Be Wild Saturday Club
Come and join in at The Hive in Epping Forest for the adventurous Be Wild Saturday Club for children aged four to 11 years-old!
Sessions will unleash their inner explorer as they embark on a range of exciting outdoor activities. From den building to fire lighting, these fortnightly sessions are always a memorable experience for all. The experienced and enthusiastic instructors will guide them through these adventures, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
Booking is in blocks for one term at a time, but we do offer one-off taster sessions for new families.
Book your place for the Be Wild Saturday Club to avoid disappointment.
Squirrels Forest School
The chance to explore, play and make friends come rain or shine. Activities include splashing in streams, building dens and dams, mud play, looking for minibeasts; trails and treasure hunts and so much more!
Come join us, bright eyed and bushy tailed for fun and adventure in Epping Forest and on our 7 acre site
- every other Monday during term time
- from 10am to 12 noon
Squirrels Forest School is led by a qualified Forest School Practitioner for children from 18 months who are walking confidently up to 4 years old.
These activities are inspiring for young children in the forest, as highlighted by this recent review of our squirrels’ sessions: “I’ve seen my little boy grow in confidence in the forest to choose activities, find wildlife and just be curious. Alex who works there is just fantastic - so friendly and brilliant with the children. Thank you so much.”
Book your place for the Squirrels Forest School to avoid disappointment.